Transfer Photos From iPhone to Computer

Updated May 6, 2026 5 min read

Simple Transfer is built for the common iPhone-to-computer problem: years of photos, large 4K videos, or HEIC files where the normal Windows or Mac import flow keeps failing, timing out, or hiding files.

You have two ways to use it. The free Desktop app on Windows or Mac is the recommended path for large libraries: it gives you a real destination folder, USB transfer, and reliable batches. The web browser method works without any install if you only need a few files.

Simple Transfer is free to download and test. The free version is meant to confirm that your iPhone, computer, network, and file formats work. Premium removes transfer limits and unlocks advanced features like format conversion and Photo Cleaner.

1

What you’ll need

An iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch on iOS 15 or newer with the Simple Transfer app installed.
A Windows PC or Mac on the same WiFi network, or a USB cable.
Photos access granted to Simple Transfer when iOS asks.
2

Step by step

Open Simple Transfer on your iPhone or iPad and allow Photos access.
On your computer, install the free Simple Transfer Desktop app and open it.
For WiFi: keep both devices on the same home network. Avoid guest WiFi.
For USB: unlock the iPhone, tap Trust This Computer if asked, and keep the iOS app open.
Pick your device in the Desktop app, open an album, select files, and click Download.
Choose your destination folder before a large transfer. For big libraries, an external drive is often the cleanest option.
3

No-install option: web browser

If you only need a handful of files, you can skip the Desktop install. Open Simple Transfer on the iPhone, switch to the Computer tab, and visit the local URL it shows in any browser on your computer. Files download as a ZIP from the browser.

For full backups, large videos, or USB transfer, use the Desktop app instead. The browser method has ZIP size limits and no destination folder.

4

For photographers and pros

Photos transfer at full resolution with metadata (capture date, GPS, EXIF) preserved.
ProRAW, RAW, and Live Photos are supported. Choose photo, video, or both for Live Photos.
Save originals (HEIC/HEVC) for archive, or convert to JPG/MP4 H.264 for Lightroom and Windows-friendly workflows.
For Lightroom: test a small batch first and confirm capture dates import the way you expect.
5

Before starting a big backup

Plug the iPhone into power and turn off Low Power Mode.
Keep Simple Transfer open and in the foreground on the iPhone.
Turn off VPNs temporarily if the computer cannot see the phone.
Try a small batch on the free version first to confirm formats and destination work for you.
If some items don’t appear, check Photos permission and iCloud Optimized Storage.

Related guides

Install Desktop on Windows

Install the free companion app via the Microsoft Store and fix common setup problems.

Desktop app or browser

Choose between the Desktop app and no-install browser transfer.

Can't find iPhone or iPad

Fix device discovery, Local Network permission, VPN, firewall, and router issues.

Transfer large videos

Transfer 4K and HEVC videos without broken imports or stalled downloads.