How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to iPhone X/XS/XR

Jason

By Jason

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How To Transfer Photos From Iphone To Iphone X

Getting a new iPhone is always exciting! One of the first things you’ll want to do is transfer over all your photos and videos from your old iPhone.

Moving memories to your new device doesn’t have to be a hassle. This guide will walk you through several quick and easy methods to transfer photos from iPhone to iPhone.

Overview of Ways to Transfer Photos

There are a few main options for moving your photo library from one iPhone to another:

  • Using iCloud – iCloud syncs your photos across devices automatically, so they are ready on your new phone.
  • Airdrop – Wirelessly transfer photos between iPhones over Bluetooth.
  • Email – Send photos as attachments to yourself.
  • Apps – Use messenger apps or third party apps to transfer photos.
  • iTunes – Connect both devices to a computer and sync via iTunes.

Below we’ll explore these methods in-depth, along with tips for choosing the right approach and troubleshooting advice.

Transferring Photos with iCloud

One of the simplest ways to transfer photos is using iCloud. As long as both devices are signed into the same iCloud account, your photos will sync automatically.

Transfer Photos from iPhone to iPhone X with iCloud Photo Library

Here’s how to use iCloud to move your photo library:

  1. On your old iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos and turn on iCloud Photos.
  2. On your new iPhone, sign in with the same Apple ID used on your old device and enable iCloud Photos in settings.
  3. Your photos will sync from iCloud to your new device. Allow time for the transfer to complete.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have enough available iCloud storage for all your photos and videos. The free 5GB may fill up quickly. You can upgrade iCloud storage for more space.

When to Use iCloud Transfer

  • Your entire photo library is in iCloud already.
  • You want photos to stay in sync across devices automatically.
  • You need to transfer a large number of photos (iCloud has unlimited capacity with paid plans).

iCloud Transfer Considerations

  • Can be slow to upload a large library the first time.
  • Requires a WiFi connection.
  • Need sufficient iCloud storage for photo library size.

Transferring Photos with AirDrop

AirDrop allows you to wirelessly transfer photos between iPhones using Bluetooth and WiFi, without any cables or software needed.

Transfer Photos from iPhone to iPhone X with AirDrop

Follow these steps:

  1. On both iPhones, swipe up from the bottom to open Control Center.
  2. Tap the AirDrop icon and select Everyone or Contacts Only for who can send you files.
  3. Open the Photos app on your old iPhone and select the photos to transfer.
  4. Tap the Share icon (box with arrow), then tap AirDrop.
  5. Select your new iPhone from the list. Accept the transfer prompt on your new device.

Pro Tip: For the fastest transfer speed, keep both iPhones next to each other during the process.

When to Use AirDrop

  • Need to transfer photos without cables or WiFi network.
  • Only need to move some photos (not entire library).
  • Have iPhone 5 or newer (AirDrop requires Bluetooth 4.0).

AirDrop Considerations

  • Older iPhones may not be compatible.
  • Transfer speed can vary based on connection strength.
  • Photo limit depends on iPhone storage capacity.

Transferring Photos via Email

If you only need to move a few photos from your old iPhone, emailing them to yourself can be quick and easy.

Here’s how to transfer photos through email:

  1. On your old iPhone, open the Photos app and select images to transfer.
  2. Tap the Share icon, then choose Mail.
  3. Compose a new email to yourself and attach the photos.
  4. Send the email.
  5. Open the email on your new iPhone and save the attached photos.

Pro Tip: Send photos in batches if needed, rather than one giant email. Email services may limit attachment sizes.

When to Use Email Transfer

  • Only need to transfer a few photos.
  • Don’t want to install new apps.
  • Have access to a mail app on both devices.

Email Transfer Considerations

  • Individual email attachment limits based on provider.
  • Can be slow to attach and send large batches.
  • Requires manually saving each photo on new device.

Transferring Photos with Apps

Using a dedicated app to transfer photos between devices can provide more control over the transfer process. Here are some top options:

Messenger Apps

Apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger allow you to send photos between devices easily.

To use them:

  1. Install the app on both iPhones and log in.
  2. On the old iPhone, select photos, tap Share, and choose the messenger app.
  3. Send the photos to yourself or a friend who can forward them to your new device.

Third Party Apps

Apps like AnyTrans, Tenorshare iCareFone iTransGo, and dr.fone specialize in transferring data between iOS devices.

Transfer Photos from iPhone to iPhone X with dr.fone

They provide advanced tools for controlling what gets transferred and usually offer free trials. Follow the in-app guidance for moving photos once installed.

Pro Tip: Third party apps often have computer companions to provide more transfer flexibility.

When to Use App Transfers

  • Need advanced transfer features like selective sync or encryptions.
  • No access to iCloud or iTunes on a computer.
  • Prefer an interface optimized specifically for transfers.

App Transfer Considerations

  • May require creating accounts and allowing app permissions.
  • Paid subscriptions often required for advanced features.
  • Transfer speed can depend on app optimization.

Transferring Photos with iTunes

The iTunes method requires a computer, but provides a classic way to sync photos that some may still prefer.

To use iTunes:

  1. Connect your old iPhone to a computer using the USB cable. Open iTunes.
  2. Click on your iPhone icon within iTunes. Go to the Photos tab.
  3. Check Sync Photos and select the source folders or apps to transfer from.
  4. Click Apply to sync the photos. Allow time for the transfer to complete.
  5. Disconnect your old iPhone. Connect your new iPhone and repeat steps 2-4.

Pro Tip: Use iTunes File Sharing to transfer photos without syncing your entire photo library.

When to Use iTunes Transfer

  • You have access to a computer with cables.
  • You’re comfortable syncing devices with iTunes.
  • You want to control exactly which photos transfer.

iTunes Transfer Considerations

  • Requires a computer with iTunes installed.
  • Slow sync times for large libraries.
  • Manual disconnecting/reconnecting of devices.

Choosing the Right Photo Transfer Method

With so many options for getting photos from your old iPhone to your new device, which should you use?

Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Number of photos – For large libraries, iCloud or a dedicated transfer app works best. Email and iTunes are better for small batches.
  • Convenience – iCloud and AirDrop allow transfers completely wirelessly. Apps streamline transfers in one tool.
  • Selectivity – iTunes and some apps allow you to selectively choose which photos to transfer.
  • Speed – AirDrop and apps are typically faster than email, iCloud or iTunes.

Think about which features are most important for your situation. That will point you towards the best method!

Troubleshooting Photo Transfers

Sometimes photo transfers can encounter issues. Try these tips if your photos won’t transfer:

  • Confirm iCloud Photos is enabled on both devices if using iCloud.
  • Check Bluetooth and WiFi are turned on for AirDrop transfers.
  • Use a different email provider if hitting attachment size limits.
  • Allow app permissions and check for updates if transfers fail.
  • Restart devices and retry if transfers stall mid-process.
  • Free up storage space if transfer failures due to low device capacity.

Still having problems? Contact Apple support or the app developer for further assistance troubleshooting.

Key Takeaways

  • Use iCloud to wirelessly sync your entire photo library across Apple devices.
  • Move photos selectively between iPhones with AirDrop’s peer-to-peer transfer.
  • Email yourself photos as attachments for small batches.
  • Rely on messenger apps or third party software for more advanced transfers.
  • Sync through iTunes if you need photo selectivity and don’t mind using cables.
  • Consider number, convenience, selectivity and speed when choosing a transfer method.
  • Troubleshoot issues by checking settings, storage space, restarting, updating, and contacting support.

Now you have all the tools and knowledge to get those memories from your old iPhone safely transferred to your exciting new device. Go enjoy all your great photos and videos on that gorgeous new screen!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I transfer photos if my new iPhone doesn’t have a headphone jack?

You can purchase a Lightning to USB adapter to connect your new iPhone to a computer and transfer via iTunes. Or use wireless options like iCloud, AirDrop or apps.

What is the fastest way to transfer photos from an old iPhone to a new iPhone?

AirDrop will provide the fastest wireless photo transfer speed when the iPhones are close together. Third party apps like AnyTrans can also transfer photos very quickly.

Can I transfer photos without internet or WiFi?

Yes. AirDrop uses Bluetooth to transfer photos without any WiFi needed. You can also use a USB cord and iTunes to sync photos between devices offline.

How do I transfer photos from iPhone to iPhone without losing data?

Using direct transfer methods like AirDrop, Lightning cable or apps will move photos without compressing or losing data. iCloud may compress images depending on your settings.

What is the easiest way to transfer photos from iPhone to iPhone for a tech beginner?

The simplest option is enabling iCloud Photos sync, which transfers photos wirelessly in the background. AirDrop is also relatively easy for anyone to use.

How many photos can I transfer from iPhone to iPhone?

There is no set limit. You are only limited by the storage capacity of each device. iCloud offers unlimited photo transfer capacity if you purchase enough storage.

Can I select specific albums or photos to transfer from iPhone to iPhone?

Yes, iTunes and many third party apps allow you to selectively choose which photos/albums to transfer. iCloud and AirDrop move the entire camera roll.

What is the best app for transferring photos from an old iPhone to a new iPhone?

Some top-rated apps include AnyTrans, dr.fone, and iTransGo. Try out a few to see which interface and features you like best.

Does transferring photos via iCloud save storage space on my iPhone?

Yes. With iCloud Photos, the full resolution versions of your photos are stored in iCloud while smaller optimized versions are kept on your device to save space.

Can I transfer photos from iPhone to iPhone via Google Photos?

Yes. Enable backup to Google Photos on your old iPhone, then install the app on your new iPhone and sign in to download your photos from the cloud.

Jason
Jason

Skilled software testing specialist with expertise in comparisons and research, passionate about blogging, reviews, and creating video tutorials.

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