How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Mac in Every Way

Do You Need to Import Photos from iPhone to Mac & Macbook & Macbook Air

Photos are one of the media we use most every day. Transferring photos between devices happens all the time. There are some scenarios when you need to transfer photos from iPhone to Mac.

• Your iPhone storage gets full so you need to free up the storage taken up by photos.
• You want to make a backup of your iPhone photos.
• You want to share photos with others who own a Mac.
• You have the demand to imprint the photos on your iPhone.

But how can you import photos from iPhone to Mac? Actually, there is more than one way for you to transfer files between iPhone and Mac. More specifically, you can either use a USB cable to get photos from your iPhone onto your Mac or import photos from iPhone to Mac wirelessly via services like iCloud and AirDrop. Keep reading and learn five common ways to import photos from iPhone to Mac.

Method 1. Move Photos from iPhone to Mac with Whole Data Transfer Software

Whether you want to download photos from iPhone to Mac all at once or selectively, the iPhone transfer software - EaseUS MobiMover will get it done for you safely and quickly.

As an iOS content manager and a free video & audio downloader, EaseUS MobiMover will help you to:

• Transfer files between iPhone and Mac & PC and between iPhone and iPhone
• Back up iPhone/iPad/iPod touch simply and quickly
• Download online videos and audio files to Mac, PC, or iPhone/iPad using URLs
• Back up and transfer WhatsApp from iPhone to iPhone

Therefore, it will not only help you import photos from iPhone to Mac but also allow you to do many other things, like sharing files between two iOS devices and downloading YouTube videos to Mac.

To transfer photos from iPhone to Mac:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to Mac with a USB cable. Run EaseUS MobiMover, choose "Phone to Mac" and click the "Next" button to continue. 

Step 2. Check the category/categories you want to copy from your iPhone to Mac. As you can see, you can copy other supported files together with photos from your iPhone to Mac all at once. After that, don't forget to customize the storage path for the exported photos unless you want to save them on your desktop. 

Step 3. Now, click the "Transfer" button to start transferring photos or other files from your iPhone to Mac without iTunes. Exporting files from iPhone to Mac with MobiMover is the right way for backup to avoid unexpected data loss. 

Method 2. Use AirDrop to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Mac Wirelessly

The easiest way to download pictures from iPhone to Mac is to use AirDrop. Using AirDrop is quite convenient, especially when you don't have a USB cable available. To AirDrop photos from iPhone to Mac successfully, make sure your devices are within the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth range. Afterward, follow the steps below to send photos from iPhone to Mac via AirDrop.

Step 1. Turn on AirDrop on your iPhone and Mac.

Step 2. Open the Photos app on your iPhone and select the items you'd like to transfer to your computer.

Step 3. After the selection, tap the "Share" button and choose "AirDrop" > "your Mac".

Step 4. On your Mac, choose "Accept" in the prompt to receive the photos from your iOS device.

Step 5. Wait for the transfer process to complete. Afterward, go to the "Downloads" folder to check the pictures.

The time it will take to AirDrop photos from iPhone to Mac depends on the size of the files and your network speed. If you have a huge collection of photos to send, it may take a long time to finish the transfer process.

Method 3. Migrate Photos Between iPhone and Macbook Air Without USB -- iCloud

Another common way to transfer photos from iPhone to Mac wirelessly is using iCloud. iCloud is a cloud-based service for you to share files like photos, videos, and documents across your devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, and PC.

By turning on iCloud photos, you can update photos to iCloud, and then iCloud will sync the photos to your other devices that use the same Apple ID as you use on your iPhone automatically and wirelessly. As long as you have enough iCloud storage and there is a network connection on your device, you can use iCloud to transfer iPhone photos to a Mac or Macbook Air.

Make sure you are using the same Apple ID on your Mac and iPhone and there is sufficient iCloud space to save the items you are going to share. Then follow the steps below to get photos from your iPhone to Mac.

Step 1. On your iPhone, go to "Settings" > [your name] > "iCloud" > "Photos" and turn on "iCloud Photos".

Step 2. On your Mac, click the Apple menu and choose "System Preferences".

Step 3. Choose "iCloud" and sign in with the Apple ID on your iOS device.

Step 4. Click "Options" next to the "Photos" option and enable "iCloud Photos".

Step 5. Wait for the syncing process to finish. When it has done, go to the Photos app on your Mac to check the photos from your mobile device.

Some users prefer to transfer photos from iPhone to Mac wirelessly, while others may want to transfer pictures using a USB cable, especially when they need to move photos in bulk or there is no network connection available. If you are one of them, the three ways below are for you.

Method 4. Use the Photos App to Transfer Pictures from iPhone to Computer

Whether you are using a Mac or Windows PC, there is an app called Photos that allows you to transfer photos from iPhone to computer. When you want to copy photos from iPhone to Mac, the Photos app is here to help, and all you need to prepare is a USB cable.

To transfer photos from iPhone to Mac using the Photos app:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac.

Step 2. Unlock your iOS device and click "Trust" to trust the computer.

Step 3. Launch the Photos app and select your iPhone in the window.

Step 4. Wait for Photos to load all the new photos and videos from your mobile device.

Step 5. Choose to import selected photos and videos or "Import All New Photos (including your videos)".

Afterward, you can check and manage the photos in the Photos app.

Method 5. iPhone-to-Mac Photo Transfer: Image Capture

In addition to the Photos app, Image Capture on Mac will also help to transfer the photos on your iPhone. Both programs work similarly when it comes to importing photos from iPhone to Mac. However, unlike the Photos app, Image Capture mainly enables users to upload pictures from digital cameras or a device that has a camera to the Mac computer.

Step 1. Connect your iOS device to your Mac via a USB cable.

Step 2. Unlock your iPhone, trust the computer, and launch Image Capture from the launch pad.

Step 3. Wait for the program to load the new items on your iPhone.

Step 4. You can either select the videos you want to share and click "Import" or click "Import All" directly.

Have You Known All the Methods of Photo Migration from iPhone to Mac Wirelessly or with Cable

Now, you have read all the common ways to transfer photos from iPhone to Mac. The most recommended way to import photos from iPhone to Mac is by using EaseUS MobiMover. This professional data transfer software helps transfer photos and other data between iPhone and Mac quickly and safely. Of course, there are other ways to download pictures from iPhone to Mac, like using Dropbox, Google Photos, or other cloud-based services.

Carry out the way best suited to your needs to get your iPhone photos to Mac within minutes.

FAQs About iPhone-to-Mac Data Transfer

For more information on how to transfer photos from iPhone to Mac:

1. How do I AirDrop all photos?

You can select them with the Select All button and then tap the share icon. Alternatively, you can also airdrop from Mac to iPhone, Mac, or other Apple device, through the double-finger click menu.

2. How do I sync my iPhone to my Mac?

You need to use a USB or USB-C cable to connect your device to your Mac in order to set up syncing for the first time. The device symbol appears in the Finder sidebar after you connect it, and selecting the icon shows synchronization choices. Next, you decide which things to sync.

3. What happens if I turn off iCloud photos?

Photos and videos stored in iCloud will be deleted 30 days after you stop using the service.