User profile for user: cynthia9900
cynthia9900 Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Missing photos from iPhone 7 to MacBook Pro

A couple of months ago, I started running into a problem when importing photos from my phone to Photos on my MacBook Pro. Most of the photos from my phone fail to appear when I select my device in Photos on the computer. I can import my videos and a couple of the pictures, but most of them simple don't show up as if they don't exist. My software on both devices is the latest and up to date and I'm able to import photos from my husband's iPhone 6s without any problem. Please help me figure out how to fix this!

iPhone 7, iOS 11.4, macOS High Sierra 10.13.5

Posted on Jul 8, 2018 3:46 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: jeremy_v
jeremy_v
User level: Community Specialist

Posted on Jul 10, 2018 11:04 AM

Hi cynthia9900!

I understand that you're unable to import some photos from your iPhone, and I'm happy to help. Please check to see if you have Optimize iPhone Storage enabled in Settings. If that is enabled, your photos are stored in iCloud rather than on your iPhone. To import the photos, you must turn off that feature to download the photos to your device.

Save space on your device

iCloud Photo Library keeps all of your photos and videos in their original, high-resolution version. You can save space on your device when you turn on Optimize Storage.

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

  1. Tap Settings > [your name] > iCloud. If you’re using iOS 10.2 or earlier, tap Settings > iCloud.
  2. Tap Photos.
  3. Choose Optimize [device] Storage.

On your Mac:

  1. Open the Photos app and click Photos in the menu bar.
  2. Click Preferences.
  3. Go to the iCloud tab and choose a storage setting.
iCloud Photo Library

Cheers!
View in context

Similar questions

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: jeremy_v
jeremy_v
User level: Community Specialist

Jul 10, 2018 11:04 AM in response to cynthia9900

Hi cynthia9900!

I understand that you're unable to import some photos from your iPhone, and I'm happy to help. Please check to see if you have Optimize iPhone Storage enabled in Settings. If that is enabled, your photos are stored in iCloud rather than on your iPhone. To import the photos, you must turn off that feature to download the photos to your device.

Save space on your device

iCloud Photo Library keeps all of your photos and videos in their original, high-resolution version. You can save space on your device when you turn on Optimize Storage.

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

  1. Tap Settings > [your name] > iCloud. If you’re using iOS 10.2 or earlier, tap Settings > iCloud.
  2. Tap Photos.
  3. Choose Optimize [device] Storage.

On your Mac:

  1. Open the Photos app and click Photos in the menu bar.
  2. Click Preferences.
  3. Go to the iCloud tab and choose a storage setting.
iCloud Photo Library

Cheers!
Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Missing photos from iPhone 7 to MacBook Pro

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up