Can't Transfer Videos from iPhone to PC? 3 Ways to Fix It

You connect your iPhone to your PC, open Microsoft Photos, and select a large video. The import starts, then stops with a message such as “Something went wrong.” This is frustrating when you only want to free iPhone storage or save an important recording.

The good news is that the problem is usually manageable. Start with Microsoft Photos for a standard USB import, use AOMEI FoneBackup when you want to select videos and choose a local destination, or download the originals from iCloud when they are not fully stored on your iPhone.

Why iPhone Videos May Not Transfer to a PC?

A failed transfer does not always mean the video is damaged. The cause usually depends on where the original file is stored and whether Windows can communicate with your iPhone.

• The USB cable supports charging but not data transfer, or the connection is unstable.
• The iPhone is locked, or the Trust/Allow request was not accepted.
• iCloud Photos is using Optimize iPhone Storage, so the full-resolution video is still in iCloud.
• Windows Photos loses the connection during a long import, or the destination drive lacks enough free space.
• The video uses HEVC/H.265, which may require compatible software for playback after the transfer.

Which Transfer Method Is Right for You?

Method 1. Import Videos from iPhone to PC with Microsoft Photos

Use this method when Windows recognizes your iPhone and the videos are fully available in the Photos app on the device.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone with a USB cable that supports both charging and data transfer. Unlock the iPhone and tap Trust to authorize this computer. 

Step 2. Open Photos from the Windows Start menu. Select Import, choose the connected iPhone, and wait while Windows finds the available photos and videos.

Step 3. Select the videos you want, choose the destination folder, and start the import.

Wait for the transfer to finish, then open several videos from the destination folder to confirm that they play correctly.

​​​Method 2. Selectively Transfer Videos from iPhone to PC with AOMEI FoneBackup

🔥 Best for: You want to preview and select particular videos instead of importing the whole camera library.

If Microsoft Photos repeatedly fails, AOMEI FoneBackup provides another Windows-based route for transferring selected videos from iPhone to PC in a few clicks.

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI FoneBackup on your computer. Unlock your iPhone, connect it to the PC with a USB cable, and accept the Trust request if it appears. 

Step 2. Select Phone Transfer, move to iPhone to PC, and click Get Started.

Step 3. Click the + icon to preview and choose the videos you want to transfer. Click OK.

Step 4. Open Transfer Settings to select the PC folder where you want to save the videos.

Step 5. Review the selection, then click Start Transfer to transfer Videos from iPhone to PC.

Open the destination folder and play a few transferred videos before removing anything from the iPhone.

Method 3. Download iPhone Videos from iCloud

Choose iCloud when Optimize iPhone Storage has left smaller device copies on the iPhone, or when you prefer a cloud download instead of a USB import.

Step 1. On the PC, open iCloud.com in a browser and sign in with your account. 

Step 2. Select the videos you want to save and click Download > Unmodified Originals, or Most Compatible. Hold Ctrl while clicking to select multiple items.

Step 3. Save the downloaded archive to a folder with enough free space, then extract it and confirm the resolution and playback before deleting any originals.

Compare the 3 Ways to Transfer iPhone Videos

Final recommendations: 

• Choose Microsoft Photos for the simplest built-in import.
• Choose AOMEI FoneBackup when you need selective control and a local destination.
• Choose iCloud when the full-resolution videos are stored in the cloud rather than on the iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why can I transfer photos but not videos from my iPhone?

Videos are usually larger, take longer to copy, and may be stored only in iCloud when storage optimization is enabled. They may also use HEVC, which can affect playback even after a successful transfer.

2. Why does Microsoft Photos say “Something went wrong”?

The connection may have been interrupted, the iPhone may have locked, the original may not be stored locally, or the destination drive may be short of space. Reconnect the phone and retry a smaller group of videos.

3. Can a large iPhone video be transferred with USB?

Yes. File size alone does not create an Apple server restriction during a direct USB transfer. Large 4K videos simply take longer and are more sensitive to a weak cable, a locked device, insufficient storage, or an interrupted connection.

4. Does Most Compatible change existing iPhone videos?

No. It changes the format used for future captures. Existing HEVC videos remain in their original format unless you export or convert them separately.

Conclusion

When you can't transfer videos from iPhone to PC, first determine whether Windows recognizes the device and whether the full-resolution files are stored locally.

• Microsoft Photos is the most direct option
• AOMEI FoneBackup offers a selective computer-based workflow
• iCloud is the right route for cloud-only originals

Whichever method you use, verify that the copied videos open correctly before deleting them from your iPhone.