Backup iCloud Photos to External Hard Drive without Hassle
How to Download Photos from iCloud to an External Drive
If you have a lot of photos stored on iCloud, you might want to download them to an external drive for various reasons. For example, you might want to save some storage space on your iCloud account, create backups of your precious memories, or transfer your files to another device or computer.
Fortunately, there are different methods to download photos from iCloud to an external drive, depending on what device or browser you are using. In this article, we will show you three easy ways to do it.
download photos from icloud to external drive
Method 1: Download Photos from iCloud.com
This method works for any device or browser that can access iCloud.com, such as a PC, a Mac, or an iPad. You will need an internet connection and an external drive that is compatible with your device.
Step 1: Change the default download location to the external drive
Before you start downloading photos from iCloud.com, you need to change the default download location of your browser to the external drive that is connected to your device. This way, you can save time and avoid moving or copying files later.
Here is how to do it for different browsers:
Safari: Go to Safari > Preferences > General. Next to File download location, click the drop-down menu and select Other. Then navigate to your external drive and click Select.
Chrome: Go to Chrome > Preferences > Advanced > Downloads. Next to Location, click Change and select your external drive.
Firefox: Go to Firefox > Preferences > General > Files and Applications. Next to Save files to, click Browse and choose your external drive.
Remember to switch back the default download location once you finish downloading photos from iCloud.com.
Step 2: Access iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple IDStep 3: Select the photos you want to download
Once you are signed in to iCloud.com, click the Photos icon to view your photos and albums. You can select the photos you want to download in different ways:
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Individual photos: Click on a photo to select it. You will see a blue checkmark on the top right corner of the photo. You can select more photos by clicking on them one by one.
Multiple photos: Click and drag your cursor over the photos you want to select. You will see a blue border around the selected photos.
All photos: Click the Select Photos button on the top right corner of the screen. Then click Select All on the top left corner of the screen. You will see a blue checkmark on every photo.
You can also select photos by date, album, or media type by using the tabs on the left side of the screen.
Step 4: Click the download button and wait for the photos to be downloaded to the external drive
After selecting the photos you want to download, click the download button on the top right corner of the screen. It looks like a cloud with an arrow pointing down.
A pop-up window will ask you if you want to download the unmodified originals or the most compatible versions of your photos. The unmodified originals are the original files that were uploaded to iCloud, while the most compatible versions are smaller files that have been converted to JPEG format. Choose the option that suits your needs and click Download.
Depending on the number and size of your photos, it may take some time for them to be downloaded to your external drive. You can check the progress of your downloads by looking at the download icon on your browser.
Method 2: Download Photos from iCloud for Windows
This method works for Windows PC users who have iCloud for Windows installed on their computers. You will need an internet connection and an external drive that is compatible with your PC.
Step 1: Download and install iCloud for Windows on your PC
If you don't have iCloud for Windows already, you can download it from . Follow the instructions to install it on your PC and restart your computer if necessary.
Step 2: Sign in with your Apple ID and select Photos as one of the features you want to use
Open iCloud for Windows and sign in with your Apple ID and password. You will see a list of features that you can use with iCloud for Windows, such as Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Bookmarks, etc. Make sure that Photos is checked as one of the features you want to use and click Apply.
Step 3: Click the Options button next to Photos and check the box for iCloud Photo Library
Click the Options button next to Photos and you will see a window with different options for managing your photos with iCloud for Windows. Check the box for iCloud Photo Library, which will allow you to access all your photos and videos from iCloud on your PC.
Step 4: Choose a location for the downloads folder and change it to the external drive
By default, iCloud for Windows will create a folder called iCloud Photos in your Pictures folder, where it will download your photos from iCloud. You can change this location by clicking Change next to Download new photos and videos to my PC. Then navigate to your external drive and select or create a folder where you want to store your photos. Click OK and then Done.
Step 5: Wait for the photos to be downloaded to the external drive
iCloud for Windows will start downloading your photos from iCloud to your external drive. Depending on the number and size of your photos, it may take some time for them to be downloaded. You can check the progress of your downloads by opening File Explorer and looking at the iCloud Photos folder on your external drive.
Method 3: Download Photos from Photos App on Mac
This method works for Mac users who have the Photos app installed on their computers. You will need an internet connection and an external drive that is compatible with your Mac.
Step 1: Open the Photos app on your Mac and go to Preferences
Open the Photos app on your Mac and click Photos > Preferences from the menu bar. This will open a window with different settings for managing your photos with Photos app.
Step 2: Click the iCloud tab and check the box for iCloud Photo Library
Click the iCloud tab and check the box for iCloud Photo Library, which will allow you to access all your photos and videos from iCloud on your Mac.
Step 3: Choose Download Originals to this Mac as the option for storing photos
Under the iCloud Photo Library option, you will see two choices for storing photos on your Mac: Download Originals to this Mac or Optimize Mac Storage. Ch
