How to Transfer Photos from One iCloud Account to Another on PC/Mac, iPhone/iPad?

Transferring photos from one iCloud account to another can be essential when switching to a new iPhone or managing multiple accounts. Many users have questions about it. Here is a common question from the Apple Support Community:

"I have a lot of photos so do not want to use Airdrop. How can I export/import all my photos/videos from a work iCloud email iPhone to a personal iCloud email iPhone while maintaining the original size and metadata?"

To address this, this guide will cover several methods to help you transfer photos seamlessly while maintaining their quality and metadata. Whether you are using a PC, Mac, iPad or iPhone, we have you covered. Please keep reading.

Part 1: How to Transfer Photos from One iCloud Account to Another on PC/Mac

Using a PC or Mac to transfer photos between iCloud accounts is straightforward and efficient. This method ensures that all your photos are transferred while retaining their original quality and metadata. However, it requires manual intervention and sufficient storage space on your PC or Mac.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1. Get started.

• Open your web browser and go to iCloud.com.

Step 2. Download photos from one iCloud account.

• Log in with your source iCloud account credentials.
• Click on "Photos" to view your photo library.
• Select the photos you want to transfer.
• Click the download icon to save the selected photos to your computer. Ensure you have enough storage space for the photos.

Step 3. Upload photos to another iCloud account.

• Log out of your source iCloud account and log in with your destination iCloud account.
• Click on "Photos" and then click the upload icon to add the previously downloaded photos to your new iCloud account.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages:
  • Maintains original photo quality and metadata.
  • No additional software required.
  • Works on both PC and Mac.
• Disadvantages:
  • Manual process can be time-consuming for large photo libraries.
  • Requires sufficient storage space on your computer.
  • Internet speed may affect the download and upload process.

For users with a large number of photos, it's important to have a reliable and high-speed internet connection to minimize transfer times. Additionally, organizing the photos into smaller batches can help manage the process more effectively.

Part 2: How to Transfer Photos from One iCloud to Another on iPhone/iPad

2.1 How to Transfer iCloud Photos between iCloud Accounts via iCloud Photo Library

The iCloud Photo Library is a convenient tool to manage photos across different devices and accounts. Your photos will now start syncing to the new iCloud account (Tips: See what to do if iCloud photos not syncing >>). This method is seamless and integrates well with iPhone's native photo management system.

Follow these steps:

1. On your iPhone, go to "Settings" and tap on your Apple ID at the top.
2. Tap "iCloud" and then "Photos".
3. Ensure "iCloud Photos" is toggled on.
4. Sign out of the current iCloud account and sign in with the destination iCloud account.
5. Enable "iCloud Photos" for the new account.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages:
  • Seamless integration with iOS.
  • Automatically syncs photos without manual intervention.
  • Maintains photo quality and metadata.
• Disadvantages:
  • Requires stable internet connection.
  • May take a long time for large photo libraries.
  • Potential issues with iCloud storage limits.

It's worth noting that upgrading your iCloud storage plan can help accommodate large photo libraries and ensure a smoother transfer process. Additionally, checking the sync status regularly can help identify and resolve any issues promptly.

2.2 How to Transfer Photos from iCloud to iCloud via Shared Albums

Using Shared Albums is a user-friendly way to transfer photos. This method is ideal for transferring specific photo sets quickly and allows you to select which photos to share. It also provides an easy way to share photos with family and friends.

Here's how:

1. Open the Photos app and go to the "Albums" tab.
2. Tap the "+" sign and select "New Shared Album".
3. Give your album a name and invite your destination iCloud account.
4. Add the photos you want to share and confirm.
5. On the receiving iPhone, accept the invitation and download the shared photos.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages:
  • Easy to set up and use.
  • Allows selective sharing of photos.
  • Preserves photo quality and metadata.
• Disadvantages:
  • Limited to 5,000 photos per shared album.
  • Requires acceptance on the receiving end.
  • May not be suitable for very large photo libraries.

For users who need to transfer more than 5,000 photos, creating multiple shared albums can be a viable workaround. Additionally, this method allows for collaborative photo sharing and commenting, making it ideal for group events and family sharing.

2.3 How to Transfer Pictures from One iCloud to Another via Airdrop

Airdrop can transfer photos wirelessly between Apple devices. This method can be time-consuming for large photo libraries and may not be ideal for transferring thousands of photos. However, it is useful for transferring smaller batches quickly without needing an internet connection.

Here's the process:

1. Ensure both iPhones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
2. Open the Photos app on your source iPhone.
3. Select the photos you want to transfer and tap the share icon.
4. Select "Airdrop" and choose the destination iPhone.
5. On the destination iPhone, accept the Airdrop transfer.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages:
  • Direct transfer without internet.
  • Maintains photo quality and metadata.
  • Quick for small batches of photos.
• Disadvantages:
  • Time-consuming for large libraries.
  • Requires both devices to be in close proximity.
  • May fail if interrupted.

For large transfers, consider splitting the photos into smaller batches to ensure smoother transfers. Additionally, make sure both devices are fully charged to avoid interruptions during the transfer process.

Bonus: How to Move Photos from iCloud Backup to Computer

For those looking for an alternative to iCloud, Coolmuster iCloud Backup Recovery offers a powerful solution. This method offers a reliable and efficient way to move your photos without relying on iCloud, especially useful for large photo libraries.

Coolmuster iCloud Backup Recovery is a comprehensive tool for retrieving photos and other data from iCloud backups. Here's why it stands out:

• Versatile Compatibility: Works with iOS devices, Windows.
• High Transfer Speed: Quickly retrieves data from iCloud backups.
• Maintains Quality: Ensures original quality and metadata are preserved.
• User-Friendly: Intuitive interface that's easy to navigate.

Download and install Coolmuster iCloud Backup Recovery:

Free Download for PC

How to Transfer Photos from iCloud to Windows PC via Coolmuster iCloud Backup Recovery

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages:
  • Fast and efficient for large photo libraries.
  • No need for internet connection.
  • Maintains photo quality and metadata.
• Disadvantages:
  • Requires installation of third-party software.
  • Both devices need to be physically connected to the computer.

Coolmuster iCloud Backup Recovery also supports recovering other types of data, such as messages, contacts, and documents, making it a versatile tool for managing your iOS backups.

Conclusion

Transferring photos from one iCloud account to another can seem daunting, but with the right methods and tools, it can be done efficiently and effectively. Whether you choose to use iCloud Photo Library, Shared Albums, Airdrop, etc, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Consider your specific needs, such as the number of photos and available storage, to choose the best method for you.

We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to reach out to us or consult the official support resources.

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