This guide will show you how to sync photos from your iPhone to your Mac. We’ll discuss using iCloud for automatic syncing, Finder, AirDrop, Photos app, and third-party apps. Plus, we’ll give you tips and tricks to make the process smoother.
What does syncing photos from iPhone to Mac mean?
Syncing photos from your iPhone to your Mac means ensuring the same photos appear on both your phone and computer. This helps keep your photo collection the same across both devices. iCloud, Apple’s online service, is usually used for this. When you turn on iCloud Photos on your iPhone and Mac, it automatically sends your photos to iCloud. Then, these photos show up in the Photos app on your Mac. This makes it easy to see your photos on both devices and keeps them updated together. You can also sync photos manually using a USB cable to connect your iPhone and Mac. Once connected, you can choose which photos to move from your iPhone to your Mac using the Photos app. This way, you can pick exactly which photos you want to transfer.
How to synch photos from iPhone to Mac?
Method 1: Sync iPhone photos to Mac automatically with iCloud
Using iCloud Photo Library makes it easy to transfer photos from your devices to different places automatically. If you want to sync photos from your iPhone to your Mac without wires, iCloud is a great option.
↪ Prerequisites
Update your iPhone and Mac to the latest iOS and macOS versions.Use the same Apple ID to log into iCloud on both your iPhone and Mac.Make sure your iPhone and Mac are connected to a strong Wi-Fi network.
Once you are sure of these things, here is how you can enable iCloud Photo sync on both your Mac and iPhone:
↪ On your iPhone:
↪ On your Mac:
Images sourced from: Learn with Joel Feld iCloud doesn’t just sync photos. It also works with other files. For instance, you can easily sync your iPhone’s calendar with your Mac using iCloud.
Method 2: Sync photos from iPhone to Mac using Finder
If you have macOS Catalina (10.15) or a newer version, you can use Finder to sync your iPhone with your Mac. Here’s how to do it: Note: If you’re syncing from the Photos app, you can either select “All photos and albums” or “Selected albums.” If you choose “Selected albums,” check the boxes next to the albums you want to sync. With this syncing once turned on, your Mac and iPhone can sync automatically each time you connect them. Remember to click the Eject button in the Finder sidebar before disconnecting your device from your Mac.
Method 3: Sync photos from iPhone to Mac with AirDrop
AirDrop makes transferring and syncing photos from your iPhone to your Mac simple, as it’s a file-sharing feature built into Apple devices. Though this is not an automatic syncing procedure, you can habitually transfer photos from your iPhone to your Mac weekly or monthly. For Live Photos, you need to import them to the Photos app on a Mac running OS X El Capitan or later to keep their live effect. However, they’ll lose this effect if you sync them back to your iPhone using your computer. Using iCloud Photos, regardless of your device, is best to preserve the live effect. Remember, you can only sync your device with the System Photo Library on your Mac. If you have multiple photo libraries on your Mac, ensure the right one is set as the System Photo Library. First, you need to activate AirDrop on both your iPhone and Mac.
↪ On iPhone:
↪ On Mac:
Once AirDrop is active on both devices, follow these steps: Images sourced from ProgrammingKnowledge2
Method 4: Sync photos from iPhone to Mac using third-party apps
Apart from Apple’s own tools, you can also use different third-party apps to transfer photos from your iPhone to your Mac. Many of these apps are free, and some offer extra features you might need to pay for. Here are some popular photo transfer apps for iPhones, iPads, and Macs:
Wondershare TunesGoTenorshare iCareFoneAnyTransiMazingPhoto Transfer
You can search in the App Store or online for photo-transferring apps to find one that fits your needs best.
Tips and tricks for syncing photos between iPhone and Mac
Syncing photos between your iPhone and Mac can be smooth and trouble-free with the right tips and tricks. These suggestions are great for making the process more efficient, keeping your photos well-organized, and solving any usual problems you might encounter.
Enable iCloud Photo Library: Ensure iCloud Photo Library is active on your iPhone and Mac. This helps your entire photo collection sync automatically and in real time.Check internet connection: A strong and stable internet connection is important for iCloud to sync your photos. Check that both devices are connected to WiFi for a smooth transfer.Organize albums on iPhone: Organize your albums on your iPhone before syncing. This way, your photos will also be well-organized on your Mac, making it easier to find specific pictures.Regularly review and delete unwanted photos: Go through your photos on both devices now and then. Delete any you don’t need or duplicates. This saves space and keeps your photo collection neat.Fixing sync problems: If you have trouble syncing, try restarting your iPhone and Mac. Ensure iCloud is working right, and check for any device updates. These steps can often fix common problems with photo syncing.
