Easy Ways to Send Photos from Computer to Phone: Android & iPhone

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Wired and wireless solutions for transferring images to your phone
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Do you want to move photos from your computer to your phone? Luckily, there are many options for you to choose from, and use what fits you best. For example, if you don't want to deal with the hassle of wires, you can use Quick Share, Google Photos, or iCloud.

Easily & Quickly Transfer Photos from Computer to Phone

If you want to transfer photos wirelessly, the easiest way is to use a cloud service like Google Photos or iCloud. To transfer photos while plugged in, you can use File Explorer on PC, iTunes on a PC with an iPhone, or Finder on Mac.

Method 1
Method 1 of 8:

Using Google Photos

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  1. Go to https://photos.google.com/ . This will open a page with your phone's photos if they are backed up.
    • You may first have to sign into your Google account with your email address and password if this is your first time opening Google Photos.
    • You can use Google Photos on Android or iPhone, Windows or Mac. While it's easier for Android phones to use Google Photos, iCloud is seamless for iPhone users.
  2. This plus button is in the top right corner of the browser page and will open another menu. [1]
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  3. It's the first option under the "Add photos" header. Clicking this will cause Finder (Mac) or File Explorer (Windows) to open.
  4. Click and drag your mouse across a group of pictures you want to select or hold down Ctrl (Windows) or ⌘ Command (Mac) and click each picture you want to select individually.
  5. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window.
    • Once your photo uploads in Google Photos on your computer, you can then open the Google Photos app on your phone to see it. You will need to log in if you aren't, and you need to make sure that your computer and mobile are synced. To do that, there are a few places for you to check:
      • iPhone & iPad: Tap your profile picture or initials in the top right corner of the app and check the backup status. If it's off, you need to turn it on in Settings > Backup > On .
      • Android: Open the Google Photos app and tap your profile picture or initials in the top right corner. Look for your backup status, which is usually indicated by a ring around your profile picture. If Backup is off, you need to turn it on by going to Settings > Backup > On . [2]
    • Keep in mind that backing up and syncing your photos may take a while, depending on the number of photos transferred, your internet connection, and other conditions including internet speed.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 8:

Using iCloud

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  1. Go to https://www.icloud.com/ on your computer and click Sign In . Enter your Apple ID and password that you use for your iPhone, then click → . This will log you into your iCloud account.
  2. The icon for "Photos" is a multicolored pinwheel icon on a white background. Doing so will open your iCloud Photos app. [3]
  3. This icon resembles a cloud with an upward-facing arrow. Clicking it prompts a File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) window to open. [4]
  4. Click and drag your mouse across a group of pictures you want to select or hold down Ctrl (Windows) or ⌘ Command (Mac) and click each picture you want to select individually. [5]
    • Click Open in the bottom right corner of the window to begin uploading your selection or double-click them.
  5. You must have iCloud Photo Library enabled on your iPhone to see the pics that you uploaded.
    • To enable iCloud library, go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Photos and tap "Sync this iPhone .
    • The photos uploaded from your computer will take some time to show up on your phone depending on how many photos you're uploading and your internet connection.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 8:

Using AirDrop on iPhone & Mac

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  1. You can find the icon for AirDrop in the Control Center (iPhone) and in the Control Center menu on your menu bar (Mac).
    • To open your iPhone's control center, swipe down from the top right side of the screen. If you have an older iPhone with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom instead.
    • On your Mac, click the icon on the top right side of your screen that looks like a pair of toggle switches.
    • Tap or click the icon that looks like a series of concentric circles with a wedge cut out of the bottom to enable AirPlay. If AirPlay is on, this icon will be blue.
    • Also make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both your Mac and iPhone.
    • The iPhone and Mac have to be within 30 feet or 10 meters of each other.
    • When you turn on AirDrop, select Contacts Only or Everyone so you can transfer images between the devices.
      • You can do this by long-pressing the icon on your iPhone or clicking the arrow icon next to the AirDrop control on your Mac.
  2. Alternatively, open Finder and click AirDrop from the sidebar.
  3. You'll see this rectangle with an arrow pointing upwards in the toolbar.
    • If you're using the Finder alternative, drag items that you want to AirDrop into this folder.
  4. If your phone doesn't appear, you may need to start AirDrop again, especially if it's been more than 10 minutes.
    • On your phone, click Accept to receive the AirDropped pic. [6]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 8:

