Hidden photos on your iPhone can be tricky to transfer to a PC. This article solves that with 4 simple methods – using AOMEI FoneBackup, OneDrive, or Windows tools you already have.
The Hidden album in the iPhone Photos app is designed for privacy. Because of this:
Then, how to transfer hidden photos from iPhone to computer successfully? Please read on.
The easiest and fastest way is using AOMEI FoneBackup, a dedicated iPhone data transfer tool that can scan and export all photos, including hidden ones.
Download AOMEI FoneBackup and learn how to copy hidden photos from iPhone to PC step by step below.
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. Launch AOMEI FoneBackup and select Phone Transfer.
Step 2. Click iPhone to PC, then select Get Started to begin scanning your device.
Step 3. Click the + icon. In the next window, click the Photos icon, and the software will display all albums. Check the Hidden album and click OK to confirm.
💡 Note: You can also select certain photos under the Hidden album to be transferred.
Step 4. Choose an output folder on your PC by clicking Transfer Settings. Then click Start Transfer. Once completed, your hidden photos will be saved on your computer in original quality.
If you prefer a cloud-based option, OneDrive is a simple alternative. However, this method requires you to unhide the photos you want to transfer first. Follow the instructions below:
Step 1: Unhide Photos on iPhone
1. Open the Photos app and tap Collections.
2. Scroll down and look for the Hidden album under Utilities.
3. Tap View Album, then use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock your Hidden album.
4. Tap and hold the photo that you want to unhide, then tap Unhide.
💡 Note: To unhide multiple photos at once, tap Select at the upper-right corner and select your needed photos. Then tap the three-dot icon and select Unhide.
Step 2: Upload Hidden Photos from iPhone
1. Install and open OneDrive on your iPhone. Sign in to your Microsoft account.
2. Tap the + icon and select Upload.
3. Select photos from the Hidden album and upload them to the cloud.
Step 3: Download Photos to PC
1. Open the OneDrive website on your Windows PC.
2. Locate uploaded photos under My Files and select them.
3. Click Download in the top navigation to download them to the Downloads folder on your computer.
💡 Note: This method is convenient but depends on internet speed and storage space. A free Microsoft account has only 5GB of storage space.
If you wonder how to move photos from iPhone to PC on Windows 10/11, Windows Photos will be your choice. The steps are as follows.
Step 1. Unhide photos on iPhone as you do in method 2.
Step 2. Connect your iPhone to your PC using USB.
Step 3. Open the Photos app → Click Import → Select Apple iPhone.
Step 4. Choose the photos you just unhid and click the Add button.
Step 5. Confirm the destination folder (C:\Users\Username\Pictures) and click Import.
If you’re using Windows 7/8, you can rely on AutoPlay to transfer iPhone photos to PC. Follow the guidance below:
Step 1. Unhide photos on iPhone as you do in method 2.
Step 2. Connect iPhone via USB and unlock it.
Step 3. When the AutoPlay notification appears, click Open device to view files.
💡 Notes:
Step 4. In the window that appears, click Internal Storage > the DCIM (Digital Camera Images) folder.
Step 5. Select the photos which you want to transfer and either copy them or cut them and paste them into any other folder in your PC.
1. Can I transfer hidden photos without unhiding them?
Yes. Using tools like AOMEI FoneBackup, you can directly access and transfer hidden images.
2. Why don’t hidden photos appear on my PC?
Windows and Apple restrict hidden album visibility during standard USB transfers.
3. Do hidden photos sync with iCloud or OneDrive?
Yes, if they are included in your photo backup settings. Otherwise, they may be excluded.
4. Will transferring hidden photos affect their original quality?
No. If you use AOMEI FoneBackup or original upload methods, images remain unchanged.
Now you know how to transfer hidden photos from iPhone to PC. This guide offers you 4 reliable methods to move your private photos securely:
For most users, AOMEI FoneBackup is the simplest and most complete option. Download it now to try it out!