How to Get Photos from One iPhone to Another: 4 Simple Ways

Upgrading to a new iPhone is exciting, but ensuring your precious photos make the move with you is crucial. Whether you’re switching to the latest model or gifting your old iPhone to a family member, transferring your photos seamlessly is a top priority. This guide outlines four straightforward methods for How To Get Photos From One Iphone To Another, ensuring you don’t lose any memories in the process.

Method 1: Transfer All Photos Using iCloud Backup

iCloud backup is a comprehensive method to move all your data, including photos, from one iPhone to another. This is ideal when you want to replicate your entire old iPhone onto your new device. Both iPhones need to be associated with the same Apple ID and have iCloud enabled.

To begin, create an iCloud backup on your old iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on your Apple ID banner at the top.
3. Select iCloud.
4. Scroll down and tap iCloud Backup.
5. Tap Back Up Now.
6. Wait for the backup to complete. The time taken will depend on your internet speed and the amount of data being backed up.

Once the backup is finished and your old iPhone is off or set aside, power on your new iPhone. Follow the on-screen setup instructions until you reach the Apps & Data screen.

1. Turn on your new iPhone and follow the setup steps.
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network when prompted.
3. On the Apps & Data screen, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
4. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
5. Select the most recent backup from the list.

Your new iPhone will now restore from the iCloud backup, transferring all your data, including photos, apps, settings, and more. This process may take some time, so ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and power.

Method 2: Quick iPhone to iPhone Transfer Without iCloud

For a faster transfer process that doesn’t rely on iCloud, Apple offers a Quick Start method. This direct device-to-device transfer is available on iPhones running iOS 11 or later and is a very efficient way to transfer photos from one iPhone to another.

1. Turn on your new iPhone and place it right next to your old iPhone.
2. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
3. The Quick Start screen will appear on your old iPhone, offering to use your Apple ID to set up your new iPhone. Tap Continue.
4. An animation will appear on your new iPhone. Hold your old iPhone over the new one and center the animation in the viewfinder.
5. Wait for the ” Finish on New iPhone” message.
6. Enter your old iPhone’s passcode on your new iPhone when prompted.
7. Set up Face ID or Touch ID on your new iPhone, following the instructions.
8. Tap Transfer from iPhone to start transferring your data. Keep both iPhones close together and connected to power until the transfer is complete.

Once the transfer is done, your new iPhone will have all the data from your old iPhone, including all your photos, without needing an iCloud backup.

Method 3: AirDrop Photos from One iPhone to Another Selectively

If you only need to transfer specific photos or a smaller selection of images, AirDrop is an excellent option. AirDrop allows you to wirelessly send photos and videos directly from one iPhone to another.

First, configure AirDrop on your new iPhone to receive photos:

1. On your new iPhone, open the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Select AirDrop.
4. Choose Everyone or Contacts Only to configure who your new iPhone can receive AirDrops from. Setting it to “Everyone” makes it discoverable by nearby Apple devices.

Next, send photos from your old iPhone using AirDrop:

1. On your old iPhone, open the Photos app.
2. Select the photos you want to transfer. Tap Share button (the square with an arrow pointing upwards).
3. In the Share Sheet, look for the AirDrop section. Your new iPhone should appear as an available device (if AirDrop is set to “Everyone” or if both iPhones are using the same Apple ID and “Contacts Only” is selected).
4. Tap on the name of your new iPhone.
5. On your new iPhone, tap Accept in the AirDrop notification to receive the photos.

The transferred photos will be saved in the Photos app on your new iPhone. AirDrop is a quick and easy method for selectively transferring photos and videos.

Method 4: Share Photos via iCloud Link for Targeted Transfer

iCloud Sharing, specifically using iCloud Links, offers another way to transfer multiple photos. This method is useful when you want to share a set of photos without transferring your entire library and is a simple way on how to get photos from one iPhone to another by sharing a link.

1. On your old iPhone, go to the Photos app.
2. Select the photos you wish to transfer.
3. Tap the Share button.
4. From the share options, choose iCloud Link.
5. An iCloud link will be generated. Tap Copy Link.
6. Send the copied iCloud Link to your new iPhone. You can use Messages, email, or any other messaging app to send the link to yourself or directly to your new iPhone.
7. On your new iPhone, open the iCloud Link.
8. Tap the Download icon (usually a download arrow or button) to save the shared photos to your device’s Photos app.

Using iCloud Link is a convenient way to transfer a batch of photos without needing both devices to be physically close during the transfer process.

Conclusion

Transferring photos from one iPhone to another is a straightforward process with multiple options available. Whether you choose to transfer everything using iCloud Backup or Quick Start, selectively AirDrop photos, or use iCloud Links for specific albums, Apple provides user-friendly methods to ensure your photos are safely moved to your new device. Choose the method that best suits your needs and enjoy your photos on your new iPhone.