I’m often asked how to move photos from an iPhone to a computer. The good news? It should be easy. Whether you use a Mac or a Windows PC, there are simple ways to transfer your photos and videos — whether you're backing them up, freeing up space, or working on a bigger screen.
1. Use iCloud Photos for Seamless Syncing
If you’d prefer a wireless solution, iCloud Photos keeps your photos and videos safe, up to date and available automatically across all your devices — iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even PC via iCloud for Windows.
To set it up:
On your iPhone: Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos, then turn on iCloud Photos.
On a Mac: Open System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Photos, and switch it on
On a PC: Download iCloud for Windows, sign in, and enable Photos.
2. Use the Photos App and a USB Cable
On a Mac: Connect your iPhone with a USB cable. The Photos app should launch automatically (if not, open it manually). From there, you can import selected photos or everything at once.
On a Windows PC: Plug in your iPhone using a USB cable. If prompted, tap Trust This Computer on your iPhone. Then, open the Photos app in Windows and choose Import from a USB device. It will scan for new photos and let you import them.
If you want more detailed guidance, check out these two help articles from Apple Support and iPhoneLife.
PLUS
iPhoneLife also have a great article by by Sarah Kingsbury on How to Share iCloud Album with Android—2 Easy Ways.
It offers a clear and practical guide for iPhone users looking to share their photos and albums with friends and family who use Android or other non-Apple devices.