Suzie Mid

Q: Why does my DCIM folder show as empty when I connect my ipad to a PC?

I want to transfer photos from my ipad to my laptop (PC, not Mac).  I connect them with a cable.  I click on the "Start" button on the lower left of my laptop, click on "Computer," find my ipad shown there, and click on it.  It will take me to "Internal Storage," and I click on that.  That takes me to "DCIM," but when I click on that, nothing comes up.  It appears that my "DCIM" folder (whatever that is) is empty.  I thought that's where all my photos would be.  What's going on, please?

iPad

Posted on Aug 17, 2013 1:14 PM

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Q: Why does my DCIM folder show as empty when I connect my ipad to a PC?

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  • by pedro d,

    pedro d pedro d Aug 19, 2013 12:39 PM in response to Suzie Mid
    Community Specialists
    Aug 19, 2013 12:39 PM in response to Suzie Mid

    Hello there, Suzie Mid.

     

    The following Knowledge Base article has the steps for you to be able to remove photos from your iPad:

     

    iOS: Importing personal photos and videos from iOS devices to your computer

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4083

     

    Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.

     

    Cheers,

    Pedro D.

  • by Stevo04,

    Stevo04 Stevo04 Oct 25, 2013 1:47 PM in response to Suzie Mid
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 25, 2013 1:47 PM in response to Suzie Mid

    Hi Suzie,

     

    I had the same problem. Once plugged in to your PC make sure you hit the home button on your iPad to enable you to see the iPad home screen. You will be prompted with a message which asks if you wish to trust the connected device. Click 'trust this device' and after refreshing on your PC you should now see the photos in a folder within the DCIM folder.

     

    Hope this helps,

     

    Steve

  • by Kelly389,

    Kelly389 Kelly389 Dec 4, 2013 6:52 PM in response to Suzie Mid
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 4, 2013 6:52 PM in response to Suzie Mid

    Hi Suzie - I am curious whether you were able to solve this problem. I have exactly the same problem - a 'DCIM' file that shows up empty. Looking at the answers you received and having followed the instructions on from the Apple Support page - none of them seem to address the issue of an empty DCIM folder - would love to know if you got it solved. (I have over 1000 photos I want to transfer to a PC) - Kelly

  • by Saukko2,

    Saukko2 Saukko2 Dec 29, 2013 12:30 PM in response to Kelly389
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 29, 2013 12:30 PM in response to Kelly389

    Hi Kelly,

    I had the same problem yesterday (empty DCIM folder). I deinstalled iTunes and all other Apple software (Apple Mobile Device Support, Apple software support, Bonjour, and Apple Software Update) from my Windows 8.1 laptop and then reinstalled iTunes. After that I could see my photos in DCIM.

    Yours, S

  • by telemosaic,

    telemosaic telemosaic May 3, 2014 10:56 AM in response to Suzie Mid
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 3, 2014 10:56 AM in response to Suzie Mid

    Make sure it is UNLOCKED.  Screen on, code entered, etc so you can see the home screen.

    Once it locks, the file view disappears because of security.

  • by ford.adams,

    ford.adams ford.adams Aug 17, 2016 6:39 AM in response to Suzie Mid
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Aug 17, 2016 6:39 AM in response to Suzie Mid

    I know this is an old question, but I personally found a solution, and this is still one of the top Google results when searching for this issue.

     

    My equipment: iPhone 6S Plus, and Windows 7 Ultimate.

     

    My fix: settings > Photos & Camera > "Download and Keep Originals" must be checked.

     

    The alternative would be "Optimize iPhone Storage." When the "Optimize iPhone Storage" is selected, the full-quality originals are moved to cloud storage, and low-res mirrors are stored on the phone (this also means each time you want to play a video or look at an image, it has to briefly load into full quality). So if "Optimize iPhone Storage" is selected, then essentially your images and videos are not truly being stored on your phone, which is causing your DCIM folder to appear empty.