How to Transfer Photos and Videos Between Google Photos and iCloud

Transferring media files between Google Photos and iCloud may be essential for users switching devices or looking to optimize their storage. While it may take some time, especially with a large volume of files, the process becomes much simpler with the right steps. In this guide, we’ll walk through the main ways to transfer photos and videos from Google Photos to iCloud and vice versa.

Preparing for File Transfer

Before you start, make sure you have enough free space in either iCloud or Google Photos to accommodate the files you intend to transfer. Also, ensure a stable internet connection, as downloading and uploading large volumes of data requires bandwidth and time.

Transferring Photos and Videos from Google Photos to iCloud

  1. Download Files from Google Photos:

    To transfer photos from Google Photos, start by downloading them:

    • Go to Google Photos and select the images you want to transfer.
    • Click on the three-dot menu icon and choose “Download.” If selecting multiple photos or videos, they will be saved in a ZIP format.
    • Extract the downloaded ZIP file to access your photos and videos.
  2. Upload Files to iCloud:

    Once your photos and videos are downloaded, you can move them to iCloud:

    • Go to iCloud Photos and log in with your Apple ID.
    • Click on the upload icon and select the files you want to transfer to iCloud.
    • Wait for the upload to complete. After this, your files will be accessible in the Photos app across all your Apple devices.

Transferring Photos and Videos from iCloud to Google Photos

  1. Download Files from iCloud:

    If you want to transfer photos from iCloud to Google Photos, start by downloading them:

    • Go to iCloud Photos and select the photos you need.
    • Click on the download icon and select the photos and videos to download.
    • The files will be saved on your device as individual files.
  2. Upload Files to Google Photos:

    After downloading the files, you can transfer them to Google Photos:

    • Go to Google Photos and log in with your Google account.
    • Click on the upload icon and select the files you want to upload to Google Photos.
    • Wait for the upload to complete, after which your photos and videos will be available in your Google account.

Using Third-Party Services for Easier Transfer

There are also third-party services, like Google Takeout for bulk downloading, as well as apps that automate the transfer of media files between cloud services. However, when using such services, always consider their data privacy policies and security practices.