Alex Ruben
How To Move Photos and Videos Into Files App on iPhone: The Complete Guide
Moving photos and videos from your iPhone’s Gallery into the Files app can seem straightforward, but sometimes it gets weird. Maybe the files don’t show up after, or the process feels clunky. It’s actually pretty useful for keeping your media organized, especially if you want quick access without cluttering the Photos app. Plus, freeing up space on your device isn’t a bad idea. So, here’s a rundown that’s helped with a few tricky situations — no fancy tools, just the built-in options.
How to Fix Photos and Videos Not Showing Up in Files App on iPhone
Method 1: Use the Share Sheet to Save to Files
Start by opening the Photos app — that’s where all your media lives. Tap on Select at the top right, and pick the photos and videos you want to transfer. Sometimes, user reports say, if you select multiple large files at once, they don’t always save properly, so keep an eye on how many you’re transferring at once.
After selecting your files, tap the Share icon (that little box with an arrow pointing up). Scroll down the share sheet until you see Add to Files. It’s sometimes hidden below other options, so swipe up within the share menu to find it. This part is crucial — on some setups, it just plain doesn’t pop up unless you scroll.
Choose your destination — either iCloud Drive or On My iPhone. If the folder you want isn’t there, no worries, tap New Folder and create one right then. Hit Save, and that’s usually it. Occasionally, the files don’t appear immediately — a quick restart of the Files app can help or refreshing the folder view.
Method 2: Use the Files App Directly to Import Media
This one’s a bit more manual, but more reliable on some setups. Open the Files app first, then navigate to the folder where you want your media. Now, go back to Photos, select your files, and tap Share.
Instead of adding directly, choose Save to Files from the share options. You’ll see a prompt to pick your folder, or create a new one, and then the files get saved underneath. Not sure why it works differently sometimes, but on a few devices, this method just sticks better.
Fixing Things When Files or Photos Don’t Show Up
One local issue I’ve run into a couple of times: the Files app doesn’t display new media instantly. Usually, a quick force close of the app (swipe up and close it completely) and reopening helps. Also, make sure you have enough storage in the destination folder — because of course, iOS has to make that a problem at the worst moment.
If, after all that, the transfer still looks funky, try restarting your iPhone. Sometimes, a simple reboot refreshes the system caches that cause files to appear missing. Also double-check that your iPhone’s iOS is up to date — early versions can be more glitchy with file handling.
Wrap-up
Getting your photos and videos into the Files app on iPhone isn’t rocket science, but it’s not always straightforward either. The key is knowing where the options hide and that sometimes a little refresh or restart clears up the weirdness. Once the files are in Files, they’re easier to organize, share, or back up. Just keep in mind that bigger files may take a moment or need some patience during transfers.
Summary
- Use the share sheet and look for Add to Files.
- Choose the right folder — iCloud or local.
- If files are missing, restart the Files app or your phone.
- For bigger files, expect some delay or reruns.
Fingers crossed this helps
Honestly, it’s kind of annoying how inconsistent it can be, but once you get the hang of where things are hiding, it’s doable. No fancy third-party apps needed — just some patience and knowing where to look. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours of frustration for someone or at least gets one update moving in the right direction.