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To copy photos from a Samsung Galaxy phone to a Windows PC, connect the phone with a data-capable USB cable, allow access on the phone, choose Transferring files/Android Auto if prompted, then copy photos from Internal storage > DCIM > Camera in File Explorer. A cable that only charges cannot transfer files.
Copy photos from a Samsung phone to a Windows PC with USB
The USB method lets you choose files in File Explorer and copy them into a folder on your PC. Samsung’s step-by-step guide is for Australian variant devices, so menu names or availability may differ by model, region, and software version. Samsung’s USB transfer guide was updated October 7, 2026.
- Connect the Galaxy phone to the PC using a data-capable USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-A to USB-C cable, depending on the ports available.
- If the phone displays a prompt asking to allow access to phone data, tap Allow.
- If no prompt appears, swipe down from the top of the phone screen to open the notification panel. Tap the USB notification and select Transferring files/Android Auto.
- On the PC, open File Explorer, select the phone, and open Internal storage.
- Open DCIM > Camera. Select the photos you want, then copy and paste or drag them into a folder on the PC.
- Wait until the copy operation finishes before disconnecting the phone.
Where to look if a photo is not in Camera
The Camera folder commonly contains photos taken with the phone’s camera, but downloaded or app-shared images may be stored elsewhere. In the phone’s Gallery app, open the image’s details to see its file path, then follow that path under the phone’s internal storage in File Explorer. Samsung gives Download/Quick Share as an example of another location.
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Choose the transfer method that fits
| Method | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| USB and File Explorer | Manually copying selected files into a chosen PC folder | Needs a data-capable cable, phone access permission, and the correct USB mode. |
| Smart Switch for PC or Mac | Backing up a Galaxy phone or transferring data as part of moving to a new Galaxy | It is a backup or migration workflow, not a substitute for browsing DCIM and picking individual files in File Explorer. Samsung lists photos and videos among its supported content. Requirements listed are Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.9 or later; Chromebooks are not compatible with Smart Switch for PC. Samsung Smart Switch requirements and transfer details. |
| Link to Windows and Phone Link | Convenient access to recent phone photos and videos from Windows | Samsung US says Phone Link can display up to 2,000 recent photos and videos. Menus and availability vary by device, software version, and region; managed work devices may restrict features. |
| Bluetooth | Occasional wireless sharing | Samsung cautions that Bluetooth transfers may be slow and unreliable. |
| Cloud or removable storage | An alternative when USB is unavailable or when keeping a separate backup | Specific setup steps depend on the service or storage device. |
Samsung’s overview of Galaxy-to-Windows file sharing describes these alternatives and notes that features can vary. Smart Switch is not required for a straightforward USB copy.
#1 Best Overall
ZeroneTeck USB C Data Cable 20Gbps 3FT, USB C 3.2 Gen 2X2 4K@60Hz Video UHD
- 【Latest Version USB C 3.2 Gen 2 Cable】ZeroneTeck latest USB C for Thunderbolt cable: ①This 20Gbps USB C to USB C data cable is capable of meeting your ultra-fast data transfer needs. ②USB C to USB C monitor cable support 4K@60Hz Ultra HD video output ③In addition, this Type c to Type c cable also has a faster than normal 60W data cable with 100W ultra fast charging. Makes it easy for you to solve all your problems with just one cable.
- 【20Gbps USB C Data Cable】USBC to USBC data transfer cable provides explosive transfer speed up to 20Gbps, connect hard drives and SSDs, Also suitable for phone to laptop data transfer, transfer large files in seconds and save you more work time. Meanwhile, USBC to USBC 3.2 gen 2 20gbps data transfer cable backward compatible with USB 3.1, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.(*Note: Maximum speeds are achieved when both upstream and downstream devices are Thunderbolt 3/4 interfaces.)
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Fix a Samsung phone that charges but does not appear in File Explorer
- Try a data cable. Some cables provide power only. Swap in a cable that supports data transfer.
- Connect directly to the PC. Try a different USB port on the computer rather than connecting through a hub.
- Check the phone’s USB mode. Open the notification panel, tap the USB notification, and choose Transferring files/Android Auto.
- Look for the access prompt. If the phone asks whether to allow access to its data, tap Allow.
