How to Access Photos on iCloud

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to access your photos across devices using Apple's cloud-based solution.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using iPhone or iPad

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a gray app that contains gears (⚙️) and is typically located on your home screen.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the top section in the Settings menu that contains your name and image if you've added one.
    • If you are not signed in, tap Sign in to (Your Device) , enter your Apple ID and password, then tap Sign In .
    • If you are running an older version of iOS, you may not need to do this step.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the second section of the menu.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's near the top of the "APPS USING ICLOUD" section.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It will turn green. Photos you take on your device, as well as existing photos in your Camera Roll, will now be saved to iCloud.
    • If you'd like to save storage space on your device, tap Optimize iPhone Storage to store smaller versions of photos on your device.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Any new photos you take with your device will now sync to all that devices on which you've signed in with your Apple ID when they're connected to Wi-Fi.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the main button below the screen of the iPhone. This will return you to your main home screen.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a white app with a multicolored flower icon.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the top of the screen. All of your iCloud photos are now accessible in your Photos app.
    11. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using iCloud on the Web

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Go to iCloud . Use a Web browser on your desktop computer.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Do so in the labeled fields.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the icon with the multi-colored flower in the top row of apps.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the upper-left corner of the screen, under the "Albums" section. You've now accessed all your photos using iCloud.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using a Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a white app that contains a multicolored flower icon.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-16-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-16-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the top of the screen.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The photos displayed in this album include all the photos in your iCloud Photo Library.
    4. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-19-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-19-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-19-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-19-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • You must have iCloud for Windows installed and you must be signed in with your Apple ID. Be sure it's configured correctly to sync with your iCloud Photo Library.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-20-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-20-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-20-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-20-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-21-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-21-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-21-Version-2.jpg\/aid6688985-v4-728px-Access-Photos-on-iCloud-Step-21-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • Any new photos or videos added to your iCloud Photo Stream will appear here.
    5. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Depending on your devices' settings, any changes you make to photos in iCloud may automatically update across all devices signed into iCloud.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Easily Access iCloud on iPhone, Mac, PC, Android, & More
      Access iCloud Photos from Your Windows PC Using the Website or App
      4 Simple Ways to Delete Messages from iCloud Storage
      How to
      Change Your iCloud Email (Apple ID) on iPhone, iPad, & Desktop
      3 Simple Ways to Delete Apps from iCloud
      How to
      Sign in to iCloud on iPhone, iPad, Mac, & Windows
      4 Simple Ways to Create a New iCloud Email Address
      3 Easy Ways to Turn Off and Unsync iCloud Music Library
      How to
      Bypass iCloud Activation Lock
      How to
      Sign Out of iCloud on iPhone or iPad: Step-by-Step Tutorial
      Reasons Why Backup Takes So Long + How to Fix It
      3 Quick Ways to Disable iCloud
      How to
      Easily Delete Items from iCloud on Your Phone, Tablet, or Computer
      How to
      Retrieve Passwords from iCloud
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 122,687 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement