How to Transfer Photos From One Phone to Another?

Be it latte art at the new neighbourhood cafe, or catching that rare pink sunset on the beach, pictures are among the main reasons why we get our phones out.  That's why transferring your photos is one of the most important tasks when upgrading or switching phones. While the process might seem daunting, modern devices offer several simple ways to move your pictures across, whether you're staying with the same operating system or switching between Android and iPhone.

In this guide, we'll explain how to transfer photos from one phone to another, covering the easiest methods for Android and iPhone users, as well as tips to help ensure none of your precious memories are lost.

Jump to the relevant section:

• How to transfer photos from Samsung to Samsung

• How to transfer photos from iPhone to Samsung

• How to transfer photos from Samsung to iPhone

• How to transfer photos from an old iPhone to a new iPhone

How to transfer photos from Samsung to Samsung

Sticking with Samsung? No problem - you can transfer your photos and videos from your old phone to your new Samsung in an instant.

Using Smart Switch

Samsung Smart Switch is the recommended method for transferring photos from one Samsung phone to another. It can transfer your data wirelessly or with a USB cable, making it a convenient option when setting up a new device.

For most users, a wireless transfer is the quickest and easiest option.

1. Ensure both Samsung phones are charged and placed close together.

2. Open the Settings app on both devices.

3. Navigate to Accounts and backup and select Smart Switch.

4. On your old Samsung phone, tap Send data and choose Wireless.

5. On your new Samsung phone, tap Receive data, select Galaxy/Android, then choose Wireless.

6. Tap Connect on the sending device.

7. Once the phones are connected, select Photos or Images (along with any other data you'd like to transfer).

8. Tap Transfer and wait for the process to complete.

The transfer time will depend on the size of your photo library, but once finished, your pictures will be available on your new Samsung device.

Using Samsung Cloud

1. If you have backed up your photos to Samsung Cloud on your old Samsung phone, you can restore them on your new phone.

2. On your old Samsung phone, go to Settings → Accounts and Backup → Samsung Cloud.

3. Select the option to back up your photos and other data to Samsung Cloud.

4. On your new Samsung phone, sign in with the same Samsung account you used on your old phone.

5. Go to Settings → Accounts and Backup → Samsung Cloud, and select the option to restore data.

6. Choose the photos you want to restore and initiate the restoration process.

Once you've checked that your photos are safely stored on your new device, your old Samsung may still be worth money.

How to transfer photos from iPhone to Samsung phone

Moving over to the world of Android? Transferring photos from your iPhone to a Samsung phone can be done in a multitude of ways.

Using Smart Switch

Samsung's Smart Switch app allows you to transfer data wirelessly, including photos, from your iPhone to your Samsung device. 

1. Make sure both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi.

2. Download and install the Smart Switch app on your new Samsung phone from the Google Play Store.

3. Open Smart Switch on your new Samsung phone, select "Receive data" then "iPhone/iPad" as the source.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the two devices. You might need to download the Smart Switch app on your old iPhone to connect the devices wirelessly, or use a compatible cable for wired transfer.

5. Choose the content you want to transfer, including photos, and start the transfer process.

Using iCloud

If your photos are stored in iCloud, you can use the "Get data from iCloud" feature on the Smart Switch app to move them to your new Samsung phone.

1. On your iPhone, make sure iCloud Photos is enabled. You can check this in Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Photos.

2. Download the Smart Switch app on your Samsung phone.

3. Open Smart Switch, choose "Receive" on your Samsung phone, select "iPhone" as source, and "Get data from iCloud".

4. Sign in with your Apple ID and select the photos and other data you want to transfer.

Using a computer

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and back up your iPhone using iTunes.

2. After the backup is complete, disconnect your iPhone and connect your Samsung phone to the computer.

3. Install Samsung Smart Switch on your computer.

4. Open Smart Switch and select the option to restore data from iTunes backup, including your photos.

Just like that, you’ve transferred all your iPhone photos and videos to your Samsung!

How to transfer photos from Samsung to iPhone

If you’re switching to Apple, here's how to transfer photos from your Samsung to your iPhone.

Using Quick Share

If your Samsung phone and iPhone are nearby, Samsung's Quick Share feature offers a fast way to send photos wirelessly. Quick Share is now compatible with Apple's AirDrop, making transfers between devices much easier.

