How do I sync and access photo database files from iPad to PC?

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Level 1

4 points

How do I sync and access photo database files from iPad to PC?

I have some sentimental photos on an old gen ipad. Despite being on wifi, the old ipad will not allow signing into to any email account via Mail or direct website in order to send these to myself. I downloaded the Apple Devices app for PC and tried to sync the photos into a folders but it only generated a single 'photo database file' with no apparent way to view individual photos. How do I get to those on my computer?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Photo Database file on PC

Posted on Aug 3, 2025 09:04 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 4, 2025 12:06 AM in response to kalonkakon

Can you use connect the old iPad via USB to Windows and see File Explorer > Apple iPad > Internal Storage > YYYYMM_ default folder? And then use Windows File Explorer to copy the files to another Windows folder (or right-click your iPhone in File Explorer and select "Import" to import them automatically)?

Another option would be to export images to a thumb drive via Files.app via Lightning-to-USB-A/C cable but I maybe that old iPad does not yet support that.

But it should be possible to use email to send the image to yourself so check the Mail account settings.

Then there are cross-platform AirDrop-like options you might try:

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/03/the-two-apps-i-use-when-i-need-airdrop-on-non-apple-devices/

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Answer 2

kalonkakon Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 4, 2025 08:32 AM in response to Matti Haveri

That's what I thought but I connected the ipad and the entire Appe iPad folder came up empty. Not a single thing in it folder or file wise, including checking for hidden folders (like my ipod has when I connect.) And unfortunately, as I mentioned, it will not allow me to sign into any Mail accounts - the login pages for everything from Google to Yahoo to Outlook show up blank. I'll check out the link though.

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Answer 3

Aug 5, 2025 08:30 AM in response to kalonkakon

If Bluetooth and Wifi work, then you might be able to use AirDrop. You don't say what iPadOS it uses.

From Wikipedia:

On iOS 7 and later, AirDrop can be accessed by either tapping on Settings > General > AirDrop, or via the Control Center. Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are automatically switched on when AirDrop is enabled as they are both utilized

Let us know if you get this to work!

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