Solve iPhone DCIM Folder Not Showing or Empty on the PC Issues

In this blog post, we are set to talk about a subject that is very closely related to the issues of the iPhone device.

In particular, we are to deal with the ‘iPhone DCIM folder empty‘ or ‘iPhone DCIM folder not showing‘ predicament, which has a lot of users going up the wall when face-to-face with this particular issue.

Of late, scores of iPhone customers have reported serious issues of Apple’s iPhone DCIM folder being empty concern or the iPhone DCIM folder not showing on the PC.

Before solving it, you must be acquainted with the DCIM folder on the iPhone device.

What Is the DCIM Folder on iPhone?

Identical to most Smartphone devices, the iPhone device stockpiles the captured photos via the camera in a certain folder known as DCIM. The word DCIM is a short form for Digital Camera Images.

Consequently, when you want to access your photos on the iPhone device via the PC, you must look out for this particular folder. Digital Camera Images have several subfolders which contain the pictures.

We have, thus, listed two very viable parts within this article to sort out the subject matter. Follow the parts below to deal with the issue.

Besides, click to figure out how to fix iTunes cannot locate the CD configuration folder.

Reasons for iPhone DCIM Folder Not Showing or Empty on PC

There are several potential reasons behind the iPhone DCIM folder not showing or appearing empty on your PC. Let’s explore some of the common causes:

1. USB Connection and Cable Issues: Faulty or loose connections between your iPhone and the computer, or a damaged USB cable, can prevent the DCIM folder from appearing correctly.
2. Trust the Computer Setting: If you haven’t authorized your computer to access your iPhone data, the DCIM folder might not be visible.
3. Outdated Software: Using outdated versions of iTunes or iOS on your iPhone can lead to compatibility issues, resulting in the DCIM folder not showing up.
4. Software Glitches: Temporary software glitches or conflicts can cause the DCIM folder to appear empty or not show at all.
5. Privacy and Location Settings: Incorrect privacy settings related to photo access and location permissions can prevent the DCIM folder from displaying on your PC.
6. iCloud Photos Sync: If you have enabled iCloud Photos sync on your iPhone, it may affect the visibility of the DCIM folder on your computer.
7. Third-Party Software Interference: Certain third-party software or antivirus programs can interfere with the recognition of the DCIM folder on your PC.

---

#1: iPhone DCIM Folder Empty way out

Sometimes, you can access an iPhone DCIM folder on the PC, yet it is made known as empty.

Do not worry; you can still quickly solve this issue by following these simple steps. More often than not, this dilemma is related to the lock on the iPhone device.

Steps to Fix the Problem of iPhone DCIM Folder Empty

Step 1: At the outset, install the iTunes app on the PC since it is required to become aware of the connected device and fix any compatibility issues.

Step 2: Then, ensure that the iPhone device is truly unlocked while joining it to the PC. If it is not, then in all likelihood, you will get the problem of ‘iPhone DCIM folder empty.’

For that reason, it is advocated that you unlock the iPhone device and then plug it in with the USB cable to connect it to the PC.

Step 3: Subsequently, you will be prompted to trust your connected iPhone if you join it to the PC as a first-time attempt. Make certain to accept the request.

Following these viable steps, you will soon be able to access the PC’s iPhone DCIM folder.

If you are bothered with the com.apple.mobilephone error 1035,  you can try this tool too.

---

#2: iPhone DCIM Folder not showing the way out

Aside from the mentioned problem above of showing the iPhone DCIM folder empty error, iOS users can also experience a concern where the DCIM folder itself will not be made known on the PC in any way.

While this problem seems appalling, you can normally secure it by doing a few simple steps, such as changing the USB cable, reinstalling the iTunes app, etc.

Steps to Fix the Problem of iPhone DCIM folder not showing

Step 1: You can start by connecting your iPhone device to the PC via a USB cable.

Step 2: Then, access the Device Manager on the PC and find the option of Universal Serial Bus controllers. Find the Apple Mobile USB Driver and delete it as soon as you are there.

Step 3: The next move is to uninstall the iTunes app from the Control Panel. To fully uninstall it from the PC, you will have to uninstall the following programs:

• Bonjour
• Apple Mobile Device Support
• iTunes
• Apple Software Update
• Apple Application Support

What’s more, rub out any location-specific shortcut folders on your PC’s Local Disk (C:).

