How to Back Up Only Photos and Videos from a Phone to PC

Back up only photos and videos from a phone to a PC by connecting the phone with a USB cable, selecting media-transfer or photo-transfer mode, and copying the DCIM, Pictures, Movies, and Downloads folders to a computer folder. The method works for Android and supports backup iPhone to PC without iTunes when Windows recognizes the iPhone storage.

Steps

Connect the phone to the PC with a data-capable USB cable. Unlock the phone and approve any access or trust request shown on the screen.
Select the correct connection mode. Choose File Transfer or MTP on Android. Choose Trust on iPhone, then open the phone under File Explorer > Apple iPhone > Internal Storage > DCIM.
Open the media folders. Copy photos and videos from DCIM, Pictures, Movies, Camera, and relevant app folders. iPhone photos and videos normally appear inside the DCIM folder.
Paste media into a dated PC folder. Use a folder name such as Phone Media Backup - 2026-09-12. Wait for the transfer to finish before disconnecting the phone.

Common Issues and Fixes

The phone does not appear on the PC: The cable may support charging only, or the USB driver may be missing. Use a certified data cable, another USB port, or install the phone manufacturer's driver.
Android folders appear empty: The phone may be locked or set to charging mode. Unlock the phone and change USB preferences to File Transfer.
iPhone photos fail to open on Windows: Photos may use HEIC format, while videos may use HEVC. Install compatible Windows codecs or enable Most Compatible under iPhone camera settings for future captures.
Some photos are missing: Media may exist in cloud-only storage or protected app folders. Download cloud originals first and check messaging-app folders separately.
The transfer stops midway: Large videos, limited PC storage, or a damaged cable can interrupt copying. Transfer smaller batches and confirm available disk space.

Quick Tips

Copy original files instead of screenshots to preserve resolution and metadata.
Check the PC folder after copying by opening several photos and videos.
Do not delete phone media until file counts and important videos are verified.
Phone backup to PC without cloud storage requires enough local computer space for the selected media.

How can photos transfer from Android to PC without cloud storage?

Use a USB data cable and select File Transfer. Copy the required media folders directly to the PC.

Can an iPhone back up photos to a PC without iTunes?

Yes. A USB connection and File Explorer can copy photos and videos from the iPhone DCIM folder without iTunes.

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