Key Takeaways
- iCloud Photos is the easiest method if you have enough storage space, because it automatically syncs all your photos once you sign in with the same Apple ID on both phones.
- AirDrop transfers photos in seconds if both iPhones are within Bluetooth range and you don't want to use the cloud.
- A computer with Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) lets you manually select and transfer specific photos without using iCloud.
- Google Photos works on any phone and doesn't require an Apple ID, making it useful if you're switching from iPhone or sharing photos with Android users.
Using iCloud Photos to Sync Everything
iCloud Photos keeps all your photos and videos in one place and shows them on every device signed into the same Apple ID. To set it up, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos on both iPhones and turn on iCloud Photos. Your old phone will start uploading to iCloud immediately, and your new phone will download everything once the upload finishes.
The catch is storage: iCloud gives you 5 GB free, which holds roughly 1,000 to 2,000 photos depending on their size. If you have more than that, you'll need to pay for more iCloud storage (50 GB, 200 GB, or 2 TB monthly plans exist). Check how much space you're using before you start by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage. If you're over the limit, delete photos from your old phone first, or buy a storage plan temporarily just to move everything over.
This method works even if the phones aren't in the same room, because the transfer happens through Apple's servers. It can take hours or days depending on how many photos you have and your internet speed, but you don't have to do anything once you turn it on.
AirDrop for Instant Transfer Without the Cloud
AirDrop sends photos directly from one iPhone to another over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, with no internet or Apple ID required. Both phones must be within about 30 feet of each other and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. Open the Photos app on your old iPhone, select the photos you want (tap Select, then tap each photo), tap Share, and choose AirDrop. Your new iPhone will appear in the list — tap it to send.
The transfer is nearly instant for a handful of photos, but if you're moving hundreds or thousands, AirDrop will take longer and may time out. It's best for moving a specific album or a few dozen photos at a time. The receiving phone will get a notification asking whether to accept the photos; tap Save and they'll go into your Photos app.
One limitation: AirDrop only works between Apple devices. If you're switching to Android or sending photos to someone with a non-Apple phone, you'll need a different method.
Transferring Photos Through a Computer
If you have a Mac or Windows PC, you can connect both iPhones and move photos without using iCloud or AirDrop. On a Mac, plug in your old iPhone and open Finder. Click your phone's name in the sidebar, go to the Photos tab, and check Sync Photos. Choose which photos or albums to copy, then click Apply. Then plug in your new iPhone and repeat the process.
On Windows, use iTunes (or the newer Windows Photos app if you have Windows 11). Connect your old iPhone, go to File > Devices > Transfer Purchases from [iPhone], then sync your photos. The process is similar on the new phone. This method gives you control over exactly which photos move and doesn't require iCloud storage, but it's slower than AirDrop and requires a computer nearby.
You'll need a USB cable that works with your iPhone model. Newer iPhones use USB-C, while older models use Lightning connectors. If you don't have the right cable, you can buy one, but this adds cost and time to the process.
Using Google Photos as an Alternative
Google Photos works on any phone and doesn't require an Apple ID or iCloud subscription. Download the Google Photos app on both iPhones, sign in with the same Google account, and turn on Backup and sync in the app settings. Your old phone will upload all your photos to Google, and your new phone will download them once you sign in.
Google Photos gives you unlimited storage for photos if you choose "Storage saver" quality (slightly compressed), or you can pay for Google One (100 GB, 200 GB, or 2 TB) to keep original quality. The free tier is 15 GB shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos combined. This method works whether the phones are in the same room or not, and it's useful if you ever switch to Android in the future, since your photos will already be there.
The downside is that uploading and downloading can take a long time if you have thousands of photos, and you're storing your photos on Google's servers rather than keeping them private on your device. If privacy is a concern, stick with iCloud or AirDrop.
Choosing the Right Method for Your Situation
Use iCloud Photos if you want everything automatic and you have enough storage space. Use AirDrop if you're in the same room and only moving a few albums. Use a computer if you want to pick and choose which photos move and you don't want to pay for extra iCloud storage. Use Google Photos if you're switching to Android eventually or you want a backup that works on any device.
If you're moving a very large library (thousands of photos), start the transfer before you go to bed or leave for work, because it will take several hours. Don't turn off either phone or disconnect from Wi-Fi until the transfer is done. If the transfer stalls, check your internet connection and try again.
What Happens to Photos on Your Old Phone
Moving photos to a new iPhone doesn't automatically delete them from the old one. If you used iCloud Photos, both phones will show the same library as long as they're signed into the same Apple ID. If you used AirDrop or a computer, the photos stay on both phones until you manually delete them. If you want to free up space on your old phone after the transfer, go to the Photos app, tap Select, choose the photos you want to remove, and tap Delete.
If you're selling or giving away your old iPhone, make sure to sign out of iCloud before you hand it over. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, enter your Apple ID password, and choose what to do with your data. This prevents the new owner from seeing your photos or accessing your accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer photos if I don't have Wi-Fi?
AirDrop works without Wi-Fi as long as both phones have Bluetooth on. iCloud, Google Photos, and computer transfers all need an internet connection. If you're without Wi-Fi, use AirDrop for a small number of photos, or wait until you're connected to transfer everything else.
Will my photo edits transfer to the new phone?
Yes, if you use iCloud Photos or Google Photos, your edits sync automatically. If you use AirDrop or a computer, the photos transfer but the edits stay on the old phone unless you export the edited version. Check your Photos app settings to make sure edits are being saved to iCloud.
What if my new iPhone already has photos on it?
iCloud Photos will merge libraries if both phones use the same Apple ID — you'll see all photos from both devices. AirDrop, Google Photos, and computer transfers will add new photos without deleting what's already there. You won't lose anything, but you might end up with duplicates if you're not careful.
How long does the transfer usually take?
AirDrop takes seconds to a few minutes for most albums. iCloud and Google Photos depend on file size and internet speed — expect a few hours for thousands of photos. Computer transfers are usually faster than cloud methods because the data doesn't leave your home network.
Can I transfer photos to an iPhone if I don't know the Apple ID password?
You can use AirDrop, Google Photos, or a computer without an Apple ID password. iCloud Photos requires you to sign in with an Apple ID on the new phone, so you'll need the password. If you've forgotten it, go to iforgot.apple.com to reset it before you start the transfer.