How to Restore Photos from iCloud Backup [Easy, Quick] (2023)

How to Restore Photos from iCloud Backup [Easy, Quick] (1)

Alex Griffith Updated on Apr 14, 2022 6:18 PM

I got a new iPhone X, and set it up from the most recent backup of my older iPhone over Wi-Fi. After restoring, most of files and settings are transferred over, except the photos. I can't figure out why this happens? I'm sure all my photos are backed up within iCloud. How can I get them back if they're gone?

The iCloud backup service and iCloud Photos Library are the ideal repositories for those who tend to rely on Apple to save their shooting photos as well as online images, so just in case something goes wrong you would take the chances of recovering all lost photos to the iPhone from an iCloud backup or iCloud online database.

In this post, I'll show you several ways to retrieve deleted photos from iCloud.

Option 1: Recover Photos from iCloud Recently Deleted Folder

Apple's iCloud Photo Library is one of the convenient ways of storing pictures online and keeping in sync across all your devices. If you've already enabled this feature in iCloud setting, all photos are automatically uploaded to iCloud server associated with a same iCloud account. Every time you delete photos on iPhone, they will move to Recently Deleted album for 30 days. If you change your mind, you are able to visit icloud.com to retrieve the photo(s) using the following steps:

  • Sign into icloud.com with the same account you used on your iPhone.
  • Select Photos > Library > Recently Deleted to view the photos you deleted.
  • Select photos you want to get back, then click Recover on the bottom.

This will move the deleted images back to Photos app in the iPhone immediately.

How to Restore Photos from iCloud Backup [Easy, Quick] (2)

(Video) How To Restore iPhone From An iCloud Backup - Full Tutorial

Option 2: Restore Photos Only from iCloud Using Backup Extractor Tool

If the Recently Deleted folder in iCloud doesn't include photos you seek, you can try to use an iPhone backup extractor program by which you could get lost photos from an iCloud backup. iOS Data Recovery is our favorite. It lets you scan and see if your iCloud backup has the missing photos you want, rather than going through a full restore first the Apple does. You then can choose to restore individual photos or the whole folder of photos and save onto computer.

In addition, the program is capable of scanning your iPhone in a maximum extent and recover missing photos from the device memory in a fast manner, as well as retrieving photos from an iTunes backup if you have made beforehand.

for Windows | for MacOS

Retrieving photos from iPhone backup in iCloud without reset is pretty simple. Here's how to do.

Step 1: Sign in to iCloud account

Launch the software, choose the "Recover from iCloud Backup File" mode from the built-in modes on the left list, then enter Apple ID and passcode in the box to sign up to the iCloud account.

How to Restore Photos from iCloud Backup [Easy, Quick] (3)

Step 2: Download an iCloud backup

After successfully logging in, the software will list all iCloud backups for your iPhone & iPad.

(Video) How to Restore iPhone from iCloud Backup in 2 Ways (2023)

How to Restore Photos from iCloud Backup [Easy, Quick] (4)

Check the backup date and select the one where the deleted photos are kept, then click the Download button on its right side. This will open a dialog box, where you need to choose "Camera Roll", "Photo Library" and "App Photos" to download and restore.

Then click on Next button to start downloading the photos. Make sure you have a stable Internet connection.

How to Restore Photos from iCloud Backup [Easy, Quick] (5)

Step 3: View backed up photos in iCloud

When downloaded, the program will return you a list of data on the interface.

Before the restoration process, you're able to preview the downloaded photos from iCloud by click the "Camera Roll" (or Photo Library, App Photos) category under "Media" section.

How to Restore Photos from iCloud Backup [Easy, Quick] (6)

Step 4: Recover photos from iCloud backup and save on computer

Now, check the photo(s) if you decide to restore and then press the Recover button to move on. When a dialog window opens, set a output path for saving the retrieved photos on computer.

How to Restore Photos from iCloud Backup [Easy, Quick] (7)

Again, click the Recover button and wait for the photos to be restored, and you'll soon be able to get the photos from iPhone backup in iCloud.

