Facing Please Unlock iPhone When Importing Image? Here're 6 Proven Solutions

How can I import photos to Mac without it asking 'Please Unlock iPhone' ?

It is not a pleasing experience if you face issues like “Please Unlock iPhone” while importing images to Photos app on your Mac, even when your iPhone is already unlocked. It is a loop that keeps irritating you and is not easy on the nerves. 

If you have tried everything like locking and unlocking your iPhone, disconnecting and reconnecting it to the Mac, resetting device settings, and are still clueless, you should follow the solutions below to fix the unlock iPhone to import photos error. Let’s have a look at the problems and fixes in detail. 

Part 1: Why does it Say Please Unlock iPhone when Trying to Import Photos?

One reason you will see the message “Please Unlock iPhone” to import photos is because of the passcode that is protecting your iPhone. In this case, every time you want to import photos from your iPhone, it will ask you to enter a password to unlock it. 

There are several proven solutions we have discussed below. Follow them to fix this issue.

Part 2: [6 Proven Solutions] How to Fix Please Unlock iPhone Photos Error?

There are multiple ways to fix the “Please Unlock iPhone” error. Let’s have a look at the fixes in detail.

Way 1: Upgrade your Mac to the Newest Version

One of the simplest and easiest ways to fast fix the “Please Unlock iPhone” error is by upgrading your Mac to the latest version. Have a look at the steps below to do so.

Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Software Update.

Following these steps will manually update your Mac to the newest version.

Way 2: Switch another USB Ports and Cable

Sometimes, the USB port and cable we use to connect iPhone to the Mac cause this issue. A bad-quality cable is also the reason behind this issue. You should replace them and switch to newer ones to fix the “Please Unlock iPhone” message in the photos. 

Way 3: Hard Restart iPhone

Hard resetting your iPhone is another way if the photos are stuck on please unlock iPhone. Follow the steps below to hard restart your iPhone. 

Step 1: Hold the Home and Power keys simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

Step 2: Release the keys and wait while the device is set up. 

Step 3: Enter your Password to Log In. 

Way 4: Update or Reinstall the Apple Mobile Device Driver

The Apple mobile device driver is also important when you want to fix the “Please Unlock iPhone” error. You should update or reinstall the device driver by following the steps below. 

For Windows Users:

Step 1: Unlock your iPhone screen, disconnect and reconnect it to your computer, ensuring the iTunes app is off.

Step 2: Go to Device Manager.

Step 3: Look for your device, Right-Click on it, and select Update Driver. 

For Mac Users:

Step 1: Unlock your iPhone screen, and connect it to your Mac via USB.

Step 2: Press the Option Key and click the Apple Menu. 

Step 3: Scroll down and click USB. 

Step 4: Install the latest update of macOS if your iPhone is listed. 

Downloading and updating the latest Apple mobile device driver will fix the “Please Unlock iPhone” error while importing photos.

Way 5: Backup Photos to this Mac, not iCloud 

By default, the Finder’s backup setting is set to “Back up your most important data on your iPhone to iCloud.” For this reason, you should change the Finder’s backup settings to backup on this computer. Follow the steps below to do so.

Step 1: Unlock your iPhone and connect it to your Mac via USB.

Step 2: Open Finder to pair your device to it and click your device. 

Step 3: In the General tab, check Backup all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.

Way 6: Delete the Corrupted Lockdown Folder Files

When you tap on the Trust option whenever Mac asks you to do, it creates files in the lockdown folder. These files get corrupted somehow. For this reason, you’ll see Finder asking you to unlock your iPhone when it is already unlocked. You must delete the corrupted lockdown folder. Doing this will recreate files every time you tap on Trust. 

Let’s have a look at the steps below to do so.

Step 1: Disconnect your iPhone from the Mac.

Step 2: Go to > private > var > db> lockdown. (Finder won't show it. Copy and paste the path after pressing Shift+Command+G for the go-to option.)

Step 3: Delete the folder named Lockdown.

Step 4: Connect your iPhone to your Mac after unlocking it. 

The above-discussed are some of the proven solutions that you can follow to fix the “Please Unlock iPhone” error while importing images. 

3. How to Unlock iPhone to Transfer Photos?

You can implement several solutions if you are facing issues like “Please Unlock iPhone” when importing images to your Mac. However, you might get frustrated if your phone is locked. But don’t worry, one of the best and most reliable ways to fix this issue is by using PassFab iPhone Unlocker. Let’s have a look at some of its features.

How to unlock iPhone to fix the "Please Unlock iPhone"error while importing images using PassFab iPhone Unlock?

Part 4. FAQ about Importing Photos

Q1: Why won’t my iPhone let me import pictures?

There are some reasons why iPhone won’t let you import pictures. Let’s have a look at them. 

1. Your iPhone has reached the photo storage limit. 
2. You didn’t enable photo importing in your device settings. 

Q2: Why can not I transfer photos from iPhone to PC?

The following are why you cannot transfer photos from your iPhone to your PC.

Step 1: Using unnecessary cables or software. 

Step 2: The configuration of your iPhone is not set to allow the transfer of photos to a PC.

Step 3: Lastly, there might be connectivity issues between your iPhone and PC.

Q3: Why won’t my iPhone allow me to import pictures?

The reason behind iPhone not allowing you to import pictures is because of the photo storage limit on your device. If your iPhone has reached the maximum storage limit, it won’t allow you to import pictures. Secondly, the import photo settings on your iPhone might not be enabled. This can also result in a photos not importing issues. 

Q4: How to enable photo import on iPhone?

You must ensure to turn on your iCloud Photo Library to enable photo import on your iPhone. Follow the steps to do so. 

Step 1: Go to Settings > Photos

Step 2: Turn On iCloud Photo Library. 

Doing this will enable importing photos in your iPhone’s photo app. 

Final Words

The “Please Unlock iPhone” error while importing images is one of the most irritating issues you must have faced. Your iPhone will keep on showing this message even being unlocked.. And we have discussed 6 proven solutions for you to fix this error. In addition, if you fail to import photos because of locked screen, PassFab iPhone Unlocker can help you overcome this issue quickly. It is the most reliable and effective tool to fix this issue while importing images. Hope this article is helpful for you.

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