Copying photos from iPhone to PC with a USB-C cable problems

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Copying photos from iPhone to PC with a USB-C cable problems

I have recently copied all the photos on my iPhone 16 Pro from my phone to my PC using a USB-C cable. I would normally then delete a lot of the photos off my phone, but there are a few I keep on it for various reasons. Some of these photos were originally taken by my iPhone 6S.

I double checked some of the folders to make sure all the photos had copied across ok. Unfortunately, the folders and photos were a mess, for example:

Several of the folders were empty when they should have contained photos
Some folders contained photos which should have been in a different folder, eg the folder name was 202506_ but it contained photos taken in October

I deleted all the folders off my pc and copied the folders from my iPhone to my PC one by one. Unfortunately, the problems persisted.

I also changed the USB-C cable to a brand new one and still the problems persisted.

Historically when I have copied the photos over I get a couple of minor issues. One is where there are, for example, 100 photos in a folder but only 50 are copied and I have to keep repeating the copy instructions until all the photos are copied. The other minor issue is where some of the copied photos are corrupt but I can view them on my iPhone.

I've no idea what has happened or why. Can anyone help me resolve this?

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Dec 21, 2025 10:02 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 21, 2025 1:39 PM in response to Lulu G

How are you copying them? If you are viewing the files in Windows Explorer and copying them that is the wrong way; it’s actually very wrong, because the photos are in a database, not just loose image files.

This support article lists the supported ways: Use iCloud Photos on your PC - Apple Support

Here are alternate ways that don’t use iCloud: Transfer photos and videos from your iPhone or iPad to your Mac or PC - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Lulu G Author

Level 1

20 points

Dec 22, 2025 12:37 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

Thank you for your post Lawrence.

Yes, I view the files in Windows Explorer and copy them over. I have always done it this way.

I've read the info from the two links you've kindly included.

I don't use iCloud because the free storage is limited and, as a keen photographer, I take 1000's of photos which I keep on external drives. Also, if I remember correctly it deletes older files if it runs out of storage but this may have changed as I haven't used it for years.

I've tried the Apple Devices App some time ago and didn't like it but can't recall why. I'll try it again.

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