(Video) How To Restore From iCloud Backup WITHOUT Factory Reset [EASY]

That's it! Once the process has finished, you can transfer the extracted photos back to iPhone using iTunes sync feature or a 3rd-party alternative - iTransfer. It is a management tool for transferring content among iOS, Android, iTunes and computer in one shot.

Option 3: Get Photos from iCloud to iPhone (Full Restore Process)

This option works fine when you upgrade to a new iPhone and you need to keep the photos on it from the older one. It's a complete restore of an iPhone—you have to erase and wipe out all data and settings in the original iPhone and put your phone back the way you left it in that backup archive. Therefore, it's not recommended most of time.

To recover photos that were included in the iCloud backup:

  • Resetting the iPhone by going to Setting > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
  • Once iPhone reboots and reach App & Data screen, select Restore from iCloud Backup.
  • Log into iCloud account as needed.
  • Choose the most relevant backup from a list of archives made in advance.

Eventually the disappeared photos are saved back to iPhone camera roll.

How to Restore Photos from iCloud Backup [Easy, Quick] (8)

Option 4: Retrieve Photos from iCloud Drive

If you have ever your photos uploaded to iCloud Drive before missing, you can go to iCloud.com and get those photos downloaded and save on your computer.

  • Sign into icloud.com with your Apple ID.
  • Click iCloud Drive.
  • Select the pictures you want to recover and click Download icon at the top.

How to Restore Photos from iCloud Backup [Easy, Quick] (9)

Also check: Archive or make copies of the information you store in iCloud

Option 5: Download Photos from iCloud Photo Library to Computer

Here's the steps you need to take to pull photos out of Apple's iCloud.

On Windows

  • Download iCloud for Windows if you haven't the app on your computer.
  • Open iCloud for Windows.
  • Click Options next to Photos to check your photo settings.
  • Select iCloud Photo Library.
  • Check Download new photos and videos to my PC.
  • Click Done, then click Apply.

How to Restore Photos from iCloud Backup [Easy, Quick] (10)

On Mac

(Video) How To Make iCloud Backup Faster 2022

  • Open Photos app on your Mac.
  • In the top menu bar, go to Photos > Preference > iCloud. sign into with Apple ID if not.
  • Check Download Originals to this Mac if it's not already enabled.
  • Close preferences once the update completes.
  • Click on Photos in the sub-menu.
  • Hold Command to select several photos, or hit Command + A to select them all.
  • Go back to top menu bar, select File > Export.
  • Select either Export Items or Export Unmodified Original For Items per your preference.
  • Select an location for your photos.

How to Restore Photos from iCloud Backup [Easy, Quick] (11)

This way you've gotten your photos out of iCloud!

You might also like

A Quick Guide on Restoring Data from an iPhone 6s (Plus)
Retrieving iPhone iMessages from iTunes Backup
How to Transfer Contacts from ZTE to iPhone Smoothly
How Can I Get All of Photos Back from an iPhone Quickly

Related Articles

How to Recover Text Messages from iPhone 6s Plus Instantly

(Video) How to Restore iPhone from iCloud, 2 Easy Ways 2023

How to Move Call Logs from iPhone to Sony Smartphone

How to Get Lost Contact Numbers on iPhone without Backup

About missing information after you restore your iOS device with iCloud Backup

FAQs

How can I get my photos back from iCloud faster? ›

Recover photos and videos
  1. In Photos on iCloud.com, click the Recently Deleted album in the sidebar. If you don't see the sidebar, click .
  2. Select the photos or videos you want to recover, then click Recover.

How do I manually restore from iCloud backup? ›

Tap the top option, "Restore from iCloud Backup". You will now be prompted to sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID. Upon signing in, you will see a list of available backups. Choose the most recent one, unless you would like to backdate your device to a specific date and time.

How can I download from iCloud faster? ›

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch:
  1. Open Safari on your device.
  2. Go to iCloud.com and log in using your Apple ID.
  3. Tap Photos.
  4. Tap Select in the top right corner of Safari. ...
  5. Tap the desired photo or video. ...
  6. Tap the more icon – the three vertical dots – in the bottom right corner to open additional options. ...
  7. Tap Download.
Sep 12, 2022

How long does it take to restore photos from iCloud on iPhone? ›

Depending on the size of the backup and the network speed, the progress bar might need a few minutes to an hour to complete. If you disconnect from Wi-Fi too soon, the progress will pause until you reconnect.

