iPhone stops being recognized by Win10 PC during file transfer

Question

Level 1

9 points

iPhone stops being recognized by Win10 PC during file transfer

I'm transferring a large amount of files from my iPhone to my PC. When copying or moving the files the iPhone loses connection to the PC with a message about the device no longer recognized. The iPhone needs to be disconnected and reconnected again before anything can happen.

I have worked out that it appears to be when the copy/move encounters a different file type - e.g. going from .JPG to .MOV file.

If I just copy .JPG files it works fine. Once I have copied all the .JPG files it won't even copy one .MOV file without disconnecting the iPhone. I suspect that it will after the PC has been rebooted.

Looks like a iPhone driver issue - but appears to be around for a long time going by old threads on here.

Any suggestions on alternative bulk copy/move method from iPhone internal storage to Win10 PC?

iPhone 8

Posted on Dec 13, 2019 10:35 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

scollist Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 2, 2020 7:36 PM in response to SravanKrA

I finally had a chance to test this out. Unfortunately the suggested method doesn't work.

BUT I have been able to identify a further potential cause.

The connection to the iPhone is dropped when importing photos/videos from an iPhone on iOS13 and Windows10 v1903 and above. The issue occurs when trying to import a mix of .MOV and .JPG files. It crashes the USB connection to the iPhone when trying to import a .MOV file.

This can now be confirmed to be associated with the conversion of file type from HEIC etc. (iPhone native file format) to Window PC compatible format.

HOWEVER - when the iPhone settings under Photos / Transfer to MAC or PC section are changed to 'Keep Originals' the crash doesn't occur and the files can be imported succesfully.

So the problem is most likely on the iPhone side, as changing that setting disables the file transcoding. Interesting though that it has only been introduced since Win10 v1903 (or thereabouts) and causes the USB connection to the phone to drop. It is possible it is a Microsoft problem as I'm not sure where the transcoding is occurring or what is causing the USB connection drop.

Note: The problem would also occur when trying to delete large amounts of files from the iPhone - which suggests transcoding isn't required - but it still crashes unless transcoding is turned off (I can't explain that one - but it happens).

Either way it is painful as I now have HEIC files rather than the more generic JPG format. Though Win10 can display them.

Reply

Answer 2

scollist Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 2, 2020 7:54 PM in response to scollist

So for those looking for a work-around solution:

Using Windows File Explorer - only select .JPG and .PNG files (and .AAE files if the want the Apple info for files that were edited on the iPhone) and copy them across to a local PC drive.
Disconnect the iPhone from the PC
Change the iPhone setting under 'Photos / Tranfer to MAC or PC' to 'Keep Originals'
Reconnect the iPhone to the PC
Using Windows File Explorer - copy the .MOV files to a local PC drive.
Delete any files you no longer require to be on the iPhone (as you have already downloaded them).
Change the iPhone setting under 'Photos / Tranfer to MAC or PC' back to 'Automatic'

Reply

Answer 3

Dec 13, 2019 10:55 PM in response to scollist

You do not require any drivers for iPhones. I know that you are used to getting drivers for Windows for every task. But iOS is a different platform.

Check the following...

If you have iCloud Photos turned on, you need to download the original, full resolution versions of your photos to your iPhone before you import to your PC. Find out how. If iCloud is enabled on your iOS device, you won’t be able to download your photos or videos. Your images exist on iCloud but not on your device. If you want to open or import these photos or videos to your PC, do so using the iCloud desktop app (On Windows).
Photos and videos that you sync from your computer to your iOS device using iTunes can't be imported back to your computer
Learn what to do if you can't import photos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer.
Know how to --> Identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning connector ...

Reply

Answer 4

Jan 25, 2020 6:41 AM in response to scollist

Try importing Photos and Videos using iTunes to Windows' Photos app, it is lost easier and user friendly.

Microsoft also recommends the same . --> https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4027134/windows-10-import-photos-and-videos-from-phone-to-pc

You might see a prompt on the iOS device asking you to Trust This Computer. Select Trust or Allow to continue. For Apple’s current info, see "Import to PC" in Transfer photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch on Apple’s website.
If iCloud is enabled on your iOS device, you won’t be able to download your photos or videos. Your images exist on iCloud but not on your device. If you want to open or import these photos or videos to your PC, do so using the iCloud desktop app. For more info, see Get help with iCloud photos on Apple’s website.

Reply

Answer 5

scollist Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 14, 2019 4:50 AM in response to SravanKrA

iCloud photos is NOT turned on. Original files are on the device
I'm attempting to transfer photos and videos created on the device (not sync via iTunes)
the transfer of files from the iPhone8 to the PC is via Windows Explorer. iTunes is not in the equation
the lightning connector is a genuine Apple cable. Brand new - unboxed today.

So none of the suggestions above provide any assistance at the moment.

Just to be clear:

copying .JPG files can occur in bulk with no problem.
copying .MOV files from the iPhone can be successful individually, but as soon as it hits a .MOV file after .JPG files, or more than one .MOV file the device drops connection.
the .MOV file that failed transfer generally cannot again be transferred to the PC upon reconnection UNTIL the iPhone has been rebooted. Other .MOV files can be transferred before the reboot - this indicates that the .MOV file itself has become locked by the iPhone and only is cleaned up on iPhone reboot.

So all indications tell me that the actual problem is with iOS. I have been doing bulk copy using this method for many years (at least 5), and only first struck this exact issue in early July this year (2019).

Reply