How to Access iCloud Photo on App, Desktop, & Browser

With iCloud, your files, videos, and photos can be synced to any Apple device or device logged into your Apple account. This is incredibly convenient, as you no longer need to spend a lot of time transferring data.

However, there are often situations where you know where something is, but you get lost in the various settings, menus, and entries and have no idea how to find your photos. Especially since the answers for how to access iCloud photos vary across mobile apps, desktop computers, and the online iCloud website.

This is where you need a comprehensive guide that explains everything in one place.

The complete guide is now ready. We will demonstrate how to view iCloud photos from an iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and online in the following sections. With the perfect solution, you’ll be able to manage your iCloud files seamlessly across all your devices.

Part 1. How to Access iCloud Photos Via Photos App

The easiest way to access iCloud photos is through the Photos app, provided that you have set up iCloud and linked it to the app in advance. Otherwise, you will only be able to see photos saved or taken on your current device, rather than photos from all devices associated with your Apple account.

If you don't know how to enable photo syncing, please refer to the following guide, which uses iPhone and iPad as examples.

Before diving into specific IMG to TXT extractors, let’s first clarify the selection criteria in this section.

Step 1. Start by unlocking your iPhone and tapping Settings.

Step 2. At the top of the screen, tap your name to enter your Apple ID settings. This is where all your iCloud options are managed.

Step 3. Scroll down a bit and tap on iCloud. You’ll find a list of apps and features that use your iCloud storage.

Step 4. Select Photos from the list, then switch on Sync this iPhone to back up your photos to iCloud automatically.

Once syncing is complete, you will be able to view all your photos in the Photos app on one device.

Here's how to view pics on iCloud from the Photos app.

Step 1. On your iPhone or iPad, find and tap the Photos app icon to launch your photo gallery.

Step 2. Once the app opens, make sure you’re on the Library tab, usually found at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3. At the top of the screen, you’ll see options like Years, Months, and Days—tap any of these to browse your images by time period.

If you want to scroll through your full collection, select All Photos instead.

Part 2. How to Access iCloud Photos on PC

Accessing iCloud photos using a Windows PC can be a bit tricky, as the two operating systems are incompatible.

Fortunately, iCloud has launched a dedicated iCloud for Windows for PC users. If you use a PC with an iOS device, this feature is perfect for you.

Simply download and install iCloud for Windows on your PC to browse photos on your computer.

Here is how to access iCloud photos on PC.

Step 1. On your PC, open the iCloud app. If you haven’t installed it yet, you can download it from the Microsoft Store.

Step 2. Next to the Photos option, click on Options to customize how your photo library syncs.

Step 3. Check the box for iCloud Photo Library (or iCloud Photos in newer versions). Then click Done to save.

Step 4. Click Apply or Done on the main iCloud screen.

Step 5. Open File Explorer > iCloud Photos in the sidebar. You’ll see your photos sorted into three sections in the details pane.

Part 3. How to Access iCloud Photos on Mac

The principle of accessing iCloud photos on a Mac is the same as on an iPhone or iPad. It is done through the Photos app.

Similarly, you must first ensure that photo synchronization is enabled on your Mac.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Click the Apple menu bar and choose System Settings.

Step 2. Select your Apple Account, then tap iCloud > Photos.

Step 3. Enable Sync this Mac.

Here is how to access iCloud photos on Mac.

Step 1. Click the Finder icon.

Step 2. In the Finder sidebar, select Applications, then scroll down and double-click Photos to launch the app.

Step 3. Click on Library in the sidebar to see all your photos in one place.

Part 4. How to View iCloud Photos in Browser

The principle of accessing iCloud photos on a Mac is the same as on an iPhone or iPad. It is done through the Photos app.

Similarly, you must first ensure that photo synchronization is enabled on your Mac.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Open your browser.

Step 2. In the address bar, type icloud.com and press Enter.

Step 3. Enter your Apple ID and password to log into your iCloud account.

Step 4. Click on the Photos icon, then browse your images by Library, Memories, Albums, and other folders.

Part 5. How to Access iCloud Photos on Android

If you are using an Android phone, there are two ways to access iCloud photos: log in to iCloud or download the iCloud app.

We will use the second method as an example to show you how to access iCloud photos on Android.

Step 1. On your Android device, go to icloud.com.

Step 2. Tap the three-dot menu icon.

Step 3. Select Add to Home screen.

Step 4. The iCloud will appear on your home screen. Tap it anytime to open iCloud in a simplified, app-like view.

Part 6. Why Can’t I See My iCloud Photos

Now you know how to access photos on iCloud. However, some users have reported that they encounter issues where photos are not visible during the process. After our research and analysis, the potential causes may include the following:

• Unstable network connection

If you are not connected to the internet or the network is unstable, this may result in failed photo synchronization to iCloud.

Low battery levels on the device may also cause the synchronization process to interrupt.

• Incorrect Apple account login

If your device is logged into another person's Apple account, the photos you see may belong to them. In this case, you need to log in again.

• iCloud not synced

If you have disabled photo syncing on your device, you may encounter issues where photos cannot be found.

• Insufficient iCloud storage space

iCloud storage space is limited. Once it is full, new photos cannot be uploaded.

Part 7. Should I Entrust My Photos to Apple iCloud

Apple has emphasized that iCloud storage is highly secure. They’ve put several layers of protection in place to safeguard user privacy and data, including:

Advanced Data Protection

Only you and the devices linked to your Apple account can accessyour photos and files.

Two-Factor Authentication

When enabled, logging into your Apple ID requires more than just a password. A six-digit verification code is also sent to one of your trusted devices.

Part 8. Bonus: How to Upscale Blurry Image from iCloud

Sometimes, when syncing images to the cloud, in order to speed up transmission and save cloud space, the quality of the images may be compressed to some extent, resulting in blurry images.

If you are troubled by this issue, why not try Vidmore Free Image Upscaler Online? It allows you to repair blurry photos with a single click and enlarge them losslessly to 2X, 4X, 6X, and 8X.

Part 9. FAQs of How to Access iCloud Photos

How long do photos stay in iCloud?

If you don't make any changes, your photos will not disappear. If you delete photos, they will remain in the trash for 30 days. After that, they will be permanently deleted.

Does iCloud make photos blurry?

When you download photos from iCloud, your phone may save a lower-resolution version. You may need to use a tool to enhance the photo resolution.

How to enlarge iCloud photos without losing quality?

Download your photos from iCloud. Use Vidmore Free Image Upscaler Online to enlarge iCloud photos without losing quality.

Conclusion

This article compiles a step-by-step guide on how to access iCloud photos, including instructions for Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, and online. We hope this helps you seamlessly open and transfer photos across various devices. iCloud has robust security measures in place, making it a trustworthy service.