To transfer photos using Quick Share:

1. Open the Gallery app on your Samsung device.

2. Select the photos you want to transfer and tap Share.

3. Choose Quick Share from the sharing options.

4. Select the iPhone from the list of available devices.

5. On the iPhone, ensure AirDrop visibility is set to Everyone.

6. Accept the incoming transfer on the iPhone.

This method is ideal for sending smaller groups of photos quickly without needing cables or cloud storage.

Using Google Photos

Google Photos is great if you’re moving hundreds or thousands of pictures at once.

To use Google Photos:

1. Download and install Google Photos on both devices.

2. Sign in to the same Google account on each phone.

3. On your Samsung device, enable Backup & Sync within the Google Photos settings.

4. Wait for your photos to upload to the cloud.

5. Open Google Photos on your iPhone to access your images.

6. To save photos directly to your iPhone, select the images, tap the three-dot menu and choose Download.

Using Move to iOS

If you're setting up a brand-new iPhone, Apple's Move to iOS app can transfer your photos automatically as part of the setup process.

To transfer photos using Move to iOS:

1. Download the Move to iOS app from the Google Play Store on your Samsung device.

2. Turn on your new iPhone and follow the setup process.

3. When you reach the Apps & Data screen, select Move Data from Android.

4. A one-time code will appear on your iPhone.

5. Enter the code into the Move to iOS app on your Samsung phone.

6. Select Photos or Camera Roll and start the transfer.

This is often the most convenient option when switching from Android to iPhone for the first time.

Using a computer

If you prefer a direct transfer without using cloud services, you can use a Windows PC or Mac.

To transfer photos via a computer:

1. Connect your Samsung phone to your computer using a USB cable.

2. Open the phone's storage and navigate to the DCIM → Camera folder.

3. Copy your photos to a folder on your computer.

4. Disconnect the Samsung device and connect your iPhone.

5. Use Finder on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows to sync the photos to your iPhone.

This method can be useful if you have limited internet access or want to keep the transfer entirely offline.

How to transfer photos from an old iPhone to a new iPhone

Although there are several different ways to transfer photos between iPhones, here are the quickest and easiest.

Using Quick Start

If your new iPhone is still on the setup screen, Apple's Quick Start feature is the easiest way to transfer your photos and other data in one go.

1. Turn on your new iPhone and place it next to your old device.

2. Make sure both phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.

3. A setup prompt should appear on your old iPhone. Tap Continue.

4. Use your old iPhone's camera to scan the animation displayed on the new device.

5. Enter your existing iPhone passcode on the new phone when prompted.

6. Select Transfer from iPhone.

7. Keep both devices close together and connected to power until the transfer is complete.

Using iCloud

If both iPhones are already set up, iCloud Photos provides a simple way to sync your entire photo library between devices.

To transfer photos using iCloud:

1. On your old iPhone, go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Photos.

2. Turn on Sync this iPhone and allow your photos to upload to iCloud.

3. On your new iPhone, navigate to the same menu.

4. Enable Sync this iPhone.

5. Your photos will begin downloading automatically when connected to Wi-Fi.

This option is particularly useful if you regularly switch between Apple devices and want your photos backed up in the cloud.

Using AirDrop

If you only need to move a small number of photos, AirDrop offers a quick wireless solution.

1. Turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirDrop on both iPhones.

2. Set AirDrop receiving to Everyone.

3. Open the Photos app on your old iPhone.

4. Tap Select and choose the photos you want to transfer.

5. Tap the Share icon and select AirDrop.

6. Choose your new iPhone from the list of available devices.

7. Tap Accept on the new iPhone to receive the photos.

Finished setting up your new iPhone? Before selling your old device, make sure you've transferred your photos, signed out of iCloud and performed a factory reset.

What to do before and after transferring photos

Before you transfer photos from one phone to another, declutter your gallery. Delete duplicates, blurry shots, or unnecessary screenshots.

Once the transfer is complete, don't forget to:

• Log out of cloud services on your old device.

• Perform a factory reset if you plan to sell or recycle it.

• Back up your new phone regularly to avoid future data loss.

Once you’ve safely transferred your photos, you might be thinking about what to do with your old device. If it’s still in good condition, why not consider giving it a second life?

At Compare and Recycle, you can explore options to sell your Samsung or recycle your iPhone with our trusted buyers. It’s a simple way to declutter, make some extra money, and reduce e-waste all in one go.