How do I manually restore a backup? ›

Restoring data varies by phone and Android version. You can't restore a backup from a higher Android version onto a phone running a lower Android version.
...
Switch between backup accounts
  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap System. Backup. ...
  3. Tap Backup account.
  4. Tap the account that you want to use for backups.

How do I get my files from iCloud backup? ›

On iCloud.com
  1. Sign in to iCloud.com.
  2. Open iCloud Drive.
  3. Find and select the file.
  4. Click Download at the top of the page or double-click the file. The document downloads to your default downloads location.
  5. After making changes to the file, upload the saved copy back to iCloud Drive on a computer.
May 19, 2022

How do I access data from iCloud backup? ›

Find and manage backups stored in iCloud
  1. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud.
  2. Tap Manage Account Storage, then tap Backups.
  3. Tap a backup to see more details about it, choose which information to back up, or delete the backup.
Oct 24, 2022

How do I get my photos from the cloud back on my phone? ›

It may be in your device folders.
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app .
  2. At the bottom, tap Library.
  3. Under "Photos on device," check your device folders.

Can you restore from iCloud backup later? ›

You can restore your iPhone's iCloud backup using the Settings app or a computer. To reset an iPhone, you have to erase all its data and settings in the Settings app. When setting up the iPhone again, choose "Restore from iCloud Backup" and follow instructions to restore it.

How do I restore my photos from previous iPhone? ›

How to Recover Deleted Photos from iTunes Backup
  1. Open iTunes.
  2. Use an original Apple cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
  3. Select the Restore Backup option.
  4. Pick the most relevant backup.
  5. Click Restore and wait for the restore process to finish.
Jan 25, 2023

Why is iCloud taking forever to download photos? ›

Sometimes you just need to wait

Downloading photos from iCloud to your iPhone is a slow process. Adding to that, your iPhone stops downloading photos whenever there are other demands on the processor or battery. Help your iPhone download iCloud photos quickly by keeping it connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in to charge.

Why do iCloud photos download so slow? ›

The top reasons for a stalled or slow syncing are low power or a shoddy network connection. For optimal backup speed, make sure that all your devices are connected to solid wifi or cellular connection.

Why is it so hard to download photos from iCloud? ›

Check that all your connections are good and try restarting or resetting your device. iCloud photo downloads require a stable network connection, so make sure you have a good WiFi signal. Sign out and sign in to iCloud to refresh, then try to download again.

Does iCloud automatically restore photos? ›

In fact, after the iCloud Backup is enabled, it automatically backs up data such as your photo library, accounts, documents, Home configuration, and settings when the device is connected to power, locked, and on WLAN.

Why is my iPhone iCloud restore taking so long? ›

The time it will take depends on how much data you need to restore. You can check the data on your device after the process is done.

Does iPhone backup restore photos? ›

iTunes can back up almost all data from the iPhone device, including photos. It can backup only those photos that get captured directly from the camera of the iPhone device.

How do I restore an easy backup? ›

Restoring your easyfile database, from a backup
  1. From the login screen click Restore Backup.
  2. Browse to the location from which to restore the database, and select the backup file you want to restore & click Open.
  3. Read the warning and click Yes or Cancel.
  4. If you clicked Yes you should get a Restore Complete message.

Can I restore a backup on iPhone without resetting? ›

Generally, restoring data from iCloud backup on an iPhone is hard to avoid data loss. Therefore, many people may wonder: Can you restore iPhone from backup without erasing it? Yes, you can. With professional data recovery software, you can restore from iCloud backup selectively and without data loss.

How can I back up my photos? ›

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app .
  2. Sign in to your Google Account.
  3. At the top right, tap your Profile picture or Initial.
  4. Tap Photos settings. Backup.
  5. Under "Settings," tap Back up device folders.
  6. Select the folders you want to back up.

