Need to move pictures from an old iPhone 5s to your computer? This guide explains multiple ways to transfer photos from iPhone 5s to Windows PC or Mac, including using File Explorer, Windows Photos app, iCloud, and AOMEI FoneBackup. Follow the step-by-step instructions to back up your valuable photos quickly and safely.
Before moving your photos, you may wonder why transferring them to a computer is necessary.
AOMEI FoneBackup is useful when you want an all-in-one iPhone data management solution with more control than a basic DCIM folder copy. It is designed for iPhone backup, transfer, and iCloud tasks.
Designed for Windows users, it helps transfer photos, videos, music, and other personal iPhone data between an iPhone and a computer. It provides more control because you can select specific photos instead of importing everything. It also allows users to save transferred files to a preferred location on their computer.
Step 1. Install and open AOMEI FoneBackup on the Windows computer. Connect the iPhone 5s with a USB cable, unlock it, and tap Trust This Computer if asked.
Step 2. Choose Phone Transfer > iPhone to PC > Get Started.
Step 3. Click the plus icon, choose Photos, preview the available items, select the photos you want, and click OK.
Step 4. Open Transfer Settings and choose a destination folder on the computer or external drive. Click Start Transfer and keep the iPhone connected until the transfer finishes.
🌟Tip: It also offers Phone Backup options - Selective Backup and Full Backup that allow you to create photo backup and complete iPhone backup for restoration to other devices.
Apple recommends using a USB cable and the computer's photo import tools for moving photos and videos to a PC. On Windows 11, Apple Devices may be required before the import path works smoothly. This method is good for one-time imports from an unlocked iPhone.
Step 1. Install Apple Devices from the Microsoft Store if Windows asks for it. Connect the iPhone 5s to the PC with a USB cable, unlock the iPhone, and tap Trust on the phone.
Step 2. Open the Windows Photos app and choose Import > From a USB device.
Step 3. Select the photos you want and choose the destination folder.
Step 4. Click Import to move photos from old iPhone to PC and wait for Windows to finish copying the selected photos.
File Explorer can be the fastest option when the iPhone exposes the camera roll correctly. However, it is not ideal for every library. Synced photos, cloud-only originals, edited sidecar data, or hidden folder behavior may cause some items to appear missing.
Step 1. Connect the iPhone 5s to the computer and unlock it. Tap Trust This Computer or Allow on the iPhone.
Step 2. Open File Explorer and find the iPhone under This PC.
Step 3. Open Internal Storage > DCIM. Copy the visible photo folders to a new folder on the computer to copy iPhone 5s photos to computer.
iCloud Photos is helpful when the iPhone 5s uploads photos to iCloud and the computer has internet access. It also helps when the phone has optimized storage turned on and the original files are not fully stored on the device.
Step 1. On iPhone, open Settings> [your name] > iCloud > Photos and check whether Sync this iPhone or iCloud Photos is enabled.
Step 2. On the PC, install iCloud for Windows or open iCloud.com/photos in a browser.
Step 3. Sign in with the same Apple Account.
Step 4. Open iCloud Photos in File Explorer or select photos on iCloud.com.
Step 5. Choose Download and save the photos to a local folder on the computer.
Mac includes a built-in tool called Image Capture that allows users to import photos from iPhone devices.
Step 1. Connect your iPhone 5s to your Mac.
Step 2. Download and open Image Capture on Mac.
Step 3. Select your iPhone, then choose photos. Then, click Import.
#1. iPhone 5s Is Not Recognized by Computer or iPhone DCIM Photos Not Showing Up on PC
Try:
#2. Photos Cannot Be Imported
Possible solutions:
#3. Some Photos Are Missing
If you use iCloud Photos with optimized storage, some original photos may not be stored directly on your iPhone. Download originals first before transferring.
1. Can I transfer photos from iPhone 5s to computer without iCloud?
Yes. Use AOMEI FoneBackup, Windows Photos, or File Explorer with a USB cable if the iPhone can be unlocked and trusted.
2. Why are not all iPhone 5s photos showing on PC?
The common causes are iCloud optimized storage, trust prompt problems, hidden DCIM folders, unsupported formats, or photos synced from another source.
3. Can I use File Explorer instead of a photo app?
Yes, for visible camera roll photos. For a more complete import, Windows Photos or AOMEI FoneBackup may be easier to verify.
4. Should I delete photos from iPhone after transferring them?
Only after opening the copied files and saving another backup copy. A single folder on one computer is not enough for important memories.
Transferring photos from iPhone 5s to computer is an effective way to protect memories, save storage space, and prepare for future device changes.
For occasional transfers, Windows File Explorer or the Photos app may be enough. iCloud is convenient for users who prefer wireless syncing. However, if you want a more flexible solution with selective transfer and better control, AOMEI FoneBackup is a practical choice. Also, you can use it for 1-click iPhone to iPhone transfer.