How I Effortlessly Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC

Transferring photos from an iPhone to a PC can seem daunting at first, but with the right methods, it can be a seamless process. If you love capturing life’s best moments on your iPhone and editing them on your PC, you’ll appreciate the methods I’m sharing in this article.

I’ve tested many different ways to transfer photos between two devices. In this article, I will share my experience and provide step-by-step methods that you can follow to make transferring files from your iPhone to your Windows laptop hassle-free.

Transfer Photos from iPhone to Laptop

There are several ways you can opt to transfer your precious memories to your PC. While using a USB cable is a straightforward option, cutting the cord is the newest and most popular trend. If you prefer to transfer content wirelessly, we’ve got you covered. Simply follow the methods below.

Note: If you own a MacBook, you can easily AirDrop files. However, transferring files to a Windows PC isn’t as straightforward. In this article, we will take a look at different methods Windows PC users can use to transfer files between two devices.

My Favorite Methods: Snapdrop and ShareDrop

Ever since I got to know about Snapdrop and ShareDrop, I haven’t needed to rely on USB cables to transfer photos from my iPhone to my PC. Both instant file-sharing platforms work seamlessly.

Steps for Snapdrop

I personally prefer using Snapdrop between platforms, thanks to its user-friendly interface, speed, and simplicity. To use it, simply connect both devices to the same network.

Step 1: Open the Snapdrop.net website on your Laptop and iPhone.

Step 2: After opening the Snapdrop website, you’ll see your PC name on your iPhone’s browser and your iPhone’s name on your PC, which means both devices are connected.

Step 3: Now tap on your PC name from iPhone and it will show you three different options – Photo Library, Take Photo or Video, and Choose Files.

As the name suggests, you can pick an image from the Photos app using the Photo Library option, instantly capture an image or video with the second option, and use the third one to share images from Files.

Step 4: For this tutorial, I’m using the first option which is Photo Library, tapping Photo Library will show you the recent photos and album, tap on the image which you want to transfer to your PC, and hit the add button on your iPhone.

Step 5: Once you tap on Add button it will send the image from your iPhone to your Laptop.

Steps for Sharedrop

Sharedrop is a great alternative to Snapdrop. In situations where Snapdrop may not work, Sharedrop serves as a reliable backup option.

Step 1: Head over to the Sharedrop.io website on your iPhone and Laptop.

Step 2: If both devices are on the same network, you will see the connections directly on the screen. However, if your iPhone is connected to a cellular data plan, while your PC is connected to WiFi, then you need to scan a QR code to make a connection between devices.

Step 3: Once connected, simply tap on your PC name and share photos effortlessly from your iPhone.

Step 4: Before initiating the sharing process, Sharedrop sends a request to the receiver’s end. Simply allowing the transfer on the receiver’s device enables you to save the file seamlessly.

Sharing Photos Over WhatsApp

Another convenient method to transfer files is via WhatsApp. Things get even better since WhatsApp allows sending high-quality photos, even in their original quality. If you are an avid WhatsApp Web user, you’ll love using this method. I use it whenever the devices are not connected to the same network or when Snapdrop is down.

Step 1: Open WhatsApp Web on your PC.

Step 2: It will ask you to sign in by scanning the QR Code.

Step 3: On your phone, launch the WhatsApp app.

Step 4: Now, on Android tap on the three-dot menu at the right and choose Linked Devices. iPhone users, can tap the gear icon at the bottom, then select Linked Devices.

Step 5: Now, send any photo to yourself or create a group by adding someone temporarily. Once the group is created, you can remove the other person. This way, you can store anything in this conversation and share photos, videos, or other files as needed.

Pro Tip: If you want to share photos or videos in original resolution, save them first in the Files app and then share the photo as a document.

Transfer Photos Over VLC

VLC is more than just a media player. Yes, you heard it right – your favorite media player also lets you share files from your iPhone to your PC with just a few clicks. Follow these steps to know how you can share any file via VLC.

Step 1: Install VLC Media Player on your iPhone.

Step 2: Open VLC on your iPhone, and grant the necessary permissions.

Step 3: Select Network from the menu bar and turn the toggle on for Sharing via Wi-Fi.

Step 4: When enabled, you will see two different IP addresses, enter any address in your Laptop’s browser.

Step 5: Now you can simply click on the + icon at the top right corner or drag and drop files to transfer to your iPhone. If you want to download files from your iPhone, follow same steps, open the IP address in Safari and simply drag and drop files you want to transfer to your PC.

Third-Party Apps and Cloud Services

There are many third-party file transfer apps available on the App Store, Arc, Send Anywhere, and AirDroid are some of the best options you can go with. The functionality remains the same, you can download the app, connect both devices to the same network, and then transfer files between connected devices.

For Cloud Services, you can use iCloud, if there’s a storage issue, then you can go with Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Simply, upload the file on any of these drives and download on your PC.

Import Photos from iPhone to PC on Windows 11

The traditional and one of the easiest ways to transfer your Photos and Videos to a computer is by plugging the iPhone into a Windows 11 PC with a USB or Lightning to USB Type-C. Windows 11 automatically connect the iPhone as a digital camera with a DCIM folder which includes media files.

Step 1: First thing, attach your Lightning to USB or USB Type-C cable to your Windows 11 running laptop or desktop, then attach the second end of the cable to the iPhone.

Step 2: If you’re connecting your iPhone to a PC for the first time, then you’ll see a prompt message on your iPhone, it will ask whether you want to allow this PC to access your Photos and Videos or not. Tap on allow.

Step 3: Now open the Photos app on your Windows 11 PC, Go to Start > find the Photos app and open it.

Step 4: In the Photos app, you need to click on the import button listed in the top-right corner of the Photos app.

Step 5: Select iPhone from the connected devices list and it will show all media files available on your iPhone.

Step 6: Once you select the files you want to transfer, click on the Add items button to transfer the files to your PC.

Second Way to transfer photos from iPhone to Windows 11 with cable: Open “Apple iPhone” directory from Windows Explorer and move to this location, Internal Storage > DCIM > locate the image you want to save. Opening DCIM folder will show you a list of different folders with different naming’s, based on dates. Locate the image you want to store and simply copy it on your PC.

Third Way to transfer photos from iPhone to Windows 11 with cable: If you’ve iTunes or Apple Devices app installed on your PC, then you can easily import media from iPhone to PC. Make sure you’ve latest version of iTunes on your PC for better experience.

These are the methods I use to transfer photos from my iPhone to my PC. What’s your favorite method? Let me know in the comments below.

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