How to download photos from iCloud (iOS, Mac OS, PC Windows, and Web Browser)

Downloading your photos from iCloud is a great way to make sure you have a safe, local copy of your memories.

Whether you're using an iPhone, Mac, or Windows PC, Apple gives you a few simple ways to access and save your entire photo library. You can choose to download full-quality images directly to your device or export them for backup or sharing.

With just a few steps, your favorite moments can be right where you want them — no internet needed. This guide will walk you through each method, clearly and simply.

📱 How to Download iCloud Photos on iPhone or iPad

✅ Goal: Download all original-resolution photos from iCloud directly to your iPhone/iPad.

Step 1. Connect to Wi-Fi and Ensure You Have Enough Storage

• Make sure you're connected to a strong Wi-Fi network.

  

• Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage — you need enough space to store all originals.

Step 2. Enable iCloud Photos

• Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos.

• Toggle Sync this iPhone/iPad to ON.

• Ensure Optimize iPhone Storage is NOT selected.

• Select Download and Keep Originals.

Step 3. Wait for Download to Complete

• Your iPhone will start downloading full-resolution photos.

• Leave your phone plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi overnight if you have thousands of photos.

Step 4. Transfer Photos If Needed

• Use AirDrop, Files app, or connect to a computer via USB to export photos.

📝 Notes:

• Photos app does not have a "download all" button — the system handles it automatically when you choose “Download and Keep Originals”.

• Check progress in Photos > Library and look for loading icons.

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💻 How to Download iCloud Photos on a Mac

✅ Goal: Download all your iCloud photos onto your Mac for backup, editing, or transfer.

Step 1. Open System Settings

• Go to Apple Menu > System Settings (or Preferences).

• Click Apple ID > iCloud.

Or you can scroll down on the left side and click iCloud. Both will get you to the same place.

But for the purpose of this article, we will continue with the first option.

Step 2. Enable iCloud Photos

• Click iCloud > Click Photos.

Then make sure Sync this Mac is toggled On. Click Done when finished.

• Then go to the Photos app > Settings (or Preferences).

• Make sure Download Originals to this Mac is selected.

Step 3. Let the Photos App Sync

• Open the Photos app.

• It may take time for all images to sync and download (hours to days depending on size).

• Keep your Mac plugged in and awake.

Step 4. Export the Photos (Optional for External Backup)

• In Photos app, press Command + A to select all.

• Click File > Export > Export [X] Photos.

  

  • Choose format (JPEG, PNG, etc.).

  • Choose quality and file naming options.

  • And then click Export

• You will then be asked to choose a folder for the files to be downloaded to (e.g., Desktop or external drive).

• Once selected, click Export

💡 Pro Tip: If you're using macOS Ventura or later, you can check download progress by going to Photos > Library > Days and watching the cloud icons disappear.

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🪟 How to Download iCloud Photos on a Windows PC

✅ Goal: Access and download all your iCloud photos to your Windows machine.

Step 1. Download and Install iCloud for Windows (Best for Full Library Download)

• Go to: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204283

• Download and install iCloud for Windows.

Step 2. Sign In

• Open iCloud and log in with your Apple ID.

Step 3. Enable Photos Sync

• Check Photos and click Options.

• Enable iCloud Photos.

• Click Apply.

Step 4. Open iCloud Photos Folder

• In File Explorer, go to This PC > iCloud Photos.

• Click on Downloads to see photos that have been synced.

• You can also copy-paste them elsewhere (e.g., external drive).

Step 5. Wait for Full Sync

• Depending on your photo library size and internet speed, this could take time.

• You can manually select photos in File Explorer and drag them to another folder.

🔔 Note: This method works best for small to medium batches. iCloud.com limits how many files you can download at once.

✅ How to Download Photos from iCloud on a Web Browser (Mac or PC)

Option 1: Using iCloud.com (Mac)

Step 1. Go to the iCloud website

Open your web browser and go to: https://www.icloud.com

Step 2. Sign in to your Apple ID

Use the same Apple ID that your iPhone or iPad uses. You might need to enter a 2-factor authentication code sent to your device.

Step 3. Click on “Photos”

Once logged in, you'll see a grid of apps. Click the Photos icon (a multicolored flower).

Step 4. Browse and Select Your Photos

You can scroll through your library.

* To select one photo: click on it.

* To select multiple: hold Command (Mac) while clicking.

* To select a range: click the first photo, then hold Shift and click the last one.

Step 5. Click the Download Button

Look at the top-right corner — click the Download icon (a cloud with a down arrow).

* On some browsers, it may immediately download.

* If it asks about keeping original or compatible format, choose Most Compatible if you want JPEG files.

Step 6. Find Your Photos in Your Downloads Folder

Your photos will appear in your computer’s Downloads folder (or wherever your browser saves downloads).

Option 2: Using iCloud.com (PC)

Step 1. Visit iCloud.com

• Go to https://www.icloud.com/photos.

Step 2. Sign In

• Use your Apple ID.

• Complete 2-factor authentication if prompted.

Step 3. Select and Download Photos

• Use Ctrl + A (Windows) or manually select batches of photos.

• Click the Download icon (cloud with arrow).

• Photos download as .zip file. Unzip to access them.

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📝 Notes:

• You can only download up to 1,000 photos at a time from the web version.

• For full albums or large libraries, using the Photos app on Mac or iCloud for Windows might be easier.

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🧠 Summary Table