Syncing photos from your iPhone to your iMac allows you to back up your precious memories and easily access them on a larger screen. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to sync photos using the Finder app on macOS. We’ll cover syncing from both the Photos app and specific folders, offering options for customizing your photo syncing process.
A person using an iMac with an iPhone connected
Using Finder to Sync Photos
Before you begin, ensure your iPhone is connected to your iMac using a USB cable or over Wi-Fi (see Apple’s guide on setting up Wi-Fi syncing if needed). Also, remember that if you use iCloud Photos, your photos are already synced automatically across your devices. This method is for users who prefer not to use iCloud Photos.
Step-by-Step Syncing Process:
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Open Finder and Select Your iPhone: Click the Finder icon in the Dock and select your connected iPhone from the sidebar. If your iPhone isn’t showing up, troubleshoot connection issues using Apple’s support resources.
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Navigate to the Photos Tab: In the Finder window displaying your iPhone information, click the “Photos” tab.
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Enable Photo Syncing: Check the box that says “Sync Photos to your device from.” This will activate the dropdown menu allowing you to choose the source of the photos you want to sync.
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Choose Your Photo Source: Select “Photos,” “Pictures,” or a specific folder from the dropdown menu, depending on where your photos are stored.
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Select Specific Photos or Albums (Optional):
- From the Photos App: Choose to sync “All photos and albums” or select specific albums by checking the boxes next to them. You can filter by “Albums” or “People” for easier navigation.
- From a Folder: Choose “All folders” within the selected directory or specific folders by checking the boxes next to their names.
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Customize Syncing Options:
- Include Videos: Check “Include videos” to sync videos along with your photos.
- Sync Only Favorites: When syncing from the Photos app, check “Only favorites” to sync only photos marked as favorites.
- Sync Photos from a Specific Time Period: Select the “Automatically include photos from” checkbox and choose a time period to sync photos taken within that timeframe.
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Apply the Changes: Once you’ve configured your desired settings, click “Apply” to begin the syncing process.
A person using an iMac with an iPhone connected
Removing Synced Photos
To remove synced photos, simply uncheck the albums or folders you no longer want to sync and click “Apply.” Remember, deleting synced items from your iMac will also remove them from your iPhone on the next sync. To safely disconnect your iPhone, click the eject button next to its name in the Finder sidebar.
By following these steps, you can effortlessly manage and sync your photos between your iPhone and iMac, ensuring your cherished memories are always accessible. For automatic syncing, explore the options in Finder’s settings.
