Import photos and videos

You can import photos and videos directly to the Photos app from a digital camera, an SD memory card, or another iOS device that has a camera. Use the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter or the Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader (both sold separately).

Insert the camera adapter or card reader into the Lightning connector on iPhone.
Do one of the following:
- Connect a camera: Use the USB cable that came with the camera to connect the camera to the camera adapter. Turn on the camera, then make sure it’s in transfer mode. For more information, see the documentation that came with the camera.
- Insert an SD memory card into the card reader: Don’t force the card into the slot on the reader; it fits only one way.
- Connect an iOS device: Use the USB cable that came with the iOS device to connect it to the camera adapter. Turn on and unlock the iOS device.
Unlock your iPhone.
The Photos app opens and displays the photos and videos available for importing. Tap and hold a photo for a large preview, so you can see the details in your photos and decide what you want to import.
Select the photos and videos you want to import, then select your import destination. You can create a new album or select an existing one.
- Import all items: Tap Import All.
- Import just some items: Tap the items you want to import (a checkmark appears for each), tap Import, then tap Import Selected.
After the photos and videos have been imported, keep or delete them on the camera, card, or iOS device.
Disconnect the camera adapter or card reader.

Import also works in the background, so you can focus on other tasks while your photos upload. A new event in the Import History album contains all the photos you just imported. Photos you’ve imported previously can be found in the Already Imported album.

To transfer the photos to your computer, connect your iPhone to your computer and import the images with a photo app (such as Photos or Adobe Photoshop Elements).

Helpful?

iPhone User Guide

Import photos and videos