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How do I retrieve my iCloud photos from the cloud?

I’ve been paying for iCloud storage for 3 or more years now, how do I retrieve my iCloud photos from the cloud, please?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad mini, iOS 12

Posted on Sep 4, 2022 4:21 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 4, 2022 4:42 PM

If you have iCloud Photos turned on, the photos on the device are the same as on iCloud, with the possible exception that some of them may be space-saving optimized versions if you have that option turned on. You view them in the Photos app on an iOS device or Mac. You can also login to icloud.com and go to the Photos app there. See: Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support


If you didn't have iCloud Photos turned on but do have an iCloud backup, you can restore the entire phone (not just the photos) from iCloud but you cannot otherwise view the contents of the backup. Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 4, 2022 4:42 PM in response to Irishlassii

If you have iCloud Photos turned on, the photos on the device are the same as on iCloud, with the possible exception that some of them may be space-saving optimized versions if you have that option turned on. You view them in the Photos app on an iOS device or Mac. You can also login to icloud.com and go to the Photos app there. See: Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support


If you didn't have iCloud Photos turned on but do have an iCloud backup, you can restore the entire phone (not just the photos) from iCloud but you cannot otherwise view the contents of the backup. Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support


How do I retrieve my iCloud photos from the cloud?

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