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As an iPhone user, you may find that the internal storage of your device is running out of space. This can happen due to various reasons, such as storing large files like photos, videos, and more. When you try to transfer files to your PC, you might realize that you can’t access the internal storage of your iPhone because it isn’t recognized as a mass storage device. So, what should you do if you need to transfer files between your iPhone and your PC?
Luckily, in this blog post, we will show you different methods on how to access the internal storage on iPhone from PC. You’ll also learn why you can’t do it in the first place and how to fix it. So, let’s get started.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the methods, let’s first go through the things you’ll need:
- An iPhone with a lightning cable
- A PC with the latest version of iTunes installed
- A USB cable that can connect your iPhone and PC
What Requires Your Focus?
Before we get started, it’s important to know that some methods might put your device at risk of data loss or cause some problems to your device. So, it’s always recommended to back up your iPhone data before trying to access the internal storage using any of the methods below.
Different Methods to Access Internal Storage on iPhone from PC
If you’re having trouble accessing the internal storage on your iPhone from your PC, don’t worry. Below, we’ll introduce you to some popular methods that can help you access your iPhone’s files on your PC.
Method 1: Using iTunes
This is the most common way to access the internal storage on an iPhone from a PC. iTunes is the official media management application for Apple devices. Follow these steps to get started:
- Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
- Launch iTunes on your PC. If you don’t have it on your PC, you can download the latest version from the official Apple website.
- In the iTunes window, you’ll see a device icon at the top left corner of your screen (next to the drop-down menu). Click on it to see your iPhone summary page.
- From here, you can access your internal storage by clicking on the "File Sharing" section. This will allow you to access your iPhone files and folders and transfer them to your PC.
Pros:
- Most straightforward method to access internal storage.
- Allows access to all iPhone files and folders, including apps data.
Cons:
- Requires installation of iTunes on your PC.
- You won’t be able to see your files in a file explorer window.
Method 2: Using Third-party Apps
If you’d like to avoid using iTunes to access your iPhone’s internal storage, you can use third-party applications designed to provide a more comfortable way of accessing files. Besides helping you transfer files between your iPhone and PC, these apps allow you to manage your files easily. One such reliable app is Documents by Readdle. Follow these steps to use the app:
- Download Documents by Readdle on your iPhone from the Apple App Store.
- Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
- Launch the app on your iPhone and click on the hamburger menu at the top left corner of your screen.
- Under the hamburger menu, select "Settings" then scroll down to the "Wi-Fi Transfer" option.
- Enable the "Wi-Fi Transfer" option and enter the IP address displayed in the app into your PC’s web browser. You’ll be redirected to a web page where you can download/upload files to/from your iPhone’s internal storage.
Pros:
- Third-party apps usually provide a more comfortable way of accessing iPhone files on PC.
- You don’t need to install iTunes on your PC.
Cons:
- If you have a lot of files to transfer, it may take longer to transfer them via a third-party app compared to iTunes.
- Some third-party apps may not be free.
Method 3: Using iCloud
You can also use iCloud to access your iPhone files on your PC. iCloud is Apple’s cloud-based storage service and is pre-installed on all iPhones. Follow these steps to use iCloud to access your iPhone files from your PC:
- Make sure that you’re signed in to iCloud on your iPhone.
- Allow iCloud Drive on your iPhone by navigating to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud Drive.
- On your PC, open a web browser and go to the iCloud website.
- Log in to your iCloud account on your web browser.
- You can now access your iPhone files from the web browser by clicking on iCloud Drive.
Pros:
- Most straightforward method to access internal storage.
- Allows access to all iPhone files and folders, including apps data.
- Cloud-based storage, so you can access your files from anywhere with an internet connection.
Cons:
- Requires an active internet connection to access files.
- Free storage plan is limited to 5GB.
Why Can’t I Access Internal Storage on iPhone from PC?
There are several reasons why you might not be able to access the internal storage on your iPhone from your PC:
- Apple’s proprietary file management system limited access to internal storage.
- Your computer doesn’t have the necessary drivers or software installed.
- The USB port you’re using could be damaged or incompatible with your iPhone.
Now that you know the reasons why, let’s look at how you can fix them:
- Make sure your iPhone is unlocked when you connect it to your PC.
- Ensure that you have installed the latest version of iTunes or the necessary software on your PC.
- Try using another USB cable or USB port on your computer to connect your iPhone.
Implications and Recommendations
Now that we’ve shown you how to access the internal storage on your iPhone from your PC, it’s important to keep in mind some implications of doing so:
- Ensure you back up your iPhone data before attempting to access the internal storage.
- Be careful when handling your files and folders to avoid deleting essential system files or data.
- Follow the legal rules on sharing or transferring copyrighted files.
- Be cautious when using third-party apps that claim to access your internal storage to protect your data.
5 FAQs About How to Access Internal Storage on iPhone from Pc
Q1: How do I access my iPhone files on Windows 10?
A: To access your iPhone files on Windows 10, you can use iTunes or iCloud. Alternatively, you can use third-party apps like Documents by Readdle.
Q2: Can I access iPhone files on Mac?
A: Yes, you can access your iPhone files on Mac using iTunes or Finder.
Q3: Why can’t I see my iPhone files on my PC?
A: You need to ensure that you have installed the required drivers, software, or applications like iTunes or iCloud, on your PC. Also, some USB cables can only be used for charging and won’t allow data transfer.
Q4: Can I access my iPhone without iTunes?
A: Yes, you can access your iPhone using third-party apps like Documents by Readdle or iCloud. However, we recommend using iTunes for a seamless and secure transfer of files between your iPhone and PC.
Q5: Is it possible to access my iPhone’s internal storage without jailbreaking?
A: Yes, you can access your iPhone’s internal storage with the methods we have outlined in this blog post without jailbreaking your iPhone.
Final Words
In conclusion, accessing the internal storage on an iPhone from a PC can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible. In this blog post, we introduced you to the most popular methods to access internal storage quickly, and we hope that you can now transfer media files between your iPhone and PC without any issues. Remember to backup your data before attempting any actions that may cause data loss, and use third-party apps cautiously.