How to transfer iCloud photos and videos to Google Photos

Here’s how to quickly bulk transfer photos and videos stored in iCloud from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Google Photos.

Apple has introduced a new tool to transfer photos and videos from the Apple Photos to transfer them to a third-party service, letting you move your existing iCloud photo library to Google Photos.

Available now to iCloud users in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the free transfer tool works for media with the following formats: .jpg, .png, .webp, .gif, some RAW files, .mpg, .mod, .mmv, .tod, .wmv, .asf, .avi, .divx, .mov, .m4v, .3gp, .3g2, .mp4, .m2t, .m2ts, .mts and .mkv files.

How to transfer iCloud photos and videos to Google Photos

1. Visit the privacy.apple.com webpage and sign in with the Apple ID which holds the photos and videos in iCloud
2. Select “Request to transfer a copy of your data” and open the drop down menu to choose where you would like to transfer your photos (e.g. Google Photos)
3. Here you can choose whether you transfer photos and videos together or individually
4. Select “Continue” and a pop up will appear to sign in to your Google account

After you have signed in to your Google account, follow the instructions to complete the transfer.

Apple notes that the transfer will take between three and seven days. You’ll receive an email notification of your transfer request and another email when your transfer is complete.

It’s worth keeping in mind that some data and formats available in iCloud Photos – such as Smart Albums, Live Photos or some RAW files – may not be available when you transfer your content to another service.

Upon completing the transfer, your photos and videos will remain in iCloud and will not be automatically deleted.