How to Transfer Photos to New iPhone — From iOS, Android, PC, or Mac

Easily move photos to your new iPhone from any device. This guide covers wireless and cable transfers from iPhone, Android, PC, and Mac.

Upgrading to a new iPhone should be exciting. But for some users, the biggest worry is to move every photo safely. Whether your pictures are coming from an old iPhone, a computer, or an Android device, this comprehensive guide will show you how to transfer photos to new iPhone easily and quickly.

Your photo library may hold years of memories and irreplaceable moments. When transferring photos to a new iPhone, the method depends on where your pictures and videos are currently stored and how you prefer to transfer them:

• From an old iPhone / iPad: Transfer photos to your new iPhone using wireless methods like iCloud syncing or AirDrop.
• From a computer: Import photos to your iPhone using a cable or cloud services.
• From an Android phone: Make photo transfer to a new iPhone using Apple's official Move to iOS during the setup.
• From ANY source: Use reliable cloud services to sync photos all at once, or apply third-party tools for manual control.

No matter your situation — switching from an older iPhone, coming from Android, or restoring from a computer, this guide gives a clear pathway to transfer all or just a selection of your photos to a new iPhone, whether with or without a cable.

Transferring photos to a new iPhone can be quick and easy with Higospot iPhone Data Transfer, which lets you move photos and videos from a PC, Mac, or other iOS devices — either in bulk or selectively.

Table of Contents

• Part 1: Transfer Photos to a New iPhone from Any Source — iPhone, PC, or Mac
• Part 2: How to Move Photos to New iPhone — From an Old iPhone/iPad
• Part 3: Transfer Photos From a Computer to a New iPhone — Windows & macOS
• Part 4: Transfer Photos from Android to New iPhone — During Setup
• FAQs on Photo Transfer to New iPhone

Part 1: Transfer Photos to a New iPhone from Any Source — iPhone, PC, or Mac

Best for: Bulk or selective photo transfer to iPhone from various sources, such as another iPhone, iPad, PC, or Mac.

If you want a quick and flexible way to transfer photos to a new iPhone — whether from another iPhone/iPad or a PC/Mac— Higospot iPhone Data Transfer offers a convenient solution.

It is a cross-platform data transfer tool designed for iPhone users, providing an all-in-one way to move photos, videos, music, messages, and other files. Whether you are transferring your entire photo library at once or just moving some selected pictures, this software lets you complete the process easily using simple drag-and-drop controls.

In addition to transferring photos to your new iPhone, it also allows you to move iOS photos to your computer and convert HEIC images into JPEG or PNG formats for better compatibility and easier sharing.

Win Download Mac Download

What you need:

• Installation on Windows PC/Mac.
• A USB cable to link the new iPhone.

Steps for photo transfer to a new iPhone - from an iPhone, PC, or Mac:

1. Open Higospot iPhone Data Transfer on your computer. It works for both Windows PC & Mac.

2. Connect the new iPhone via a USB cable. If a Trust This Computer message pops up (usually in first connecting), tap Trust and enter your iPhone passcode to proceed.

3. Select Photos in the left sidebar. This allows you to view the Photos Library on the connected iPhone.

4. Transfer photos to new iPhone all at once or selectively.

When transferring from a computer:

The easiest way is to open the picture folder on your computer, select your desired photos, and drag and drop them to this transfer window. You can also follow:

• Click Add button at the top toolbar, and select Add File / Add Folder, depending on your preference.
• A computer folder should appear, letting you select any pictures and videos you want to add to your iPhone.
• After selection, hit Open. All chosen photos will transfer to the new iPhone directly.

When transferring from an old iPhone/iPad:

• Connect the old iPhone/iPad with a USB cable. If asked, allow it to trust this computer.
• At the top of this window, click the drop-down arrow next to your new iPhone.
• Switch to the source device and wait for the tool to load all existing photos and albums on it.
• Select the pictures you prefer to move to the new iPhone, or simply click Check All.
• Click the Export to Device button (a phone icon) and target your new iPhone for photo transfer.

After transfer, open the Photos app on your iPhone and all newly added photos will be accessible instantly.

