How to transfer videos from iPhone to computer
Both Mac and Windows has a built-in tool to help you transfer videos from iPhone to computer. And there're other options available for moving your photos and videos.
Jasmin Woods Updated on Jan 7, 2025 9:37 AM
You can transfer iPhone videos to computer using desktop-based apps, or do it wirelessly.
Large videos can occupy much storage space on iPhone. This guide compiles various methods on how to transfer videos from iPhone to computer effortlessly, whether you're freeing up device space or importing video from iPhone for editing or backup.
It's easy to transfer video from iPhone to PC or Mac with the help of your computer's built-in tools, such as the Photos app, File Explorer, wireless iCloud Photos, AirDrop and more. Additionally, an all-in-one software solution, iPhone Data Transfer, allows seamless cross-platform transfer of videos and photos between iPhone and computer, whether it's a Windows PC or a Mac. Keep reading for more useful instructions on how to get videos from iPhone to computer.
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How to transfer videos from iPhone to computer with Windows Photos
The default way to transfer videos from iPhone to PC is using the built-in Photos app on Windows 11/ 10/ 8. It's a helpful tool that allows you to manage local pictures and videos on your computer as well as import videos and photos from your iPhone or other external drives.
To perform the video transfer from iPhone, you'll need a USB cable and the most recent version of iTunes installed. Here's how to transfer video from iPhone to computer via Windows Photos on PC:
1. Connect your iPhone to PC using a USB data cable.
2. If asked, tap Trust on your iPhone and enter the passcode.
3. On your PC, go to Start menu and launch Photos if it doesn't open automatically.
4. Click Import button from the top-right corner > select From a connected device.
5. Choose your iPhone and wait for the content to load.
6. Select the photos and videos you want to transfer and choose a destination folder for import.
7. Hit the Import button to start importing videos from iPhone to PC.
You also have the option to delete original items after import to free up space on iPhone.
If you can't move videos from your iPhone to computer, ensure that you have installed iTunes versions 12.5 or later.
How to get videos from iPhone to computer through File Explorer
The File Explorer, formerly known as Windows Explorer in older Windows versions, provides an alternative cable-based method for video transfer from iPhone to computer. By connecting your device with a compatible data cable, you can easily get videos from iPhone to PC by copy-n-paste. However, be aware that File Explorer doesn't organize photos and videos, which could result in a longer search time to locate the specific iPhone videos you wish to transfer.
Follow the steps on how to transfer video from iPhone to computer with File Explorer:
1. Get your iPhone connected to PC via a Lightning cable.
2. Double-click This PC on your desktop.
3. Click Apple iPhone under Devices and drives from the File Explorer window.
TIP: If the device cannot be detected, unlock your iPhone and tap Trust on the prompt.
4. Move to Internal Storage > DCIM.
5. Find and select the iPhone videos you wish to move to your PC.
6. Right-click on the videos and select Copy from the expanded options.
7. Paste the copied videos into a local folder.
The videos from iPhone are transferred to your computer by copy-n-paste.
Alternatively, you also have the option to import pictures and videos from your iPhone through the File Explorer window directly. With your iPhone linked and recognized on File Explorer, do the following to get iPhone videos to computer:
- Right-click Apple iPhone on File Explorer window.
- From the expanded list of options, choose Import pictures and videos.
- Select the videos you wish and click Import to start transferring videos to your PC.
Right-click the Apple iPhone and allow importing videos to computer.
How to transfer video from iPhone to PC or Mac directly
Whether you're working on a Windows PC or a macOS computer, transferring videos from iPhone to computer can be effortlessly achieved with the versatile cross-platform data transfer and management software — iPhone Data Transfer.
This user-friendly software ensures a seamless experience in transferring various data files between your iPhone/iPad and your PC/Mac, including photos, videos, music, contacts and more. With its simplicity and efficiency, iPhone Data Transfer enables you to directly transfer videos from iPhone to computer and vice versa without iTunes or iCloud, in just a few clicks.
Here are the steps on how to transfer a video from iPhone to computer without iTunes:
Step 1: Plug your iPhone into the computer and open up iPhone Data Transfer software.
Connect your iPhone with computer via a USB data cable. If necessary, unlock your device and tap Trust to build connection.
Step 2: Access the video library on your iPhone.
Once connected, head to Videos tab on the left side to access all video files on your iPhone, including the Movies, Home Videos, TV shows, Music Videos, Podcasts, iTunes U and more.
For videos captured by your iPhone camera, simply access the recordings by Photos > Camera Roll from the left sidebar.
Step 3: Select and export videos from iPhone to computer.
Choose the videos you wish to transfer, then click on the computer icon and select Export to PC. In the pop-up dialog, specify a destination folder on your computer where you'd like to save the transferred videos from iPhone.
