import-iphone-media 0.1.1

Import photos and videos from your iPhone to your computer via USB.

import-iphone-media

Command-line tool for direct USB import of photos and videos from iPhone. Preserves original timestamps, skips duplicates, and uses a database for tracking. No iCloud, iTunes sync, or deletion.

This project is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Inc. ‘iPhone’ is a trademark of Apple Inc.

Quick Start

1. Connect iPhone via USB.
   (On Windows: iTunes or the Apple Devices app must be installed and running.)

2. Unlock iPhone and confirm "Trust" if prompted.

3. Install:

   # Using uv (recommended)
   uv tool install import-iphone-media
   
   # Using pip
   pip install import-iphone-media
   

4. Import media:

   import-iphone-media ~/Pictures
   

Features

• USB transfer; no iCloud/internet needed.
• Preserves file timestamps.
• Skips files already imported (uses DB).
• Filenames: YYYY-MM-DD_HH-MM-SS_ORIGINALNAME.JPG
• Cross-platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
• Read-only: does not delete or modify on iPhone.

Installation

Requirements

• Python 3.9+
• iPhone & USB cable
• Windows: iTunes/Apple Devices app running (for drivers)

Install

# Using uv (recommended)
uv tool install import-iphone-media

# Or pip
pip install import-iphone-media

Usage

Run import-iphone-media with the destination folder.

import-iphone-media ~/Pictures/iPhoneBackup

Options (see -h):

usage: import-iphone-media [-h] [--dcim-path DCIM_PATH] [--db-path DB_PATH]
[--include-extensions EXT1,EXT2,...] [--verbose]
output

output Destination directory

Options:
-h, --help Show help
--dcim-path DCIM_PATH iPhone directory to scan (default: /DCIM)
--db-path DB_PATH Path to database (default: media.db in output)
--include-extensions EXT1,EXT2,...
Comma-separated file extensions (default: jpg,jpeg,png,mov,mp4,heic)
--verbose Verbose output

How It Stores Files

• Files are saved in the specified directory with filenames:
  YYYY-MM-DD_HH-MM-SS_ORIGINALNAME.JPG
• media.db tracks imported files and avoids duplicates.
• No files are deleted or modified on the iPhone.

Troubleshooting

• No device found: iPhone must be unlocked and trusted.
• Windows: Ensure Apple software is running for drivers.
• Reconnect: Try unplug/replug or different USB port.
• Restart: Restart iPhone or computer if persistent issues.
• Linux: If permission errors, use sudo or set udev rules.

Development

1. Clone:

   git clone https://github.com/artificiadrian/import-iphone-media.git
   

2. Install deps:

   cd import-iphone-media
   uv sync
   

Acknowledgements

• pymobiledevice3
• rich