Where Are iPhone Photos Stored for USB Transfer?
iPhone DCIM folder over USB on Windows and Mac, and why it differs from the Files app Downloads.
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Over USB, an iPhone exposes photos as a DCIM folder under Internal Storage, grouped in APPLE subfolders by capture batches. This is the camera roll view for PCs, not the Files app.
Trust the computer and keep the phone unlocked or the folder shows empty. iCloud Photos originals may need downloading to the device first.
Where iOS stores this, by platform
Internal Storage\DCIM
Seen as This PC, Apple iPhone, Internal Storage, DCIM on Windows and via Image Capture or Photos on Mac. HEIC files need a codec or converter on older Windows.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the DCIM folder empty when I plug in my iPhone?
The phone is locked or not trusted. Unlock, tap Trust, unplug and replug, then reopen the folder.
Where are iPhone files that are not photos?
In the Files app under On My iPhone or iCloud Drive (see the downloads post). DCIM carries camera photos and videos only.
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