Using Quick Share on Android & Windows

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  1. Quick Share has replaced Nearby Share as the default sharing software and Nearby Share is no longer included on some Android phones, like the new Galaxy phones and tablets. [7]
    • You can long-press the Quick Share icon in the Quick Settings panel, or find it in Settings > Connected devices > Quick Share .
    • Make sure "Who can share with you" is set to Contacts only or Everyone for your PC to be able to send pictures to your Android.
  2. You need a 64-bit version of Windows 10 and up to use this software. Go to this link to download the Android software . This is not the same as downloading the Samsung version of Quick Share, which is available through the Microsoft Store; that version will only work with Quick Share on Samsung phones and tablets.
    • Make sure Bluetooth is on for both your Android and computer.
    • Turn on Wi-Fi on your Android and computer .
    • Connect both devices to the same network.
    • Make sure both devices are within 16 feet or 5 meters of each other.
  3. Find the folder or the file of images that you want to share, then share them using "Select" or by dropping them in the Quick Share dotted section.
  4. You should see the name of your Android here. If not, make sure Quick Share is enabled on your phone or tablet (it's in the Quick Settings panel). You might need to redo the sharing process (Selecting "Who can share with you") if it's been more than 10 minutes.
  5. If your phone is unlocked, you'll see a Quick Share request pop up at the bottom of your screen.
    • If your phone was locked when you sent the image from your computer, swipe down to open the Notification panel on your Android, then tap the "File Share" notification to accept the share.
    • View the photo on your phone or tablet by tapping Open . [8]
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Method 5
Method 5 of 8:

Using a USB with iPhone & Mac

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  1. iPhones after 15 have a USB-C connector that you can easily connect to your Mac. [9]
  2. It will be listed on the left side under "Locations."
  3. It's under your phone name and information.
  4. Use the drop-down menu to select your Photos app or a specific folder.
  5. Opt to sync all the photos available or specific files, or if you want to sync just your "Favorites" and whether to include videos.
  6. It's in the lower right corner and will immediately apply your settings.
    • Depending on your choices above, you will find any synced or shared images or videos in your mobile Photos app. [10]
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Method 6
Method 6 of 8:

Using iTunes on Windows or macOS El Capitan - Mojave

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  1. Use the iPhone's charging cable to connect it to one of your computer's USB ports. [11]
    • If you're on a Mac that doesn't have a USB port, you will need to purchase a USB-C to USB-3.0 adapter.
  2. If iTunes doesn't open automatically, double-click the iTunes program icon to open it. iTunes resembles a multicolored musical note on a white background.
  3. This iPhone-shaped icon is at the top of the iTunes window. Doing so opens the iPhone's page.
  4. This tab is in the left-hand sidebar below the "Settings" heading.
  5. It's at the top of the Sync Photos page. Doing so will allow you to add photos from your computer to your iPhone. [12]
  6. You'll find this option near the top of the Sync Photos page. Clicking it prompts a drop-down menu.
  7. It's at the top of the drop-down menu.
  8. Click the folder from which you want to upload photos, then click Select Folder . [13]
  9. If the picture folder you selected has one or more folders in it that you don't want photos from, check the "Selected folders" radio button and then check each folder you want to use to upload photos. [14]
  10. Check the "Include videos" box in the middle of the page to upload videos in your selected folder, or leave the box unchecked to upload only pictures.
  11. Your selected photos will begin uploading to your iPhone. Once the photos finish uploading, they will appear on your iPhone.
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Method 7
Method 7 of 8:

