How to Copy Movies from iPhone to PC

Are you struggling to transfer your favorite movies from your iPhone to your PC? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users find it challenging to copy movies from their devices to their computers. Whether it’s due to compatibility issues, lack of knowledge about the process, or technical difficulties, the task can seem daunting. But fear not! In this blog post, we will guide you through several methods that will help you successfully copy movies from your iPhone to your PC, allowing you to enjoy your favorite films on a bigger screen.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Transferring Movies from iPhone to PC

Transferring movies from an iPhone to a PC can be challenging for several reasons. The primary challenge lies in the differences between the two systems, with iOS being a closed ecosystem and PC using different operating systems like Windows or macOS. This disparity often leads to compatibility issues and makes the transfer process more complicated.

Another challenge is the lack of built-in solutions provided by Apple. While Apple offers iTunes for media management, it may not always be the most convenient option for transferring movies. Furthermore, iTunes has its limitations, and users might want to explore alternative methods to copy movies from their iPhone to their PC.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before you begin copying movies from your iPhone to your PC, there are a few things you should prepare. These preparations will ensure a smooth and successful transfer process. Here’s what you need:

1. iPhone cable: Make sure you have a working Lightning cable or USB-C cable, depending on your iPhone model and the available ports on your PC.
2. PC with USB ports: Ensure that your PC has USB ports in order to connect your iPhone with the necessary cables.
3. Adequate storage space: Check that your PC has enough storage space to accommodate the movies you want to transfer. Movies can be large files, so having sufficient space is essential.
4. Latest iTunes version (optional): Although we will explore alternative methods, having the latest version of iTunes installed on your PC can be useful for certain scenarios.

Now that you have everything prepared, let’s delve into the methods you can use to copy movies from your iPhone to your PC.

Method 1: Using File Explorer (Windows)

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your PC using the Lightning cable or USB-C cable.
Step 2: On your PC, open "File Explorer" by pressing the Windows key + E or by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar.
Step 3: In File Explorer, locate your iPhone under the "This PC" or "Devices and drives" section. It should be listed as an external device.
Step 4: Double-click on your iPhone’s name to open it and access its internal storage.
Step 5: Navigate to the "DCIM" folder, which stands for Digital Camera Images. This is where your iPhone’s photos and videos, including movies, are stored.
Step 6: Within the DCIM folder, locate the folder that contains the movies you want to transfer. The folders are usually named "100APPLE" or "101APPLE," followed by a combination of numbers.
Step 7: Open the folder containing the movies and select the files you want to copy to your PC.
Step 8: Right-click on the selected files and choose "Copy" from the context menu.
Step 9: Navigate to the desired location on your PC where you want to save the copied movies.
Step 10: Right-click on an empty space within the chosen location and select "Paste" from the context menu. The movies will now begin copying to your PC.

Pros:
– The method uses the built-in File Explorer functionality in Windows, eliminating the need for additional software.
– It allows for direct file transfer, ensuring that the movies retain their original quality.
– This method works on both Windows 10 and older versions of Windows.

Cons:
– You must manually select and copy each movie individually, which can be time-consuming if you have a large number of movies.
– The method only allows you to copy movies from your iPhone to your PC. It does not offer the option to sync or manage movies between the two devices.

Method 2: Using iCloud Photos (Windows and macOS)

Step 1: On your iPhone, go to "Settings" and tap on your name at the top of the screen.
Step 2: Tap on "iCloud" and then on "Photos."
Step 3: Enable the "iCloud Photos" toggle to sync your iPhone’s photos and videos to iCloud.
Step 4: On your PC, open a web browser and go to the iCloud website (www.icloud.com).
Step 5: Sign in to iCloud using your Apple ID and password.
Step 6: Click on the "Photos" icon to access your synced photos and videos.
Step 7: Select the movies you want to download to your PC. You can use the Shift or Ctrl key to select multiple files.
Step 8: Click on the "Download" button (cloud with an arrow pointing downward) to download the selected movies to your PC.

Pros:
– iCloud Photos provides a seamless way to sync your iPhone’s media content across multiple devices, including your PC.
– The method allows you to access your movies from any web browser, making it convenient when you’re away from your PC.
– It works on both Windows and macOS systems, eliminating the platform compatibility issue.

Cons:
– You need to have enough iCloud storage space to accommodate your movies, as the method relies on syncing files to iCloud.
– Downloading movies from iCloud requires an internet connection. Large movie files may take a significant amount of time to download, especially when dealing with a slow or unstable internet connection.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software (Windows and macOS)

Step 1: Download and install a third-party software that specializes in iPhone-to-PC data transfer. Examples include iMazing, iExplorer, and AnyTrans.
Step 2: Connect your iPhone to your PC using the Lightning cable or USB-C cable.
Step 3: Launch the installed third-party software and wait for it to recognize your iPhone.
Step 4: Once your iPhone is detected, navigate to the media or file management section within the software.
Step 5: Locate the movies you want to transfer and select them.
Step 6: Choose the option to export or save the selected movies to your PC.
Step 7: Select the destination folder on your PC where you want to save the transferred movies.
Step 8: Click on the "Transfer" or "Export" button to initiate the transfer process.

Pros:
– Third-party software often provides more features and flexibility compared to built-in methods.
– It allows for managing and transferring various types of data, including movies, photos, and music.
– Some third-party software offers additional options for converting file formats or editing media before transferring.

Cons:
– Most third-party software applications are paid, with limited free trial versions available.
– You need to ensure that the third-party software you choose is reputable and secure, as it will have access to your iPhone’s data.
– Compatibility between third-party software and different iPhone models may vary.

Method 4: Using iTunes (Windows and macOS)

When it comes to transferring movies from an iPhone to a PC, using iTunes is one of the traditional options. iTunes allows you to sync and manage media content on your iPhone, including movies, but it has become less popular due to its limitations and the availability of alternative methods.

Note: Due to the launch of macOS Catalina (10.15) and the subsequent removal of iTunes, this method is only applicable to older versions of macOS (prior to 10.15) and Windows.