14 Fixes For Can’t Transfer Photos From iPhone To Windows

Once, there was a time when it was almost impossible to import photos from iPhone to Windows. Over the years, technology has changed. Then came iTunes, and it became a piece of cake to import photos from iPhone to Windows. But, you can still run into errors at times. With Windows 10, there could be an issue as it is more secure than ever before.

Did you run into an error where you can’t import photos from iPhone to Windows 10? There can be countless reasons for this error. If you want to import photos from your iPhone, you can solve this issue. 

Get ready to import pictures and videos from your iPhone again. All you need to do is follow this guide. It has handpicked solutions to help get you importing photos from iPhone again on your Windows 10 PC:

Solutions For Can’t Transfer Photos From iPhone To Windows 10

1. Restart Your Devices 
2. Check The USB Connectivity
3. Did You Update?
4. Check Another Computer
5. Antivirus Hindrances 
6. Confirm The Drivers 
7. Unlocked And Trusted Device
8. The Apple Mobile Device Support
9. Relaunch Apple Mobile Device Service
10. Change Some Permissions
11. Privacy And Location Change 
12. iCloud Is The New Way
13. Try The File Explorer 
14. Import A Specific Amount Of Content

Fix ‘Can’t Import Photos From iPhone To Windows 10 PC’ Error

1. Restart Your Devices

There could be a temporary error with the communication of the devices. Either your computer or iPhone isn’t working correctly for the transfer. You can fix this issue by restarting the devices. It is a wise idea to restart both the devices to reset them. This will take care of any problem from both ends.

To Restart PC:

• Go to the Start Menu button, or press the Windows Key.
• Then select the Power Button Logo. Click on Restart.
• You can also choose to Shut Down and then restart after a couple of seconds or minutes.

To Restart The iPhone

There isn’t any option to restart the iPhone separately. You will have first to turn it off and then turn it on. After that, all you need to do is press the power button.

Wait for the slider to come up and then slide it all the way to shut down the device. Now, wait a couple of seconds. You can wait 30 seconds to a minute. Then restart the device by pressing the power button.

If you’re unsure about how to restart the iPhone, you can visit the official Apple Support. They will have information about your model.

2. Check The USB Connectivity

A wireless option like Bluetooth and other transfers might not be available. Instead, iPhone users will have to rely on the good old USB connectivity. So, you have to make sure that you’re using the correct USB cable.

Try to find the USB cable that is from Apple. Make sure that it is the correct type of USB cable. There is Type C, and then there are other versions. You would also have to make sure that your computer supports the USB option you’re trying.

If it still isn’t working, check for any physical damage. Apple USB cables can be fragile. Without proper care, they can break apart or malfunction. So, make sure that it is working optimally. For this, you can give it a go on other Apple devices.

Make sure that you have apt transfer speeds too. Some cables are outdated and won’t offer the same rate of transfer.

3. Did You Update?

Both Microsoft and Apple are notorious for rolling out updates abruptly. These updates, especially for Windows 10, come with an array of bug fixes. The same applies to Apple iPhone updates, as well. For example, if you can’t import or export photos from iPhone, it could be an incompatibility.

This incompatibility could be due to the lack of updates. So, make sure that your Windows and iPhone devices are both up to date. Follow these steps:

Check Windows 10 Updates

You can conveniently check Windows 10 updates by pressing windows key + I.

This will open a settings window. Go to the Update & Security option and then click on the Check For Updates button.

The entire process is automatic after that. You might just have to give some permissions and restart the computer.

Check iPhone Updates

For the iPhone, you will have to go to the Settings of your device. There, you will find a General Settings option. In there, you will find a Software Update button.

After following through, the process is automatic, like the windows. Generally, Apple informs the users whenever there is a new update. But, it is still worth checking out manually.

4. Check Another Computer

Before you move to some severe solutions, stick to the basic troubleshooting. If it isn’t the USB or update problem, it could be the device problem. How can you deduce that?