- Check the file’s location. If it is not in DCIM > Camera, use Gallery’s image details to find the path and browse to that folder in Internal storage.
When wireless access makes more sense
If you only need to view or retrieve recent pictures, Link to Windows and Phone Link may be more convenient than manually copying folders. For occasional wireless sharing, Bluetooth is another option, though Samsung warns it can be slow and unreliable. These options do not follow the same manual folder-selection workflow as USB. See Samsung’s file-sharing options for Galaxy and Windows for feature and availability caveats.
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Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Cable Matters 20Gbps USB C to USB C Monitor Cable, 6ft / 1.8m
- 20Gbps Data Transfer: This USB C data cable (USB C 3.2 Gen 2x2 cable) supports blazing-fast 20Gbps data transfer for fast file transfers, high-speed storage access, and external drive connections. This USB C 3.2 Gen 2 cable / USB-C data cable ensures reliable performance and is backward compatible with earlier USB-C versions.
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- 240W Power Delivery: This 240W USB C display cable charges laptops, tablets, and phones with up to 240W. The USB C to USB C video cable for monitor (USB C to USB C data cable) supports devices like iPad Pro, Google Pixel 2/3XL, OnePlus 2/3, HTC 10, Huawei P9, LG G5, Nexus 6P, and Galaxy S9/S9+, S8/S8+, Note 9/Note 8 when used with a USB Type C charger, USB C power adapter, or USB C car charger.
- Broad Monitor & Dock Compatibility: This USB C to USB C monitor cable works with USB-C monitors and docks such as Dell U2520D, P2720DC, U2721DE, U2719DC, and HP E273d, E24d G4, E223d, E27d G4—delivering smooth video output and charging.
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Rank #4
Sale
Silkland 40Gbps USB 4 for Thunderbolt 4 Cable 4FT, 240W PD3.1, 8K/Dual 4K
- 【Up to 40Gbps Data Sync】Delivers up to 40Gbps high speed transaltion, 4x faster than USB 3.2 cable, 2x faster than previous generation USB4 cable. It can copy 10GB files in seconds, avoid waiting, and effortlessly get everything you want. Plug and play, no drive needed.*The final performance depends on whether your device supports USB4, Thunderbolt 4/3.
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Anker 240W USB C to USB C Cable for Thunderbolt 4/3, USB4 40Gbps, 3.3ft
- Move Files Fast: Transfer music, movies, or entire seasons of TV shows in seconds at 40 Gbps.
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- What You Get: Anker 515 USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB4, 3.3ft), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #2
LDLrui USB C to USB A 3.1 Gen 2 Data Cable, 3ft, 1-Pack, Black
- [ Excellent Performance ] This USB C 3.1 cable connects a portable external USB C 3.1 SSD to a computer for speedy file transfer or syncs and charges Samsung smartphones or tablets equipped with the USB C port. Data synchronization is 20 times faster than USB 2.0 cables (480Mbps). (Does not support video output.)
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- [ Extreme Durability & High Quality ] : Unique ABS case with the reinforced connector withstand 10000+ bending test. Durable TPE cable not only stay tangling-free but also flexible enough to be wrapped up and put in a bag ! (PS:The connector shell is wrapped around by a piece of plastic film to protect the shell from scraching ,feel free to remove the film when you use it.)
- [ Universal Compatibility ] This USB C to USB A Charger cable is Compatible with almost all USB-C devices. For Samsung Galaxy S24/S24+/S24 Ultra/S23/S23+/S23 Ultra/S22/S21/S20/S10/S9/Note 20/10/A70/A80/A90/A54, iPhone 16/16 Plus/16 Pro/16 Pro Max, iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 9/8/7/6/5/, Moto G9/G8/G7/G Pure, LG G7/G6/V50, Sony XZ, Bose 700, GoPro, Nintendo switch, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, iPad Pro 2018 11''/12.9", Samsung T7/T5, Crucial X8/X6, LaCie Rugged SSD, G-Drive, WD My Passport, Seagate Fast, SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD etc. (OnePlus phones are not supported.)
- [ What You Get ] 1 X Super-Fast USB-A to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable (3 ft including both ends), our worry-free LIFETIME WARRANTY and friendly customer service. NOTE: If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to serve you and give you an easy and pleasant shopping experience.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
