[5 Ways] How to Transfer Photos from iCloud to Android

This guide aims at offering you detailed instructions on how to transfer photos from iCloud to Android. If you want to sync iCloud photos to Android easily, the five methods in this guide are exactly what you need.

Demi by Demi Updated December 4, 2023
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When switching from an iPhone to an Android phone, it's crucial to ensure the safe transfer of your iCloud photos to your new device. Preserving the photographs stored on our phones as cherished memories is of utmost importance during this upgrade process, and users can open HEIC files on Android.

transfer photos from icloud to android

In this article, we will explore three straightforward methods to transfer photos from iCloud to Android. With 5 methods in this guide, you can leave behind any concerns about sharing iCloud photos to your Android device. Get ready to discover just how simple it is to access your iCloud photos from your new Android device.

Part 1. Transfer photos from iCloud to Android with iCloud clients

The most direct way to get iCloud photos to Android is to utilize the iCloud clients on three different platforms: Windows, Mac. And Android browser.

Way 1. Using iCloud for Windows

To download your iCloud photos to your PC, you have the option to use either the iCloud for Windows software or access the iCloud website. Once you have downloaded the photos to your PC, you can proceed with transferring them to your Android device. However, it's important to note that this method can be time-consuming and cumbersome.

Step 1. Download iCloud for Windows and run the installation > Check Photos > Navigate to its Options...

check photos on icloud

Step 2. From the prompt window, activate iCloud Photo Sharing and iCloud Photo Library features.

options

Step 3. Right-click the iCloud icon in the system tray > Click the Download Photos button under the iCloud Photos category.

download photos from icloud for windows

Step 4. Then, your iCloud photos will be saved in the default location like Windows directory/Users/[Username]/Pictures/iCloud Photos.

Step 5. Finally, connect your Android phone to computer, and copy and paste these photos to your Android device.

Way 2. Using iCloud Photos on Mac

If you have a Mac and want to transfer photos from iCloud to your Android phone, the process is not as straightforward as connecting your Android phone to a Mac directly. Instead, you'll need to rely on a third-party service like Android File Transfer. Here are how to transfer photos from iCloud to Android using iCloud Photos on Mac.

Step 1. On your Mac, launch the iCloud software > Enable the iCloud Photo Library option > Click Photos icon.

Step 2. Select All Photos from the left side to see all the photos > Choose the pictures you want to save and click download icon to save them to your Mac.

Chances are that you cannot get wanted photos from Mac iCloud Photos, you may need this guide: Photos not Showing Up in iPhoto/Mac? Try These Fixes

download from icloud photos

Step 3. Download and install Android File Transfer on your Mac > Connect your Android to Mac, it will detect the connected device automatically.

Step 4. Navigate to the location where your downloaded iCloud photos are saved and drag and drop them into the file system of your Android device.

icloud photos to android on mac

Way 3. Visiting iCloud web on Android

If you dislike using computer and wonder how to transfer photos from iCloud to Android without computer, you may go to the iCloud website and download the iCloud photos you want to your Android phone.

Step 1. On your Android phone, open a web browser and open the iCloud website > Sign in with your iCloud account and password.

go to icloud web

Step 2. Go to the Photos option on the home screen > Choose the images (or albums) to transfer and click the download icon.

Step 3. Accept the download request and wait for the selected photos to be saved on your Android phone.

Part 2. One-click iCloud photos to Android transfer tool -FoneTool

If you have been accustomed to using AirDrop to share files between your iOS devices, you might be wondering if it's possible to airdrop Android to iPhone and vice versa using a similar wireless method.

Fortunately, the FoneTool app provides a solution that allows for seamless photos transfer from an iPhone to an Android device. Make sure your iCloud photos are all saved on your iPhone and follow these steps to transfer photos from iPhone to Android:

Step 1. Download FoneTool from App Store on both Android phone and iPhone. Open FoneTool on Android phone and iPhone and allow the tool to use WLAN. (No need to connect to a Wi-Fi, just need to turn on the Wi-Fi option.)

Step 2. On two devices, go to Connect Device > Tap Connect to Android on iPhone, and Connect to iOS on Android > Scan the QR code on Android phone using your iPhone.

connect to ios

Step 3. On your iPhone, Go to File Transfer Photos to choose the photos you’d like to send to Android > Click Send to make it.

choose photos

Step 4. On your Android phone, tap Confirm on the prompted page to receive the files. When it is finished, you can go to the Photos app to have a check.

tap confirm photos

Part 3. Transfer photos from iCloud to Android via Google Photos

To transfer photos from iCloud to your Android phone, one effective approach is to obtain a copy of your iCloud photos and then transfer them to Google Photos. Follow the step-by-step guide to accomplish it.

Before you begin
• Make sure all your wanted iCloud photos are saved on iPhone.
• Two-factor authentication should be enabled on your Apple ID.
• You must have a Google account and have enough storage space in your Google account.
• Note: Photos saved in the shared album, live photos, photo stream contents, and photos/videos not saved on iCloud will not be transferred to Google Photos.

Steps to transfer photos from iCloud to Android via Google Photos
Step 1. Go to Apple’s Data and Privacy login page > Sign in to your iCloud account.

Step 2. Locate Transfer a copy of your data, and click Request to transfer a copy of your data.

transfer a copy of your data

Step 3. From the drop-down option, choose Google Photos > Then, check the box Photos.

Step 4. Confirm the required storage space > Sign in to the Google account to transfer the iCloud photos to Android.

sign in google account

Step 5. Finally, validate the details and press the Confirm Transfer. Wait for the process to finish, and you can go to your Android phone to have a check.

Summary

In conclusion, there are several options available to suit individual preferences when it comes to transferring iCloud photos to Android devices. Whether you use iCloud clients on Windows/Mac/Android, third-party transfer tool, or Google Photos, hope you have found the one that suits you best.

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