All you need to do is connect your iPhone to a different PC. Make sure that the PC has Windows 10 at least. Then connect the devices and see if you’re facing the same issue with it.

If not, then the problem is with your PC. You can try resetting windows or a System restores point type of solution.

If you face the same issue on a different PC, it is your iPhone problem. You will have to change or get the iPhone fixed.

5. Antivirus Hindrances

Antiviruses are known for causing problems from time to time. If you use a freemium or lesser-known antivirus, the chances increase. For premium antivirus users, it is a rare occurrence but still possible.

You could scan your PC and iPhone to see any virus, malware, pop-up, or other content. That could be the reason that the two devices aren’t able to connect. This could prevent you from importing photos from your iPhone.

The solution is to visit the official website of your antivirus app. Then, check the instructions to see how you can disable the antivirus (Temporarily). You can also check and see if there is any way to turn the iPhone into an exception.

Follow through with the built-in commands and guides to connect the two devices. Once you disable the antivirus, see if you can now import images and such.

6. Confirm The Drivers

When it comes down to miscommunication between two devices, the driver is often the cause. In simple words, you should check the drivers and see if you have everything working fine. For this, you will have to check the Apple Mobile Device USB Device Driver.

• Open the Start Menu and search for the Device Manager
• Go to Universal Serial Bus Devices and expand the list.
• See if you can find Apple Mobile Device USB Device on the list.
• If you can’t find anything related to it, go to the top-left options.
• Find the ‘Search For Hardware Changes’ option and click on it. See if Windows automatically downloads the drivers.

You can also reboot the system and reconnect the USB to retry this step. If it is still not working, go to the official Apple website and download the driver. This should work.

Now, if you already have the driver, it is worth trying some other solutions. First, see if you can disable and then enable the driver. This is the same as restarting the driver and could fix the issue.

If that doesn’t work, you can also right-click and select Uninstall Device. Go to properties and update or roll back the driver. These are some of the solutions.

If none of these options works, then uninstall and reinstall the driver. It should work fine. Otherwise, move to the other solutions.

7. Unlocked And Trusted Device Prompts

When you connect the iPhone to the computer, a pop-up will appear on the screen. You will have to unlock the iPhone and add the computer to the trusted devices. If your PC is not on trusted devices, it won’t be able to access your iPhone.

At times, your iPhone might ask you to provide a password to allow the device. But it is worth checking out. Similarly, ensure your iPhone is unlocked and switched on when you try the data transfer. Internet Connectivity could be beneficial, as well. So keep that in mind.

You will also have to do the same thing for iTunes. If you still use iTunes, it is pivotal to give permission.

8. The Apple Mobile Device Support

First, you need to check if you have iTunes. Having an iTunes app would solve most of your problems. Other than that, make sure that you have Apple Mobile Device Support. It is an essential tool that would allow you to import photos and videos from your iPhone to PC.

• Go to the Control Panel of your Windows. (Go to Start Menu > Search For Control Panel)
• Then go to Programs. Then, program and features.
• Find Apple Mobile Device Support on the list.
• If you can’t seem to find it, it is time to take drastic measures.

You will have to uninstall Apple tools from the Computer. This includes iTunes, Apple Application Support, and QuickTime. Make sure to remove all the relevant tools, apps, and drivers from your system.

Then reinstall them and connect the USB. See if you can find Apple Mobile Device Support in the list in the Control Panel again or not.

9. Relaunch Apple Mobile Device Service

If none of the solutions have worked so far, you could still try one more fix. There is a way for you to restart Apple Mobile Device Service. This can help you fix the issue with transferring photos from iPhone to Windows 10.

• Launch the Run command. Press Windows Key + R and type Services.msc.
• Hit enter, and this will launch the Services App on Windows 10.
• Find Apple Mobile Device Service on the list. Right-click on it and click on Properties.
• In the General Tab, select Startup Type as Automatic. Now, click on Stop to stop it.
• Now, you can restart the PC once and then see if it relaunches the service. If not, then find the service on the list again.
• Right-click on it and click Start to relaunch it.
• See if this solves the issue for you.

