You can copy iPhone photos to a computer with a USB cable without emailing them or using a messaging app. The iPhone must be unlocked, and the computer may need permission to access it.
- Connect the iPhone to the computer with a data-capable cable.
- Unlock the iPhone and tap Trust if prompted.
- On Windows, open Photos and choose Import. On a Mac, open Photos and select the iPhone under Devices.
- Select the photos and videos you want to copy and start the import.
- Confirm that the imported files open correctly before removing originals from the phone.
If the computer cannot see every photo, check whether iCloud Photos is using optimized storage. The phone may need an internet connection to retrieve full-resolution originals before a cable import can access them.