How do I download all my photos from iCloud? ›

Download the iCloud for Windows tool and install it onto your computer. Open iCloud for Windows from the Start menu. Tap on Options and select everything you need. Click on Done to download iCloud photos.

How do I download backup from iCloud Drive? ›

Use these steps to download files stored in iCloud Drive, or files that are accessible from iWork apps on iCloud.com:
  1. Sign in to iCloud.com.
  2. Open iCloud Drive.
  3. Find and select the file.
  4. Click Download at the top of the page or double-click the file. The document downloads to your default downloads location.
Jun 17, 2022

How do I view photos from iCloud backup on Iphone? ›

How to access iCloud Photos
  1. Open the Photos app.
  2. Tap the Library tab to see your photos.
  3. Tap the Albums tab to see My Albums, Shared Albums, People & Places, Media Types, and Utilities. You can also learn more about content that you share with others.
Jan 13, 2022

Can I selectively restore iCloud backup? ›

Select the iCloud synced files that contains all the information you want to restore and click the "Download" button. You will then be prompted to select the file types you would like to download from the iCloud synced files. This will be useful in reducing the download time of the iCloud synced files.

Why is iCloud photos taking so long? ›

"Pause library uploads to iCloud

If you have a large collection of photos and videos, your upload might take more time than usual. You can see the status and pause the upload for one day. On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos.

How do I download thousands of pictures from iCloud? ›

Here's how:
  1. Go to your iPhone and tap on the Photos app. ...
  2. Tap, hold, and swipe to select all pictures.
  3. After you've selected all the photos you need, click on the Share button in the bottom left corner.
  4. Swipe left on the bottom icons to get to the icon you need, then select Copy iCloud link to get photos from iCloud.
Feb 11, 2023

How long does it take for 1000 photos to upload to iCloud? ›

It might take up to 12 hours to upload. If you don't see them by then, try turning the iPad and iphone off and on once the upload is complete.

How fast does iCloud upload photos? ›

When you turn on iCloud Photos, the upload time for your photos and videos depends on the size of your collection and your internet speed. Expect a 24 to 48 hour wait for your first iCloud sync, especially if you have a large library. You can track the upload progress from the indicator at the bottom of your library.

Why are my photos stuck on uploading? ›

The quickest way to fix Google Photos backup stuck issue on Android is by removing its cache. You can just go to your phone's Settings > Apps > Google Photos > Storage and Cache and choose to clear the cache on Google Photos app. You can later restart the app and check if you are able to upload your photos or not.

How can I move all my photos from iCloud? ›

To start a request to transfer the photos and videos in iCloud Photos:
  1. Sign in with your Apple ID at privacy.apple.com.
  2. Select Transfer a copy of your data.
  3. Follow the prompts to complete your request.
Apr 15, 2021

How do I export my entire iCloud photo library? ›

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, tap Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos. Then select Download and Keep Originals and import the photos to your computer.

How do I force iCloud photos to sync? ›

First, navigate to Settings > Photos > iCloud Photos and toggle to on, which will automatically upload and store your library to iCloud, including iCloud.com, where you can view and download photos on a computer.

Why is my iPhone backup taking 12 hours? ›

If your network speed is slow and unstable, even a small amount of data will take a lot of time to back up. Also, if the majority of storage space on your phone has been taken and there is too much data that needs to back up, then it will take longer to finish the iCloud backup process.

Videos

1. How to Free Up iCloud Storage (& Never Worry About It Again)
(TheUnlockr)
2. iCLOUD BACKUPS - WHAT you NEED TO KNOW when it comes to backing up PHOTOS, iPHONES and your devices!
(Learn with Joel Feld)
3. Download Photos from iCloud to iPhone | Import iCloud Photos on iPhone
(AppleTricks)
4. How To Free Up A TON of your iCloud Storage!!
(Daniel About Tech)
5. How To Backup iPhone Photos To iCloud 2022
(Cap Trong Nam - How To)
6. How to Get Permanently Deleted Photos Back on iPhone (4Ways)
(TenorshareOfficial)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated: 04/12/2023

Views: 5511

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.