Method 1: USB Cable (Works on Windows and Mac)

This is the most reliable method and works even if you do not have internet access. You just need the charging cable that came with your iPhone.

1. 1Connect your iPhone to your computer using your iPhone's charging cable.
2. 2Unlock your iPhone. A prompt will appear asking if you trust this computer — tap Trust.
3. 3On a Windows PC: Open File Explorer (the folder icon in the taskbar). Your iPhone will appear as a device in the left sidebar. Click it, then open Internal Storage → DCIM. Your photos are organized in folders by date. Copy the folders you want to your computer.
4. 4On a Mac: The Photos app will open automatically and offer to import your photos. Click Import All New Items, or select specific photos and click Import Selected.
5. 5Once the transfer is complete, safely eject your iPhone before unplugging.

Method 2: AirDrop (Mac Only, Wireless)

AirDrop lets you wirelessly send photos from your iPhone directly to a nearby Mac. It is fast and requires no cables, but both devices need to be within about 30 feet of each other.

1. 1On your Mac, open Finder and click AirDrop in the left sidebar. Make sure it says "Allow me to be discovered by: Everyone" or "Contacts Only."
2. 2On your iPhone, open the Photos app.
3. 3Select the photos you want to transfer. Tap Select in the top right, then tap each photo.
4. 4Tap the Share button (the box with an arrow pointing up) at the bottom left.
5. 5Tap AirDrop, then tap your Mac's name when it appears.
6. 6On your Mac, a notification will appear asking you to accept. Click Accept.
7. 7The photos will be saved to your Downloads folder.

Method 3: iCloud Photos (Automatic, Works on Windows and Mac)

iCloud Photos automatically keeps your entire photo library synced to Apple's servers and to any device signed in with your Apple ID — including your Mac or PC. Once set up, every new photo you take appears on your computer within minutes.

1. 1On your iPhone: Go to Settings → your name → iCloud → Photos. Turn on iCloud Photos.
2. 2On a Mac: Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs) → Apple ID → iCloud. Check the box next to Photos.
3. 3On a Windows PC: Download iCloud for Windows from the Microsoft Store. Sign in with your Apple ID. Check the box next to Photos and click Apply.
4. 4Your photos will sync automatically. On your PC, they appear in a folder called iCloud Photos inside your Pictures folder.

Choosing the Right Format: HEIC vs. JPEG

iPhones save photos in a format called HEIC, which is smaller than JPEG but not always compatible with older Windows programs. If you open a photo on your PC and it will not display, this is likely why.

• On Windows 10 and 11, install the free "HEIF Image Extensions" from the Microsoft Store to open HEIC files.
• Alternatively, set your iPhone to save photos as JPEG: go to Settings → Camera → Formats and choose Most Compatible.
• On a Mac, HEIC files open natively in Preview and Photos with no extra steps needed.

How to Free Up Space After Transferring Photos

Once you have confirmed your photos are safely on your computer, you can delete them from your iPhone to free up storage. Before you do, make sure you have verified the transfer was complete.

1. 1Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
2. 2Tap Select, then tap the photos you want to delete.
3. 3Tap the trash icon and confirm.
4. 4Go to Albums → Recently Deleted and tap Delete All to permanently remove them.