Step 4: Then unplug the iPhone device and then reinstall the iTunes app all over again. Download and launch the most up-to-date version from the iTunes official website when possible.

As soon as you have reinstalled the iTunes app, connect the iPhone device for a second time to the computer. The iPhone DCIM folder ought to shop up until after these given steps.

#3: Update iTunes and iOS

Outdated software versions can lead to compatibility issues, causing the iPhone DCIM folder to not show up on your PC. Follow these steps to update your software:

1. On your computer, open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
2. Connect your iPhone to the computer using the USB cable.
3. In iTunes (or Finder), select your iPhone.
4. Check for any available updates for iTunes. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
5. On your iPhone, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update.”
6. If a software update is available, download and install it on your iPhone.
7. Restart both your iPhone and PC after the updates are complete.
8. Check if the DCIM folder is now visible on your PC.

#4: Restart Your iPhone and PC

Restarting your devices can help resolve temporary glitches or conflicts that may be causing the DCIM folder issue. Follow these steps to restart:

1. Disconnect your iPhone from the computer.
2. Turn off your iPhone by pressing and holding the power button until the “slide to power off” slider appears. Slide it to power off your iPhone.
3. On your computer, click the “Start” menu (Windows) or the Apple menu (Mac), and select “Restart” or “Shut Down.”
4. Wait for a few seconds, then turn on your iPhone and PC.
5. Reconnect your iPhone to the computer and check if the DCIM folder appears on your PC.

#5: Reset Location & Privacy Settings

Incorrect privacy settings related to photo access and location permissions can prevent the DCIM folder from displaying on your PC. To reset these settings, follow these steps:

1. On your iPhone, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Reset.”
2. Select “Reset Location & Privacy” and enter your passcode if prompted.
3. Confirm the reset by tapping “Reset Settings.”
4. Reconnect your iPhone to the computer and check if the DCIM folder now shows up on your PC.

#6: Disable iCloud Photos Sync

If you have enabled iCloud Photos sync on your iPhone, it may be causing conflicts with the visibility of the DCIM folder on your PC. To disable iCloud Photos sync, follow these steps:

1. On your iPhone, go to “Settings” > “[Your Name]” > “iCloud” > “Photos.”
2. Toggle off the “iCloud Photos” option.
3. Connect your iPhone to the computer and check if the DCIM folder appears on your PC.

#7: Use Third-Party Software

If the above solutions don’t resolve the issue, you can try using third-party software specifically designed for managing iPhone media files. Some popular options include iExplorer, DearMob iPhone Manager, or AnyTrans. Download and install the software on your computer, follow the instructions provided, and see if it helps in accessing the DCIM folder.

Conclusion

Encountering an empty or non-existent DCIM folder when connecting your iPhone to a PC can be a frustrating experience. However, by following the solutions mentioned in this article, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively.

Remember to check the USB connection and cable, trust the computer on your iPhone, update iTunes and iOS, restart your devices, reset location and privacy settings, disable iCloud Photos sync if necessary, and utilize third-party software if all else fails. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.

FAQs

1. Why is my iPhone DCIM folder not showing on my PC? There can be various reasons for this issue, such as USB connection problems, trust settings, outdated software, privacy settings, or conflicts with iCloud Photos sync.
2. How can I fix the iPhone DCIM folder not showing on my PC? Try checking the USB connection and cable, trusting the computer on your iPhone, updating iTunes and iOS, restarting your devices, resetting location and privacy settings, disabling iCloud Photos sync, or using third-party software.
3. Is there any specific software to manage iPhone media files? Yes, there are several third-party software options available, such as iExplorer, DearMob iPhone Manager, or AnyTrans, which can help you manage iPhone media files and potentially resolve the DCIM folder issue.
4. What should I do if none of the solutions work? If you have tried all the solutions provided in this article and are still unable to resolve the issue, it is recommended to contact Apple Support for further assistance.
5. Can I recover my photos if the DCIM folder is not showing on my PC? If the DCIM folder is not visible on your PC, you can try using data recovery software specifically designed for iPhones to recover your photos. However, it is crucial to consult professional data recovery services or Apple Support for guidance in such situations.