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Getting large videos from your iPhone to your computer can be a challenge, especially if you’re dealing with limited storage space or a slow internet connection. However, it’s a necessary task for many people who want to free up space on their device or edit videos using software that’s only available on their computer. In this blog post, we will explore several methods to transfer large videos from iPhone to computer, providing you with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips along the way.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get Large Videos from iPhone to Computer
There are several reasons why you might need to transfer large videos from your iPhone to your computer:
1. Free up storage space: iPhones have limited storage capacity, and large video files can quickly eat up this space. By transferring these videos to your computer, you can free up valuable storage on your device.
2. Edit videos on your computer: While iPhones have powerful video editing capabilities, editing videos on a computer provides more advanced features and flexibility. Transferring videos to your computer allows you to take advantage of these additional editing options.
3. Backup your videos: iPhones are vulnerable to damage, loss, or theft. Transferring your videos to your computer ensures that you have a backup copy in case anything happens to your device.
Now that we understand the importance of transferring large videos from iPhone to computer, let’s explore some methods to achieve this.
Method 1: Using iTunes
Using iTunes is one of the most common methods to transfer videos from iPhone to a computer. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 2: Launch iTunes on your computer, and if prompted, enter your passcode on your iPhone to establish the connection.
Step 3: Click on the device icon in the top-left corner of the iTunes window.
Step 4: In the left sidebar, select "Movies" or "TV Shows" under the "On My Device" section, depending on the type of videos you want to transfer.
Step 5: Check the box next to the video files you want to transfer, or select "Sync All Movies" if you want to transfer all the videos.
Step 6: Click the "Apply" button in the bottom-right corner of the iTunes window to start the transfer process.
Pros:
1. Allows you to select specific videos to transfer.
2. Provides a secure and stable transfer process.
3. Can be used even without an internet connection.
Cons:
1. Requires the use of iTunes software.
2. iTunes can be slow and unresponsive at times.
3. Limited options for video formats and resolutions.
Method 2: Using iCloud
If you prefer a wireless and cloud-based solution, you can use iCloud to transfer your videos from iPhone to computer. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Make sure you have enough iCloud storage space to upload your videos. If not, consider upgrading your iCloud storage plan.
Step 2: On your iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos, and enable the "iCloud Photos" option.
Step 3: Connect your computer to a stable internet connection and open a web browser.
Step 4: Go to the iCloud website (www.icloud.com) and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
Step 5: Click on the "Photos" icon to access your iCloud Photo Library.
Step 6: Select the videos you want to transfer and click on the "Download" button to save them to your computer.
Pros:
1. Allows wireless transfer of videos without the need for a USB cable.
2. Provides automatic synchronization with your iCloud account.
3. Can be accessed from any device with internet access.
Cons:
1. Requires a stable and fast internet connection.
2. Limited storage space on the free iCloud plan.
3. May take some time to upload and download large video files.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
If you’re looking for more flexibility and control over your video transfers, there are several third-party apps available that can help you achieve this. Here’s an example using the "Google Photos" app:
Step 1: Install the "Google Photos" app from the App Store on your iPhone.
Step 2: Open the app and sign in with your Google account or create a new one if you don’t have an account.
Step 3: Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner of the app and select "Settings."
Step 4: In the settings menu, tap on "Backup & Sync" and enable the option to back up your photos and videos.
Step 5: Wait for the app to upload your videos to your Google account.
Step 6: On your computer, go to the Google Photos website (photos.google.com) and sign in with the same Google account.
Step 7: Download the videos from the Google Photos website to your computer.
Pros:
1. Offers a wide range of options for video transfer and storage.
2. Can be used with multiple devices and platforms.
3. Provides automatic syncing and backup of videos.
Cons:
1. Requires the installation of third-party apps.
2. May require a subscription fee for additional storage.
3. Transfer speed depends on the internet connection and file size.
Method 4: Using AirDrop
If you have a Mac computer, you can use AirDrop to transfer videos wirelessly from your iPhone. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Make sure both your iPhone and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and have Bluetooth enabled.
Step 2: On your iPhone, open the Photos app and select the videos you want to transfer.
Step 3: Tap on the share icon (a box with an arrow pointing up) and select the "AirDrop" option.
Step 4: On your Mac, open the Finder and click on "AirDrop" in the sidebar.
Step 5: Wait for your iPhone to appear in the AirDrop window on your Mac.
Step 6: Drag and drop the videos from the AirDrop window to your desired location on your Mac.
Pros:
1. Provides a direct, wireless transfer between iPhone and Mac.
2. Fast and efficient way to transfer videos.
3. Does not require an internet connection.
Cons:
1. Limited to transferring videos between iPhone and Mac only.
2. Requires a Mac computer with AirDrop support.
3. May not work properly if devices are not in close proximity.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Large Videos from iPhone to Computer
If you encounter any issues or difficulties while trying to transfer large videos from your iPhone to your computer, here are some fixes you can try:
1. Update your software: Make sure your iPhone, computer, and any relevant apps or software are updated to the latest versions. This can often resolve compatibility issues.
2. Restart your devices: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor glitches and connectivity problems. Try restarting both your iPhone and your computer before attempting the transfer again.
3. Use a different cable or port: If you’re using a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer, try using a different cable or USB port. Faulty cables or ports can cause transfer issues.
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to make your video transfer process smoother:
1. Use a lightning-to-USB adapter: If you have an older iPhone model with a lightning connector, consider using a lightning-to-USB adapter for faster and more reliable transfers.
2. Compress your videos: If you’re running out of storage space on your iPhone or experiencing slow transfer speeds, consider compressing your videos using video compression software or apps.
3. Organize your videos: Before transferring your videos, organize them into folders or albums on your iPhone. This will make it easier to find and transfer specific videos later on.
5 FAQs
Q1: How long does it take to transfer a large video from iPhone to computer using iTunes?
A: The transfer speed depends on various factors such as the size of the video, the speed of your USB connection, and the performance of your computer. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Q2: Can I choose the video format and resolution when transferring videos using iCloud?
A: No, iCloud automatically converts videos to a compatible format and resolution for optimal viewing on different devices. You can’t customize the format or resolution during the transfer process.
Q3: Are there any file size limits when using third-party apps to transfer videos?
A: Yes, most third-party apps have file size limits for video transfers. Check the app’s documentation or settings to find out the maximum file size allowed.
Q4: Can I transfer videos from an iPhone to a Windows computer using AirDrop?
A: No, AirDrop is a feature exclusive to Apple devices and can only be used to transfer files between Apple devices.
Q5: How can I transfer videos from an Android phone to a computer?
A: The methods described in this blog post are specific to transferring videos from an iPhone to a computer. For Android phones, you can use the built-in file transfer options like USB connections or third-party apps like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Final Thoughts
Transferring large videos from your iPhone to your computer doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right methods and tools at your disposal, you can easily free up storage space, edit videos on your computer, and have a backup copy of your valuable videos. Whether you choose to use iTunes, iCloud, third-party apps, or AirDrop, make sure to follow the provided steps and take advantage of the bonus tips to ensure a smooth and successful transfer process.