Pros

• No internet connection required
• Supports drag-and-drop file transfer
• Built-in HEIC Converter
• Cross-platform photo transfers between iOS to Windows / macOS
• Compatible with both Windows PC and Mac

Cons

• Free version allows limited transfers only
• Requires a computer connection to operate

Part 2: How to Move Photos to New iPhone — From an Old iPhone/iPad

If you're transferring photos from an old iPhone to a new iPhone, Apple has the smoothest ecosystem options. You can migrate all photos during the setup or wirelessly move them after setup.

Use Quick Start During Setup — Wireless Transfer, All at Once

Best for: Transfer all old photos to a new iPhone with minimal effort.

Apple's official migration tool — Quick Start lets you move all photos, videos, and other data directly from an old iPhone to an new one over Wi-Fi or peer-to-peer network.

What you need:

• The old iPhone is running iOS 11 or later.
• Your new iPhone is brand new or freshly reset.
• Both devices are near each other and charged, with Wi-Fi enabled and Bluetooth on

Steps to transfer photos to a new iPhone from an old one wirelessly:

1. Turn on your new iPhone and follow the initial setup until you see Quick Start screen.

2. Place your old iPhone next to the new one. Ensure both devices are connected to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth.

3. When a Set Up New iPhone prompt appears on the old iPhone, tap Continue. TIP: If the prompt disappears from your device, restart both devices and try again.

4. Follow the steps on your previous device and use the camera to scan a pairing animation on your new iPhone.

5. When asked, enter your old iPhone's passcode on your new iPhone.

6. To move all old photos to the new iPhone, select Transfer from iPhone on Transfer Your Data screen.

7. Keep both devices near each other (and plugged in) and wait for the transfer to complete.

This way, all photos and videos on your current device will get onto your new iPhone directly, without using a cable.

Pros

• No cables
• Moves photos, apps, user data, and settings together
• Simple and automated

Cons

• If the new iPhone is already set up, you'll need to reset it and erase everything to start the transfer
• Can be slow with very large photo libraries
• Requires a stable Wi-Fi

Use iCloud Photos After Setup — Wireless, Automatic Transfer

Best for: Ongoing photo syncing from one iPhone to another.

Once enabled, iCloud Photos will upload your photos and videos to the online Photos Library and keep them synchronized across all devices that are connected to the same Apple Account. After that, all photos on your old iPhone will automatically transfer to your new iPhone over the internet.

What you need:

• An active iCloud account with sufficient cloud storage
• iCloud Photos enabled on both source and target iPhones
• Stable Wi-Fi connection on both devices

Steps to sync photos between old and new iPhones by iCloud Photos:

1. On both your old and new iPhones, open the Settings app.

2. Tap on your name and ensure you're signed in with same Apple Account on both devices.

3. Select iCloud > Photos.

4. Turn on the toggle next to Sync this iPhone.

Once done, open the Photos app on your new iPhone — all photos and videos from your old device will now automatically show up. See what to do if your photos disappeared from iPhone.

Pros

• Keeps albums organized automatically
• Works continuously once set

Cons

• Requires enough storage in iCloud
• Not ideal for one-time transfers with limited internet
  

Use AirDrop — Wireless, Selective

Best for: Sending specific photos and videos from one iPhone to another wirelessly.

Built into Apple's ecosystem, AirDrop lets you quickly share selected photos from iPhone to iPhone. It's fast for transferring a small number of pictures and videos, no internet required.

What you need:

• AirDrop enabled on both devices
• Place the iDevices within Wi-Fi and Bluetooth range

Steps to share photos with a new iPhone:

1. Enable AirDrop on source and target iPhones.

• Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone's Home screen.
• In the opening Control Center, press and hold the network card.
• Tap the AirDrop icon and select Everyone for 10 minutes.

2. Transfer photos to your new iPhone from the old one.

• Open the Photos app on your current iPhone and select which photos and videos you prefer to transfer.
• Tap the Share icon and choose AirDrop from the list.
• When all nearby AirDrop devices display, select the new iPhone to transfer all selected photos.

Pros

• No cable
• Perfect for a few images

Cons

• Not for large libraries
• Manual selection required

Part 3: Transfer Photos From a Computer to a New iPhone — Windows & macOS

Whether your photos are stored on a Windows PC or a Mac, you can transfer them to your new iPhone either with a cable for speed and reliability, or wirelessly using cloud services for convenience.

