Getting your photos and videos from iCloud is a straightforward process, achievable across various devices. Whether you prefer using the Photos app, exploring Shared Albums, or accessing iCloud.com, there’s a method tailored to your needs. This guide provides comprehensive instructions for downloading your iCloud content.
A person is selecting photos on an iPhone.
Downloading iCloud Photos Using the Photos App via Settings
This method allows you to download and keep original copies of your photos and videos directly to your device.
On iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Settings app and tap on your name.
- Select iCloud, then tap on Photos.
- Choose Download and Keep Originals. This ensures full-resolution images are stored on your device.
On Mac:
- Launch the Photos app.
- Navigate to Photos > Settings.
- Select the iCloud tab and click Download Originals to this Mac. Your original photos and videos will be downloaded.
Accessing Photos from iCloud Shared Albums
Shared Albums offer a convenient way to access photos and videos shared by others. You can also download these to your own device.
On iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Photos app and scroll down to Shared Albums.
- Select the desired album.
- Tap the photo or video you want to download, then tap the Share button.
- Choose Save Image or Save Video.
On Mac:
- Open the Photos app and select a Shared Album from the left-hand menu.
- Select the photo or video you wish to download.
- Control-click the photo or video and choose Import. This adds the selected media to your personal photo library.
Downloading from iCloud.com
iCloud.com provides a web-based interface for accessing and downloading your photos and videos.
On iPhone or iPad:
- Go to iCloud.com/photos and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Tap Select, then choose one or more photos or videos. Use Select All to download your entire library.
- Tap the More button (represented by three dots).
- Choose Download. For more control over the download format, tap More Download Options. This presents choices like: Unmodified Originals, Highest Resolution, or Most Compatible. Select your preferred option.
- Tap Download to begin the process.
On Mac or PC:
- Visit iCloud.com/photos and sign in using your Apple ID.
- Click on individual photos or videos to select them. To select multiple files, hold the Command key (Mac) or Control key (PC) while clicking.
- Click the Download button in the upper-right corner. Alternatively, click More > More Download Options to choose between Unmodified Originals, Highest Resolution, or Most Compatible formats.
- Click Download to initiate the download.
Downloading your precious memories from iCloud ensures you have local copies readily available, regardless of internet connectivity. Choose the method that best suits your device and workflow to safeguard your photo and video collection.
