msgorun

Q: I can't upload photos from iPhone to MacBook Pro.

I have always just plugged my phone in and clicked import. But for some reason now, my computer says that there are no photos to upload but my phone is full of photos. It even seems that I have uploaded photos and they aren't showing up in the albums. Help! Has something changed?

MacBook Pro with Retina display

Posted on Sep 1, 2015 9:55 PM

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Q: I can't upload photos from iPhone to MacBook Pro.

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  • Helpful answers

  • by UGADog,

    UGADog UGADog Sep 1, 2015 10:10 PM in response to msgorun
    Level 4 (1,902 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 1, 2015 10:10 PM in response to msgorun

    Apple makes it really easy for Photos to import photos from iPhone to Mac via iCloud.  It seems you have not enabled this feature.  To do so, on iOS go Settings > Photos & Camera and turn iCloud Photo Library on (green) and setup the other options to your preference.  On OS X, Photos > Preferences and check the box for iCloud Photo Library.  I strongly recommend keeping original images on the Mac with the option for it below this.  Once iCloud Photos Library is enabled, Photos taken will the phone will automatically be downloaded to the Mac.

  • by UGADog,

    UGADog UGADog Sep 1, 2015 10:14 PM in response to msgorun
    Level 4 (1,902 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 1, 2015 10:14 PM in response to msgorun

    If you want to import from iPhone to Photos without using the cloud, connect your iPhone to the Mac.  In Photos, select the View menu item and then Show Sidebar if it is not already on.  Now you will see your iPhone at the top of the sidebar.  Select it.  You can select individual photos to import from this screen or import all if you prefer.

  • by msgorun,

    msgorun msgorun Sep 1, 2015 10:25 PM in response to UGADog
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 1, 2015 10:25 PM in response to UGADog

    When I go into Photos and click on my iPhone. It says that there are no photos.

     

    It appears that maybe my photos are in iCloud and I need to get them back to my computer? How do I get to the iOS settings option?

     

    I'm sorry, I know this is basic. I got a Mac because it's supposed to be easy

  • by UGADog,Helpful

    UGADog UGADog Sep 1, 2015 10:29 PM in response to msgorun
    Level 4 (1,902 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 1, 2015 10:29 PM in response to msgorun

    Hey, we all started like this at some point!

     

    There is an app on iPhone called settings.  It is on the home screen unless you moved it.  Double click the iPhone button (this is called the home button) and it will take you to the Home Screen.  Settings icon looks like a set of gears.

  • by msgorun,

    msgorun msgorun Sep 1, 2015 10:34 PM in response to UGADog
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 1, 2015 10:34 PM in response to UGADog

    Glad I asked. I was looking on my computer and not my iPhone. So my setting on the iPhone is already on.

     

    I read a few of the help questions and it sounds like maybe I need to merge iPhoto and Photos?

  • by UGADog,Helpful

    UGADog UGADog Sep 1, 2015 10:45 PM in response to msgorun
    Level 4 (1,902 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 1, 2015 10:45 PM in response to msgorun

    You can merge them if you want to access all your photos currently in iPhoto from your iPhone.  I didn't do this though because my iPhoto library is 50 GB and I don't want to pay Apple for that much space.  monthly.  I choose to just add some of my photos to Photos.  But before you make that decision, turn on iCloud Photos Library on the Mac and see if some photos show up in Photos that way.  Importing all iPhotos can be done at any time. 

  • by msgorun,

    msgorun msgorun Sep 1, 2015 10:56 PM in response to UGADog
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 1, 2015 10:56 PM in response to UGADog

    Okay, I now have iCloud Photos Library turned on. It says that my Mac is storing 15gb of photos and I have 3gb available in the iCloud. The only option for me is to purchase more iCloud space. Is this what I want to do? I do not need access to my photos from my phone. I'd prefer to periodically clear out my phone and have them all stored on my computer. But if I don't select the 99 cent per month option than it turns the iCloud storage back off.

  • by UGADog,

    UGADog UGADog Sep 1, 2015 11:05 PM in response to msgorun
    Level 4 (1,902 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 1, 2015 11:05 PM in response to msgorun

    Ok, I'm not remembering how I handled this clearly so bear with me.  I think before I turned on iCloud Photo Library I imported some photos to Photos manually.  I think I selected a collection in Aperture (should work the same with iPhoto) and dragged to the Photos app icon in the dock (row of icons at bottom of mac).  This resulted in a small, manageable Photos library.

  • by msgorun,

    msgorun msgorun Sep 1, 2015 11:32 PM in response to UGADog
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 1, 2015 11:32 PM in response to UGADog

    Ugh, I've made a mess and have pictures everywhere now. Looks like I'm going to spend the money and call Apple Support tomorrow. Thank you so much for trying to help!!!