Transfer iPhone photos to a PC or Mac over Wi-Fi
Four ways, compared
| Cable + Photos app | iCloud Photos | AirDrop | PixLaundry (Wi-Fi) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | ✓ (Apple Devices app) | ✓ (iCloud for Windows) | — | ✓ |
| Mac | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless | — | ✓ (via the cloud) | ✓ | ✓ (home Wi-Fi) |
| Needs cloud storage | — | Your whole library | — | — |
| Remembers what was copied | “Import new items” | ✓ (sync) | — | ✓ |
| Thousands of items at once | ✓ | ✓ | Awkward | ✓ |
| Cost | Free | iCloud+ plan | Free | Receiver free; sender free up to 50/day, Pro $9.99 once |
Apple’s note for the cable route on Windows: with iCloud Photos on, download the full-resolution originals to the iPhone first, and keep your iPhone unlocked while importing. That’s the step people trip over when the PC only gets small or missing files.
Step by step: over Wi-Fi with PixLaundry
- Install the free receiverOn the PC (Windows 10/11) or Mac (macOS 13+), install the PixLaundry receiver. Choose where files go — a folder or an external drive — and turn receiving on. On Windows, allow it on Private networks when the firewall asks.
- Pair the iPhone onceInstall PixLaundry on the iPhone and allow Full Access to Photos and Local Network. Tap the computer in the list and enter the 6-digit PIN it shows. If it isn’t listed (some routers isolate devices), connect by the IP address on the receiver screen.
- Pick a range and sendToday, last week, last month, a date, one photo — or everything. You see each photo go by, the time left, and photo/video counts. Originals are copied unchanged, with their dates, and checked on both ends (SHA-256).
- Next time, tap Send againThe receiver keeps a record, so only new items go. With Pro, a Shortcuts automation can start it when you plug the iPhone in at home.
Big 4K videos resume where they stopped if Wi-Fi drops. Several iPhones can send to the same computer, and one iPhone can send to several receivers at once.
Good to know
- HEIC and HEVC on Windows. iPhone photos are usually HEIC and videos HEVC. Windows 10/11 opens them after you install Microsoft’s HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store. PixLaundry keeps the originals as they are; it doesn’t convert to JPEG.
- Same Wi-Fi only, and transfers aren’t encrypted yet — use your home network, not public Wi-Fi.
- Keep the app open during a big first transfer; iOS limits background work for every app.
- Live Photos are sent as still photos for now. Edited photos are sent as they currently look.
- Running out of iCloud space too? See iCloud storage full? for the safe copy-check-delete order.
FAQ
Can Windows open iPhone HEIC photos and HEVC videos?
Yes, once Microsoft’s HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions are installed from the Microsoft Store. PixLaundry copies the originals unchanged.
Do I need iTunes or the Apple Devices app?
Not for PixLaundry — those are for the cable method. PixLaundry sends over Wi-Fi to its own receiver.
Does it work if my photos are in iCloud with Optimize Storage on?
Yes. It downloads each full original from iCloud before sending, so the computer gets the full-quality file.
Is anything uploaded to the internet?
No. Files go from the iPhone to your computer on the same Wi-Fi. There’s no account and no server in the middle.
Unplug the cable
The receiver for Mac and Windows is free. Try sending from your iPhone on the free plan first.
Coming soon · Join the beta · Other ways, compared
Sources
- Apple Support — Transfer photos and videos from your iPhone or iPad to your Mac or PC
- Microsoft Store — HEIF Image Extensions
iPhone, iCloud, AirDrop and Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc.; Windows is a trademark of Microsoft. PixLaundry is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by either.