Use iTunes/Finder — Cable, Bulk or Selective Transfer

Best for: One-time, offline transfer to move large photo collections or specific folders to albums to a connected iPhone.

If you prefer a fast and offline way to move photos from your computer to your new iPhone, syncing with a cable is one of the most reliable methods. On a Mac, this is done through Finder, while Windows users use iTunes for PC-to-iPhone photo transfer. Despite different interfaces, the process is nearly the same on both platforms.

What you need:

• Finder for a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later.
• iTunes for a Windows PC or Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier.
• A USB cable or Lightning or USB-C cable.
• Photos organized into folders.
• Your new iPhone already set up and unlocked

Steps to transfer computer photos to a new iPhone:

1. Unlock the new iPhone and connect it to the computer. If asked, tap Trust on Trust This Computer prompt and enter your passcode. Click here if you forgot your iPhone passcode.

2. Open Finder or iTunes and select your device.

• On newer Mac: Open Finder and select your iPhone from the sidebar under Locations.
• On Windows and older macOS: Open iTunes and click the device icon in the upper-left corner.

3. Navigate to the Photos tab in Finder or iTunes.

4. Check the box labeled Sync photos to your iPhone from.

5. Select your photo source from a computer folder or Photos app (Mac only).

6. Make your choice to move All photos and albums, or Selected folders or albums only

7. Click Apply or Sync to begin photo syncing to your new iPhone. Keep the device connected until the process finishes.

Pros

• Offline syncing
• Stable transfer for large photo libraries
• Full-library transfers or certain picture folders

Cons

• This method replaces existing photos on iPhone each time you sync
• The synced photos cannot be edited or deleted directly on the iPhone

Use Cloud Services — Wireless, Cross-Platform Sync

Cloud services offer a simple, wireless way to transfer photos from your computer to your new iPhone. This method works by uploading photos from your PC or Mac to the cloud, then sync and download them onto your iPhone.

Apple users usually rely on iCloud Photos, while services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox work in the same way. Once uploaded, you're able to access those photos on your iPhone and anywhere else.

What you need:

• Internet connection on both platforms.
• The same account is accessed on your computer and new iPhone.
• Available cloud storage.

Example: Transfer photos to new iPhone with iCloud Photos

1. On computer, open any browser and visit icloud.com.

2. Sign in with your Apple Account and password.

3. Select Photos icon and check Library on the left side.

4. Click the Upload icon from the upper-right corner on iCloud Photos screen.

5. When prompted, select any pictures on your computer and wait until they are uploaded to iCloud.

6. On the target new iPhone, access Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos.

7. Toggle on Sync this iPhone option.

8. Open the Photos app and wait for iCloud syncing to complete.

Depending on how many photos you have and your internet speed, syncing may take minutes or hours. New photos appear gradually in the Photos app.

Pros

• No cable needed
• Works from anywhere
• Easy to access on multiple devices

Cons

• May require additional storage space
• Not always ideal for huge libraries

Part 4: Transfer Photos from Android to new iPhone — During Setup

Best for: Photo transfer from an Android device if your new iPhone has not been fully set up yet.

Apple's official Android-to-iPhone transfer tool is Move to iOS. It securely transfers your photos and other personal data from Android to iPhone over a private Wi-Fi connection created between the devices.

What you need:

• The source Android phone is charged and connected to Wi-Fi.
• The target iPhone is on Hello screen.
• Move to iOS is installed on Android device.

Steps to transfer Photos from Android using Move to iOS:

1. Power on your iPhone and follow the setup steps until you reach Transfer Your Apps & Data screen.

2. Select Move Data from Android to begin.

3. Install and open Move to iOS app on your Android phone.

4. When your iPhone displays a numeric code (usually 6 or 10 digits), enter that code into the Android app when prompted. This creates a secure connection between the two devices.

5. On your Android phone, select the data type to transfer and ensure Photos and Videos are checked.

6. Tap Next to start the Android-to-iOS transfer. The transfer will begin and may take several minutes to hours, depending on how many files you're moving.

7. Once complete, finish the setup steps on your iPhone.

8. Open the Photos app to confirm your Android photos are transferred successfully.

Pros

• Free and official Apple solution
• No computer or cable needed
• Transfers photos and everything else in one session

Cons

• No selective photo transfer (it's all or nothing)
• Doesn't work after iPhone setup is completed
• Large libraries may take significant time