That's it! The chosen iPhone videos will be transferred to your computer. Additionally, this tool facilitates on-the-fly conversion, automatically converting video and audio files to ensure compatibility with your computer. Also, if you wish to transfer videos from PC to iPhone, simply drag and drop the video files into the software window.
How to import videos from iPhone to computer with iCloud Photos
Apple offers a wireless solution, iCloud Photos, for effortless photo and video transfer from iPhone to computer. This service ensures your media content stays up to date and accessible across all your Apple devices, iCloud.com, and even your Windows PC. With iCloud Photos, there's no need for manual importing of videos from iPhone to PC or Mac. You can easily download iPhone videos to your computer from iCloud Photos in their original resolutions.
Before importing iPhone videos, ensure that iCloud Photos is enabled so that all your videos and photos will be uploaded to iCloud server automatically.
- Visit Settings > [Your name] > iCloud > Photos.
- Enable Sync this iPhone on the screen.
Note: iCloud Photos relies on a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network for uploading. And each iCloud account has only 5 GB of free cloud storage. If you have a lot of large iPhone videos to transfer, consider upgrading to iCloud + for expanded cloud space.
Now, follow the steps on how to download videos from iPhone to computer with iCloud Photos:
1. Open a browser on your computer and visit iCloud.com.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password. Make sure it's the one associated with your iPhone.
3. Once in, choose Photos from the iCloud menu.
4. Select the photos and videos you want to download to your PC or Mac.
5. Click the Download button at the top to download iPhone videos in highest resolution.
Download copies of iPhone videos from iCloud Photos and save to a local folder on Windows PC or Mac computer.
You can also choose More > More Download Options to download videos from iPhone to computer in either the most compatible format or the unmodified original.
How to move videos from iPhone to PC with AutoPlay (Windows 7)
If you're running a Windows 7 desktop or laptop, AutoPlay is probably the easiest way to go about getting videos off your iPhone to your PC. It's super easy to use. Here's how to import iPhone videos to computer without iTunes:
1. Connect your phone into the computer, and ensure it's unlocked.
2. AutoPlay should pop up automatically. If it doesn't open on your PC, ensure that you've enabled the checkbox for Use AutoPlay for all media and devices.
3. From the AutoPlay dialog box, select Import pictures and videos.
4. In the Import Settings, choose where to save the videos on your PC.
5. Select the videos from your iPhone and click Import to begin transfer.
How to transfer a video from iPhone to computer - Mac
Apple has made it easier to transfer iPhone videos for Mac users. The built-in Photos app on macOS can help you get videos off your iPhone easily by connecting your device with a data cable. Also, the AirDrop on Apple devices allows you to send videos from iPhone to computer wirelessly.
Move videos from iPhone to computer via Mac Photos
1. Link your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable.
2. Launch the Photos app, you should get an Import screen displaying all your photos and videos stored on your iPhone. If it doesn't appear, select your device from the left sidebar.
3. Next to Import to box, choose where you want to import your videos on your Mac.
4. Select the videos you hope to transfer and click Import Selected.
The iPhone videos are copied to your Mac now. You may also import all new photos and choose to delete the items after import.
Mac's Photos app has built-in option to move video from iPhone.
Send video from iPhone to computer via AirDrop
Put your iPhone and Mac within their Bluetooth range, and turn on AirDrop on both devices. It's very easy to transfer video from your iPhone to your Mac with AirDrop especially if you're sending a few small video clips.
1. Turn on AirDrop on the iPhone in Settings > General > AirDrop > Everyone.
2. On your Mac, open Finder app and click AirDrop from the sidebar to turn it on. Make sure to set Allow me to be discovered by Everyone.
3. Open your iPhone Photos app and select the videos you want to send to Mac.
4. Tap the Share button and choose AirDrop.
5. Choose your Mac's name when it appears on the devices screen.
6. Tap Accept when you see an alert with a preview of video on your Mac.
Wirelessly send a video from iPhone to Mac computer via AirDrop.
FAQs on iPhone video transfer to computer
How do I transfer videos from an iPhone to a Windows computer?
For Windows users, built-in applications such as Photos and File Explorer provide options for importing videos from an iPhone.
Additionally, Apple offers the iCloud for Windows app, which enables users to sync and download videos from their iPhone to their PC.
Why can't I transfer videos from iPhone to PC?
Several factors could potentially hinder the transfer of iPhone videos to a PC:
- Software Compatibility: Ensure you have the iTunes 12.5 or later installed, which is required while using Photos or File Explorer to import iPhone videos.
- Network Connection: If you're using iCloud Photos for video transfer, ensure your iPhone and PC are connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network.
- Cloud Storage: Verify that your iCloud account has sufficient cloud storage available for the video files you intend to transfer.
If you're still unable to resolve the issue, consider using the iPhone Data Transfer solution for the easiest method of transferring videos between an iDevice and a computer. It allows you to effortlessly transfer videos to or from an iPhone or iPad with simple clicks.
