Where does iTunes backup iPhone photos without a DCIM folder?

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Where does iTunes backup iPhone photos without a DCIM folder?

I'm setting up a new Windows PC. I installed iTunes. I backed up my iPhone 15 pro max using iTunes. The iOS version is 17.4.1

Where does iTunes backup the photos? I don't see a DCIM folder like in the past.

When I go to users\...\Apple\MobileSync\Backup I see a number of folders, but no DCIM.

Also, when my iPhone is connected to my PC, in File Explorer I see Apple iPhone\Internal Storage\ and then folders of my photos by date.

Is this new? In the past, I could just copy the DCIM folder to my PC.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Feb 26, 2025 1:21 PM

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Answer 1

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Phil0124

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Feb 26, 2025 2:43 PM in response to MarciPie

There's never been a DCIM folder for the backup.

The photos would be contained in the main iPhone backup, and are not accessible directly. The only way to access them is to restore the backup onto an iPhone or iPad.

The DCIM folder exists on the iPhone only when viewed through Windows explorer.

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Answer 2

Feb 27, 2025 10:12 AM in response to MarciPie

So it has nothing to do with the backup?

With newer iOS versions the photo management changed, and yes, there is no longer be a DCIM folder.

Why do you need one?

If you can see the photos, you can copy them off the iPhone.

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Answer 3

MarciPie Author

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Feb 26, 2025 3:49 PM in response to Phil0124

Thank you. When I view the iPhone via Windows explorer, there is no DCIM folder. Only folders by date (which contain the photos). In the past, I would see the DCIM folder which I don't see now.

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Where does iTunes backup iPhone photos without a DCIM folder?

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