How to Transfer Photos from One iPhone to Another: 4 Easy Methods

Upgrading to a new iPhone is always exciting. You get the latest features, a faster processor, and an even better camera to capture your memories. But before you dive into enjoying your new device, there’s a crucial step: transferring all your precious data from your old iPhone, especially your photos. Losing years of photos during a phone upgrade is a common worry, but thankfully, Apple offers several seamless ways to transfer your photos from one iPhone to another.

Whether you’re looking to move everything across or just your photos, this guide will walk you through four straightforward methods to ensure your memories make it safely to your new iPhone.

Simple Ways to Transfer Your iPhone Photos

Here are four methods you can use to transfer photos from one iPhone to another:

iCloud Backup: Transfer all your data, including photos, by restoring from an iCloud backup.
iPhone to iPhone Transfer (Quick Start): Move all data wirelessly without using iCloud.
AirDrop: Selectively transfer just the photos and videos you want.
iCloud Link: Share a link to a group of photos for easy transfer.

The first two methods are ideal when you’re setting up a brand new iPhone and want to replicate everything from your old device. They transfer all your data, ensuring your photos, contacts, apps, and settings are exactly as you left them. AirDrop and iCloud Link are perfect for when you only need to transfer specific photos or share pictures with friends and family who also use iPhones.

Before You Begin: Declutter Your Photo Library

Photos often take up significant storage space on iPhones. Before transferring thousands of images to your new device, it’s a good idea to declutter your photo library. Removing unnecessary photos like duplicates, blurry shots, and screenshots can speed up the transfer process and keep your new iPhone organized.

Consider using a photo management app like CleanMy®Phone to quickly identify and delete unwanted photos. This can save you storage space and make managing your photos much easier on your new iPhone.

Method 1: Transfer Photos from iPhone to iPhone Using iCloud Backup

iCloud backup is a reliable and effective way to transfer all your data, including photos, to a new iPhone. It’s a comprehensive method that mirrors your old iPhone on your new one, making it feel instantly familiar. Both iPhones need to be connected to the internet and signed in to the same Apple ID for this method to work.

Steps on your Old iPhone (Preparing the iCloud Backup):

Open the Settings app.
Tap on your Apple ID banner at the very top.
Select iCloud.
Scroll down and tap on iCloud Backup.
Tap Back Up Now.
Wait for the backup process to complete. The time it takes depends on your internet speed and the amount of data on your iPhone.

iCloud Backup settings on old iPhone before transferring photos

Ensure your old iPhone is powered off or set aside once the backup is complete.

Steps on your New iPhone (Restoring from iCloud Backup):

Turn on your new iPhone.
Follow the on-screen setup instructions.
Ensure your new iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
When you reach the Apps & Data screen, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Select the most recent backup you just created from your old iPhone.

The restoration process will begin, downloading all your apps, data, and photos onto your new iPhone. This may take some time, depending on the size of your backup. Once completed, your new iPhone will be a mirror image of your old one, complete with all your photos.

Method 2: Transfer Photos to New iPhone Without iCloud (Quick Start)

For users running iOS 11 or later, Apple offers a faster, direct device-to-device transfer method called Quick Start. This method doesn’t rely on iCloud and wirelessly transfers all your data directly from your old iPhone to your new one.

Steps for iPhone to iPhone Transfer:

Turn on your new iPhone and place it right next to your old iPhone.
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices (usually on by default).
The Quick Start screen will automatically appear on your old iPhone. Tap Continue.
An animation will appear on your new iPhone. Hold your old iPhone over the new one and center the animation in the viewfinder.
Wait for a message saying “Finish on New iPhone”.
Enter your old iPhone’s passcode on your new iPhone when prompted.
Set up Face ID or Touch ID on your new iPhone following the instructions.
Tap Transfer from iPhone to begin the data transfer.

Keep both iPhones close together and connected to power until the transfer is complete. A progress bar will be displayed on your new iPhone. Once done, all your data, including photos, will be on your new device.

Method 3: How to Transfer Photos from Old iPhone to New iPhone via AirDrop

AirDrop is Apple’s built-in wireless file transfer service, perfect for selectively transferring photos and videos. It’s ideal when you only want to move specific photos or share them quickly with another iPhone user nearby.

Steps to AirDrop Photos:

On your new iPhone, open Settings.
Tap General.
Select AirDrop.
Choose Everyone to ensure your new iPhone is discoverable by your old iPhone for the transfer. You can change this back to “Contacts Only” or “Receiving Off” later for security.

AirDrop settings on new iPhone to receive photos

On your old iPhone, open the Photos app.
Select the photos you want to transfer. Tap Share button (the square with an arrow pointing upwards).
Look for AirDrop options in the share sheet. Your new iPhone’s name should appear as an available AirDrop recipient.
Tap on your new iPhone’s name.

Sharing photos via AirDrop from old iPhone

On your new iPhone, tap Accept when you receive the AirDrop notification.

The selected photos and videos will be saved to your Photos app on the new iPhone.

Method 4: How to Transfer Multiple Photos from iPhone to iPhone with iCloud Sharing Option (iCloud Link)

iCloud Link is another convenient way to share a selection of photos using iCloud, especially useful when you want to transfer a larger number of photos without transferring your entire iCloud library. It creates a shareable link to your chosen photos.

Steps to Use iCloud Link:

On your old iPhone, go to the Photos app.
Select the photos you wish to transfer.
Tap the Share button.

Sharing options in Photos app on old iPhone

From the share options, choose iCloud Link.
An iCloud link will be generated. Tap Copy Link.

Creating iCloud link to share photos

Send the link to your new iPhone. You can use Messages, email, or any other messaging app.
On your new iPhone, open the link.
You will be directed to iCloud.com in your browser where you can view and download the shared photos to your new iPhone.

This method is quick and efficient for transferring multiple photos without needing to backup or restore your entire device.

Get Ready to Enjoy Your Photos on Your New iPhone

Transferring photos from one iPhone to another is a straightforward process thanks to Apple’s user-friendly features. Whether you choose to transfer everything via iCloud Backup or Quick Start, or selectively move photos using AirDrop or iCloud Link, you can ensure your precious memories are safely moved to your new iPhone. Remember to declutter your photo library before transferring to keep your new device organized and running smoothly.

And if you’re also managing photos on your computer, explore how to move photos from an iPhone to a Mac for a complete photo management solution.