10. Change Some Permissions

You need a Pictures folder on your Windows 10 for iPhone to work and import images. Next, you need to make sure that your account (on PC) has the correct permissions. You can also run the system as Admin to import photos and videos.

But, it is better to ensure that your folder has acquired the necessary permissions.

• Right-click on the Pictures folder in the Documents of File Explorer.
• Click on the Properties. Go to the Security Tab. Find your Account name and click on it to edit permissions. If you can’t find that, then you will have to add your account.
• For that, follow through with these steps. Click on Advanced Options at the bottom of the tab.
• Find the Add button at the bottom left corner. Click on it and select Principal Link from the new Window.
• There will be a field ‘Enter The Object Name To Select.’ You will have to add your account name there.
• It will also need the device name. But then you’d have to click on Check Names.
• The Windows will run a process to see if there is any user or device by the name you have offered.
• Then you will have a new Window where you will find Basic Permissions. Make sure to check-on on all the options.
• Then click on ‘Allow’ and select ‘This Folder, Subfolder, And Files.’

This solution will fix any issue with permission. If there was any problem with the permission, this is the ultimate fix. But, if you still find yourself unable to import images and other content, move to other solutions.

11. Privacy And Location Change

Apple takes Location & Privacy settings seriously. That’s why the latest update gives the users control over their location and privacy. You can decide which app can access it and which can’t. But, this can also cause some problems.

Location and Privacy are basic settings for both Windows 10 PC and iPhone devices. If they don’t sync together, there can be a lack of connectivity. This could be the reason why you can’t import photos from iPhone to Windows 10.

Fix this by following these guidelines:

• Once again, go to the General Settings of your iPhone. Then find the Reset option in the list.
• There, you will find plenty of options to reset. Select Reset Location & Privacy option.
• It will prompt you to provide a security code, like a pin or password.
• Confirm that you want to reset settings.

Once done, connect your iPhone to the Windows PC. Check if you still run into any problem importing photos from your iPhone on your Windows PC.

12. iCloud Is The New Way

Using apps like iTunes is all fine and dandy. But, there has been a significant development in Cloud computing. Apple now has iCloud that makes it easier for you to access photos and videos. You can easily import pictures and videos by using the iCloud app.

iCloud is a software dedicated to Apple and PC. Using it would mean that you remain secure. It is a wireless way for you to import photos and videos to Windows PC, as well. There is no need for you to be worried about hacking, malware, and other content.

Remember that you will have to use the iCloud Photo Library and the Photo App. If you use them, you can download the pictures and videos to your device.

Make sure to download iCloud to your Windows PC. But, if you’re already using iCloud, you can also try turning it off. That’s right, turn off iCloud Photos Library and see if it helps:

• Open the Photos app by visiting iCloud’s official website. It will ask for login credentials.
• Go to Settings of your iPhone and then Apple ID. Find iCloud in options and Photos.
• Then select iCloud Photos Library and turn it off.

13. Try The File Explorer

Still can’t import photos from iPhone to Windows 10 PC? Forget about iTunes, iCloud, and other connectivity options. It’s time for you to do the old-school style.

Yes, you can try to import pictures and videos directly via File Explorer.

• For this, you will have to connect the two devices (iPhone and Windows PC).
• Then open File Explorer.
• You will see the Apple iPhone option in the This PC option.
• Right-click on it and click on ‘Import Pictures and Videos.’’
• This will launch a wizard for you to go through. Follow through with the procedure.
• See if this imports the pictures from iPhone to Windows PC you own.

14. Import A Specific Amount Of Content

If you still can’t import pictures from iPhone to Windows 10 PC, it might be a data issue. Your connectivity with the devices might be weak. It could be due to a poor USB or older devices. Either way, it is worth breaking down the entire process into small chunks.

Select a specific number of images, create an album on the PC and transfer them. Do it gradually and back up your pictures and videos on the PC.

This will put less load on your devices, photos app, and other processes. Thus, you will have a higher chance of success.