Using a USB Cable for Android on Windows

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  1. Attach one end of the charger cable to your Android and the other to your computer's USB port. This method will only work with an Android phone since iPhones require iTunes to transfer photos over a USB cable.
    • Tap Media device (MTP) on your Android's screen if prompted.
  2. Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  3. Click the folder-shaped icon in the lower-left side of the Start window.
  4. This will normally be the Pictures folder in the left-hand sidebar, but if you're transferring images from a different location, click that folder in the sidebar instead.
  5. Click and drag your mouse across a group of pictures you want to select, or hold down Ctrl and click each picture you want to select individually. [15]
  6. This tab is in the upper-left corner of the window. A toolbar will appear below the Home tab area.
  7. It's a folder-shaped icon in the "Organize" section of the toolbar. Doing so prompts a drop-down menu.
  8. This option is at the bottom of the drop-down menu. A pop-up window will appear.
  9. You'll find it in the middle of the window, though you may have to scroll down first.
  10. It's below the Android's name. Doing so expands the DCIM folder to show its contents.
  11. This is below the DCIM folder. Click it to select the Camera folder as the copied images' destination.
  12. It's a button in the bottom-right corner of the pop-up window. Doing so will begin transferring the selected photos to your Android's internal storage; once there, they will be viewable from your Android's Photos app.
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Method 8
Method 8 of 8:

Using a USB Cable for Android on Mac

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  1. Use the Android's charging cable to connect your Android to one of your computer's USB ports. [16]
    • If your Mac doesn't have a USB port, you will need to purchase a USB-C to USB-3.0 adapter.
    • If your Android prompts you to select a connection type, tap Media device (MTP) on its screen before continuing.
  2. To do so: [17]
  3. This blue-faced icon is in your Mac's Dock.
  4. Click the pictures' folder in the left-hand column of folders. This will open the folder in the Finder window.
  5. Click and drag your mouse across a group of pictures you want to select, or hold down ⌘ Command and click each picture you want to select individually.
  6. Click the Edit menu item, then click Copy in the resulting drop-down menu.
  7. If Android File Transfer doesn't automatically open, click the Launchpad spaceship icon, then click the Android File Transfer icon, which resembles a green Android mascot.
    • You can also click Spotlightin the top-right corner of the screen, type in android file transfer , and then click the Android File Transfer icon.
  8. This step will vary depending on where you want to store your photos.
  9. This will open to another folder.
  10. It's where your Android's photos are stored.
  11. Click anywhere in the folder, then click Edit and click Paste Items in the drop-down menu. Your copied photos will begin being transferred to your Android. Once they finish doing so, you'll be able to view them in your Android's Photos app.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I transfer my pictures from my PC to my phone?
    Community Answer
    From your computer, compose an email to your own email address with the image(s) attached. Then open the email from your phone and save the image(s).
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  • Question
    How can I transfer pictures and video from an iPhone 6+ storage to iCloud storage?
    Community Answer
    Hold the picture, and a pop up will give you the option to put the picture in cloud storage. Just click the option.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    How do I upload photos without a USB cable?
    Community Answer
    Download Google Photos, upload the photos, and from the Google Photos website, download them to your computer. You could also email yourself the photos from your phone and download them to your computer that way as well.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/photos/answer/6193313?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/photos/answer/6193313?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&oco=1
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108782
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/icloud/upload-and-download-photos-mmb5dbaf376f/icloud
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/icloud/upload-and-download-photos-mmb5dbaf376f/icloud
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-airdrop-to-send-items-to-nearby-devices-mh35868/mac
      7. ↑ https://blog.google/products/android/ces-2024-android-updates/
      8. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/13801258?hl=en&ref_topic=7651297#zippy=%2Cset-up-quick-share-app-for-windows
      9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105099
      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102375
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/connect-iphone-and-your-computer-with-a-cable-iph42d9b3178/ios
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201302
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/itunes/sync-photos-itns3102/windows
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/itunes/sync-photos-itns3102/windows
      6. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/9064445?hl=en#zippy=%2Cwindows-computer
      7. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/9064445?hl=en#zippy=%2Cmac-computer
      8. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/9064445?hl=en#zippy=%2Cmac-computer

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To transfer an image from your computer to your Android phone, start by connecting your phone to your computer with a USB cable. Then, open File Explorer and click on your Pictures folder or wherever your images are stored. Once you’ve selected the pictures you want to copy, click “Copy to” in the toolbar and select your phone from the pop-up menu. Choose the folder you want to copy your images to, and click “Copy.” Alternatively, upload your photos to a cloud storage service, like Google Photos. Then, open the app on your phone, navigate to “Settings” and make sure “Backup and Sync” is checked to sync your photos to your phone. For more tips, including how to transfer images from your computer to your iPhone, read on!

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