Let’s face it: iPhones are meant to be used with Mac computers. But they’re such incredible devices, with stellar rear- and front-facing cameras, that millions of PC users swear by them as well. What’s more, even avid Mac users sometimes want to quickly transfer photos and videos from iPhone to PC. Which brings up the question of what’s the best way how to do that. In this article, we are taking a look at four different methods, each with its own benefits but all equally easy-to-use.
Method 1: Use Photo Transfer WiFi App
Designed from the ground up with simplicity in mind, the Photo Transfer WiFi app from KeepSolid is ranked among the top 10 best photo & video apps—and for a good reason. Using this app, you can easily transfer photos and videos from and to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, with a simple drag and drop operation. The only requirement is to be connected to the same local network.
Sharing photos and videos to your desktop is a simple three step process. First, you need to enable the web access within the app. Then, type the URL given to you by the app into your web browser and enter your previously chosen password. Finally, transfer all selected media files from your iOS device to your PC.
Method 2: Auto-Sync to Cloud Storage
Cloud storage services, such as iCloud, which is already available for all iPhone users, Dropbox, or Amazon Prime Photo, are not only a great way how to securely back up your files, but they also excel when it comes to automatic synchronization of all photos and videos that you take with your iPhone.
You can either back up your files manually, or you can activate an auto-sync option in your cloud storage service of choice and let the app do everything for you automatically. If you have an unlimited mobile data plan, you can even back up files using your data connection, so you don’t have to wait until you are on Wi-Fi before you can safely store your precious memories. One the photos or files are stored in the cloud, you can easily download them from your PC via their websites or standalone PC applications.
Method 3: Connect iPhone to PC Via USB
The latest version of the Windows operating system can import photos and videos from your Camera Roll, and you won’t need anything else besides a USB cable.
- Connect your iPhone to PC via a USB cable.
- Wait until Windows recognize your device.
- Press “Start” and search for “This PC”.
- Press Enter to open “This PC”.
- Right-click on the miniature of your iPhone and select “Import Photos and Videos”.
- Decide whether you want to import all new items at once or individually review, organize, and group items during the import.
Method 4: Email the Photos to Yourself
Last but not least, there’s always the somewhat clunky option to simple email yourself the photos. With this method, your biggest limitation will be your email service. For example, Gmail can send up to 25 MB in attachments, which translates to less than 10 pictures—too big of a limitation for a complete Camera Roll back up.
To email yourself photos, all you need to do is fire up your favorite email app, compose a new email, and add the photos you would like to send to yourself as attachments. After you send the email, go to your PC and manually download them from your own inbox.
