How to Download Full Resolution Photos from iCloud

When you need to edit or save photos from iCloud, what should you do to get multiple full resolution photos? Just learn from this message and you can know how to make it efficiently.

By @Kathy Last Updated October 23, 2024
 

How do I download full resolution photos from iCloud?

When logging in to icloud.com and going to the Photos and selecting a photo to be downloaded, it is always downloaded in low resolution like 3 megapixels. How to download full resolution photos from iCloud? Anyone here can tell me the answer?

- Question from MacRumors

Storing full-resolution photos in iCloud ensures that you have the best quality backup of your images. This ensures no loss of detail or quality when accessing them from other devices or in case of accidental deletion.

When you need to edit or share the full resolution pictures, you can choose to get them from the iCloud. This passage will give you all answers to help you download them to your iPhone/iPad, Mac and Windows PC.

How to download full resolution photos from iCloud to iPhone

To save photos/videos from the iCloud to your iPhone/iPad, you can follow the guidance below:

Step 1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone/iPad.

Step 2. Tap your name located at the top of the Settings menu to access your Apple ID page.

Step 3. Select iCloud > Tap on Photos.

Tip: Ensure that the toggle for iCloud Photos is activated. If it's gray, tap on it to turn on the feature. It should display a green background when enabled.

Step 4. Choose Download and Keep Originals to finish the process.

How to save full resolution photos from iCloud to Mac

Getting full resolution images from your iCloud to Mac is also a straightforward process.

Step 1. Launch the Photos app on your Mac computer.

Step 2. In the menu bar at the top of your screen, click on Photos and then select Preferences.

Step 3. In the pop-up window, navigate to the top where the iCloud tab is located.

Step 4. Check the box next to Download originals to this Mac.

After a while, all images will be downloaded to your devices.

How to download full resolution photos from iCloud to PC

For Windows users, there are 2 options for you to download the full resolution photos from iCloud. You can choose to go to the official web mentioned in Option 1 or use the professional FoneTool mentioned in Option 2 to make it.

If you need to save lots of large photos to your PC, FoneTool’s much faster speed will help you a lot!

Option 1. Add iCloud full resolution photos to PC via iCloud.com

Step 1. Access iCloud.com and sign in using your Apple ID credentials.

Step 2. Select the Photos option > Pick the desired photo or video.

Tip: You can hold the Ctrl key to select multiple items simultaneously.

Step 3. Press and hold the Download button (depicted as a cloud icon with a downward arrow) located in the top toolbar on the right-hand side.

Step 4. Choose between downloading the Unmodified Original or Most Compatible versions and click Download.

The downloaded file will appear at the bottom of your screen, allowing you to open, rename, or relocate it as needed.

Option 2. Get iCloud full resolution images to PC via FoneTool

When you need to download multiple full resolution photos from iCloud to PC, the official web’s instability might be a big headache. iCloud web might crash unexpectedly due to downloading excessive data, or encounter various errors that force the download process to abruptly stop.

In these situations, FoneTool will be your good helper!

 Super-fast download speed: In general, downloading 1000 photos can be completed within 30 minutes. However, the actual download speed may vary depending on the different sizes of the photos.  Security assurance: FoneTool owns two-factor authentication to protect iCloud data, which is same as the encryption used by Apple.  Excellent stability: FoneTool operates smoothly without sudden errors, facilitating seamless operations.  Easy sync: For people who have multiple iCloud accounts or want to switch to a new Apple ID, you can use FoneTool to easily sync iCloud data to another account as you like.

Now you can download FoneTool on your Windows PC and follow the guidance to learn how to download full resolution photos from iCloud.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1. Launch FoneTool > Go to My iCloud > Log in with your Apple ID > Choose Manage iCloud to continue.

Step 2. Click the Photos icon > Choose targeted photos > Tap the Download button.

Step 3. Change the download settings as you like within the pop-up window > Click Download to begin the task.

Once the process is complete, you can check your photos in the targeted folder. If you need to move these pictures to your iPhone/iPad, you can also use FoneTool to finish the transfer process. Just connect your iPhone to PC via a USB cable, then go to Phone Transfer > Choose PC to iPhone to make it.

Notes: 1. With this feature, you can also download notes from iCloud to PC easily. 2. If you need to sync iCloud data to another account, you can go to My iCloud > Choose iCloud Sync to finish the process. 3. If you need to know how to access iPhone files on PC wirelessly, this way can also help you a lot.

Conclusion

Now you can know how to download full resolution photos from iCloud to iPhone/iPad, Mac and PC. For Windows users, if you need to save lots of photos from iCloud, then you can use FoneTool to speed up the download process. After that, you can also use FoneTool to transfer photos from PC to iPhone.