If you have used Apple devices for a few years, chances are you have a big photo library stored in your iCloud. You may like to download all photos from iCloud if you wish to transfer them to your new Android phone or back them up on to a physical hard drive. It is also possible that you upgrade to a new iPhone and wish to have all your past pictures on it.
Whatever be your needs, here are easy steps to download photos from iCloud to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Windows PC. Now, on iOS devices, you can not selectively choose which photos you wish to download. However, if you are on a computer, you have the option to select and download specific images. Here are all the methods.
How to Download Photos from iCloud to your iPhone or iPad
Step #1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
Step #2. Tap on your name → iCloud → Photos.
Step #3. Next, Tap on Download and Keep Originals.
Now, all full-resolution photos will be downloaded inside the Photos app. Depending upon your internet speed and your photo library size, it may take considerable time.
How to Download Photos from iCloud to your Mac
Step #1. Launch the Photos app on your Mac.
Step #2. From top right, click on Photos → Preferences → iCloud tab.
Step #3. Check the box for iCloud Photos if not already. Now click on Download Originals to this Mac.
Once all images are downloaded, you may select and drag the pictures from the Photos app to your Desktop or a Folder.
How to Download Photos on Windows PC using iCloud for Windows
Step #1. Head over to this Apple Official page and click on Download.
Step #2. Install the iCloud for Windows software.
Step #3. Run the software and click on Options next to photos. Here make sure iCloud Photo Library is turned on.
Step #4. Click on the Windows icon from the bottom left and search for iCloud Photos and open it.
Step #5. From top left, click on Download photos and videos.
Note: Depending on your library size, it will take time to prepare.
Step #6. Click inside the box for All or select by year and click on Download.
The photos will be downloaded to C:\Users\your name\My Pictures\iCloud Photos\Downloads. Anytime, you may open the iCloud Photos app and click on Downloads to see all the pictures quickly.
How to Choose and Download Photos from iCloud.com on Mac and Windows PC
Step #1. Open a browser and go to iCloud.com
Step #2. Log in using your Apple ID and password.
Step #3. Click on Photos.
Step #4. Select one image or press and hold Command (⌘) on Mac and Ctrl on Windows to select multiple images.
Note: If you have less than 1000 photos, you may also select all by pressing Command (⌘) + A on Mac and Ctrl + A on Windows.
Step #5. Click on the download icon from the top right.
Your photos will be downloaded in a ZIP file. Now locate the downloaded file and double click on it to unzip. There you have it! You will see all photos inside a folder named ‘iCloud Photos.’
Signing off…
These were the easy ways to download iCloud photos to your various devices. One thing to note here is that for Mac and Windows, you can use both iCloud.com or the respective Photos and iCloud Photos app.
Once you download the photos on your iOS device, you may transfer it via AirDrop or cable to other devices. Similarly, after the download completes on your computer, you may back them up on an HDD/SSD or upload them to different photo and online storage services like Google Photos, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, etc.
You may also like to read…
- How to Add iCloud Email Account to Your Android Phone
- Steps to Share iCloud Drive Folders from iPhone and iPad
- How to Transfer Google Photos to iCloud Photos
What are your thoughts after reading this how-to, and do you have any other method? Share your ideas in the comments down below.
The founder of iGeeksBlog, Dhvanesh, is an Apple aficionado, who cannot stand even a slight innuendo about Apple products. He dons the cap of editor-in-chief to make sure that articles match the quality standard before they are published.