Symptoms
- Fewer files appear on the destination than were on the source
- Files were copied from a phone, camera, or SD card
- Copy process seemed to complete without errors
- Missing files are a specific type, like videos or RAW photos
Likely causes
- CommonTransfer was interrupted or cancelled before finishingA dropped connection partway through leaves some files uncopied.
- CommonFiles are sorted into subfolders by date the file browser is collapsing or hidingCamera and phone folder structures can bury files several levels deep.
- PossibleA file type filter in the transfer app excluded certain formatsSome apps only show or copy photos by default, skipping video files.
- PossibleSource device's storage has a duplicate or hidden folder structure (like DCIM/.thumbnails)This can make it look like files are missing when they're just organized differently.
- PossibleFiles were actually deleted from the source after transfer by an auto-delete settingSome phone/camera transfer tools offer to delete originals after copying.
What to do
- Recheck the source device to see if the original files are still there.
- Open the destination folder in a plain file browser rather than a photo app, since apps sometimes filter what they display.
- Search the destination drive for the specific file extensions (like .mp4, .mov, .raw) in case they were sorted elsewhere.
- Redo the transfer using a basic file copy (drag and drop) instead of an automated import tool to rule out filtering.
- Check if the transfer app has an 'import only photos' or similar setting that excluded videos.
- If files are missing from the source too, use file recovery software before doing anything else on that device.
When to call a pro
If the original files are also gone from the source device, stop using it and get file recovery help rather than continuing to transfer or format it.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.