[Full Guide] 5 Best Ways on How to Download Photos from iCloud

Part 1: How to Download Photos from iCloud to iPhone

One of the oldest iOS apps, iCloud was designed to store your essential files in times of need and you can also get them downloaded when you need them again. When we talk about photos, iCloud provides a special feature for that specific purpose known as iCloud Photo Library. Basically, you can use this feature to download or transfer the existing photos to your iPhone or other devices where iCloud has been activated with your own account. So, you can either download photos from iCloud to iPhone or directly access them through the iCloud website. The following steps will show you how you can quickly download photos from iCloud to your iPhone.

• First, activate the Photo Library feature from the Settings of your iPhone. Go to Settings, then iCloud and then again proceed to Photos. Find and activate iCloud Photo Library.
• 2. Now, tap on the option "Download and keep original".
• 3. After that you can easily launch the Photos app on your iPhone to see the photos, iCloud Photo Library will sync the data automatically.

This method of downloading photos from iCloud is very simple but effective. You can get a copy of the downloaded photo but the original is safe in the photo library.

Part 2: How can you Download Individual Photos from iCloud via iCloud.com

Do you have one or a lot of photos stored in your iCloud account but you want to download photos from iCloud safely? iCloud can help you download or get access to single or multiple photos. Here's how you can do it:

• First of all, this method is applicable on Mac, PC or any other supported device.
• 2. Begin with opening a browser on your device and type www.icloud.com.
• 3. After the website opens, you can sign in with your Apple ID.

• 4. Once you are signed in, click on the Photos icon in the website.

• 5. Click on a photo you wish to download.
• 6. After the photos get loaded on the screen, click on the top right corner of the screen, there is a download button available.

• 7. You have to repeat the process for every photo you want to download.

There you have it, this way you can download photos directly from iCloud.com. The procedure is same on any web-browser so, it really does not matter where you are downloading your photos, it's basically the same.

Tip: How to Select Multiple Pictures on iCloud.com for Downloading?

• You can select multiple photos by holding down the CTRL key on your keyboard if you use Windows computer or the COMMAND key in Mac, and then clicking the photos you want to select.

• If you think it troublesome to select multiple photos on iCloud one by one，there is another method. That is, switch to the “Moment” view. Then, select a batch of photos according to the moment.

Part 3: How can you Download all iCloud Photos to PC with iCloud for Windows

iCloud Photo Library is undoubtedly one of safest places to keep your photos but most of the users want some sort of insurance in case something happens to their beloved pictures, which could be the reason behind their need to download iCloud photos to PC. Now, the procedure to get all the photos all at once is very simple. Have a look:

• 1. Go to Settings on your iPhone, and then navigate to iCloud. Open Photos and activate iCloud Photo Library.
• 2. On your PC, download and install the iCloud for Windows software.
• 3. Now launch the tool and enter the iCloud account with your Apple ID and password.
• 4. After you have logged in successfully, select "Options" just beside "Photos".
• 5. Turn on iCloud Photo Library.
• 6. Go to your Windows Explorer and find the iCloud Photos folder.
• 7. Tap "Download photos and videos", and select the photos.
• 8. You can select all or choose the years respectively.
• 9. Once all of them are selected, you can click "Download".
• 10. Now, open the Downloads folder inside the iCloud Photos folder and you will get access to your iCloud photos right away.

This is a simple process and the photos can be found inside the Downloads folder. You can also change the location when you are downloading the files.

Part 4: How can you Download iCloud Photos to Mac

If you operate a Mac device then your best option is to download the photos on that device before transferring them to another server. This way you can also keep a copy of your Photo Library on your Mac. The procedure to get your photos out from iCloud to Mac is as follows:

• 1. Assuming, you have the iCloud Photo Library feature activated on your iPhone.
• 2. Open Photos on your Mac, then click on "Photos".
• 3. After that, navigate to Preferences.
• 4. Now, go to iCloud and enter the iCloud account with the help of your Apple ID and password.
• 5. Activate iCloud Photo Library and select the "Download the originals to this Mac" option.
• 6. Now, you can close the Preferences and select the Photos.
• 7. You can press "Command+A" to select all the photos or simply tap on any photo you want.
• 8. Then click on File and click on Export.
• 9. When you are exporting the photos, you can select any one among the two options; Export Unmodified Original or Select Export items.
• 10. Finally, select a destination folder and tap Export.

That's it! This way you can download all photos from iCloud to your Mac device easily. Though it's not an easy process to execute, it is effective nonetheless.

Part 5: The Easiest Way to Download Photos from iCloud Backup to PC/Mac

Tenorshare UltData is a third-party tool which is used by users all over the world to restore iCloud backup and even to restore deleted data. The selective recovery feature of this tool is a boon for users who want to get pictures out of their iCloud backup. Yes, you heard it right; this stellar software will also let you download pictures from iCloud backup very easily and that too selectively. The tool is supported both on Windows and Mac as well. The transfer speed is amazing and there is no chance of data loss. So, if you have a Windows PC or a Mac, don't worry, just follow the procedure mentioned below:

1. Start by downloading and installing the Tenorshare UltData on your computer, click on the "Recover from iCloud backup file" on the main window. Then log-in to iCloud with your Apple ID.

2. After you have logged in you can choose a backup that contains your photos and click on "Next".

3. Select "Camera Roll & Videos" and "App Photos" options under the "Photos & Videos" tab then click on Next for scanning and downloading.

4. After the download is completed, select the required photos you need and just tap on "Recover".

Well, your goal to download photos from a backup ends here. Yes, it is that easy! The selective feature is a great add-on to this amazing software.

Conclusion

Overall, these are the best ways to get your iCloud photos to your respective devices. All of these methods are tried and tested and works as it should if done right! Choose the one according to your need and follow the instructions carefully. We hope it will educate you and solve all your iCloud photo downloading issues.

In our opinion, if you want to know the best method here, we highly recommend you to go for Tenorshare UltData. Keep in mind, except UltData, every option here is wireless and that involves a certain risk of data loss and slow transfer speeds. So, its better you go for the safest option! It is quite simply the best way to get your iCloud photos as it comes with great features and offers the most simple yet effective download method both on your PC and Mac.