The DCIM folder is missing when attempting to view camera images from my computer (2024)

FAQs

The DCIM folder is missing when attempting to view camera images from my computer? ›

Way 1: Connect Your Camera to your PC Directly

If iTunes is not installed properly on your computer, this will prevent the computer from connecting with your iPhone and may cause the DCIM folder is empty on your computer. > Outdated device software system or outdated iPhone Drivers, system glitches or bugs can also cause DCIM folder to show empty on PC.

Where is DCIM folder on Android? On Android, DCIM folder is located in the internal memory of the smartphone while on camera it is usually saved in the camera SD card. You can also set your Android to save all the recorded pictures and videos of DCIM in the SD card, SDXC, microSD etc., used in the device.

DCIM (Digital Camera Images) is a preinstalled folder on your Android device. When a picture is taken digitally, we save it as pixel values in the memory of a digital device such as a computer, mobile phone, or memory card. JPEG, PNG, and DCIM are some of the most often used storage formats.

You might not have enabled the permissions for Google Photos to automatically back up your photos and folders to Google Photos. A technical glitch in your phone or Google Photos might prevent it from backing up the photos. You might need to clear the caches to see photos and folders on Google Photos.

If the DCIM folder shows empty on your Android phone and if it is saved on the Android internal storage, the best way to restore the DCIM folder with all files on your Android phone is to apply the best Android data recovery software for help.

The DCIM/Camera folder is the default used by the camera app and doesn't normally contain images from other apps or screenshots. If any of these appear in the camera folder, then the device maker or app provider is saving in the wrong place. These third-party folders should be saved to Pictures.

No one can delete DCIM folder, that is not allowed. The DCIM folders fall under the internal storage of the iPhone. However, it is possible to view the photos in order to save the photos elsewhere and/or delete them. If you 'empty' all DCIM folders, you cannot delete them either.

Way 1: Connect Your Camera to your PC Directly

Step 1: Connect your camera to the computer with a USB cable. Step 2: Press Win + E to open File Explorer on the computer. Step 3: Wait for a few seconds, and you will find a new drive appeared. Step 4: Double-click on it and you'll see the DCIM folder.

Why are my camera photos not showing in the gallery? ›

Fix 6: Clear the Accumulated Cache of the Camera App

This can cause issues like the pictures taken with the camera don't save in Gallery. Though, you can easily fix this by visiting your Android phone's Settings > Apps > Camera and tapping on the “Storage” or “Manage Storage” option.

Confirm your camera is connected. Make sure no other apps currently access your camera. If you have more than one camera installed, make sure the camera you want to use is set to active. Confirm you have the most recent version of Google Meet.

Update or Reinstall Device Drivers: Your computer might not be recognizing your camera because the drivers are not installed or need to be updated. You can do this by opening the Device Manager, locating your device, double-clicking it to open its properties, clicking the Driver tab, and then clicking Update Driver.

You may need to delete applications from third party installations, one by one to see what may be causing the symptom. If the files are not visible via a safe boot or with third party applications installed, again, try connecting the phone via usb cable to a computer to see if you can see the files.

This is most likely because your PC does not recognise the HEIC format. In 2017, Apple began using the High Efficiency Image Container (HEIC) format in iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra. This format allows for smaller file sizes than JPG or PNG.

Update the software on all your devices

On your PC you might also need to update iTunes, update Apple Devices, and update drivers.