Files failed to send from iPhone

JG 0 Reputation points
2026-11-10T21:12:48.21+00:00

When trying to send photos from iPhone to PC, the attached error message shows. So far have tried:

• Uninstalling and reinstalling Phone link / Link to windows apps on respective devices

• Toggling Bluetooth on and off, and removing Bluetooth devices / readding

• Checked for and installed software updates on both devices

When first installing these apps and attempting file transfer, files sent without a problem. However every time since then the error shows and cannot figure out why it hasn’t worked on subsequent transfers when nothing has been changed.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Connect Phone and PC
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  1. AI answer

    2026-11-10T21:13:10.9766667+00:00

    For this iPhone-to-PC scenario, use the built-in Windows Bluetooth transfer path and verify the receiving side is ready before sending. Since reinstalling Phone Link, re-pairing Bluetooth, and updating both devices were already tried, focus on Bluetooth file transfer readiness and Windows Bluetooth settings.

    1. On the Windows 11 PC, open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
    2. Under Related settings, select Send or receive files via Bluetooth.
    3. In Bluetooth File Transfer, select Receive files if the iPhone is sending to the PC. The PC must be waiting for the transfer before the iPhone sends the file.
    4. Make sure the iPhone is still paired, within range, and ready to send.
    5. Send the photo again from the iPhone.

    If Windows shows Bluetooth file transfer not completed, check these common causes:

    • The receiving device was not ready to receive files.
    • The device is not in range.
    • The device is not properly paired.
    • The device does not support the required Bluetooth file transfer protocol.

    If it still fails, try these Windows 11 troubleshooting steps:

    1. Run the automated Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
    2. Remove and re-add the Bluetooth device:
      • Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices
      • Find the device > More options (...) > Remove device
      • Select Add device and pair it again.
    3. Check file transfer readiness again by right-clicking the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar and selecting Receive a file.
    4. Change file sharing encryption if the other device does not support 128-bit encryption:
      • Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings
      • Expand All networks
      • For File sharing connections, select 40- or 56-bit encryption
    5. Reinstall the Bluetooth adapter driver:
      • Open Device Manager
      • Expand Bluetooth
      • Right-click the Bluetooth adapter > Uninstall device > Uninstall
      • Restart the PC
      • If needed, return to Device Manager > Bluetooth and select Scan for hardware changes
    6. Check Start > Settings > Windows Update and install available updates.
    7. Restart the PC.

    If the goal is specifically to move photos from iPhone to Windows, a USB import path is also supported and can avoid Bluetooth transfer issues:

    1. Connect the iPhone with a USB cable that supports file transfer.
    2. Unlock the iPhone.
    3. If prompted on the iPhone, select Trust or Allow.
    4. On the PC, open Photos.
    5. Select Import > connected device and follow the prompts.

    If iCloud is enabled and the photos exist in iCloud but not on the device, import to the PC using iCloud for Windows instead.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Hendrix-V 21,000 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-11-11T07:03:31.62+00:00

    Hi JG,

    You’ve already covered the main local troubleshooting steps, including reinstalling the apps, re-pairing Bluetooth, and installing available updates.

    At this point, I’d recommend submitting the failed transfer through Feedback Hub (Windows + F) and including the exact error message and the fact that transfers worked only immediately after the initial setup. That information can help with investigating behavior that persists after local troubleshooting.

    Please note that this is a user-to-user support forum. Moderators, contributors including external Microsoft employees cannot directly intervene in Microsoft product features or access back-end systems. Our role is limited to providing technical guidance on reported issues, requests, or ideas.

    For now, using a USB connection to import the photos is worth considering as a temporary workaround.

    I hope this points you toward a useful next step.

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