Navigation

How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to iPad in 5 Proven Ways

We can see Apple users wandering in forums to search for how to transfer photos from iPhone to iPad. However, things could be messed up if inappropriate methods are used.

This article introduces five ways to do this and offers tips and limitations. Whether you need to tackle hundreds of photos or you want to sync several photos, there will be a solution for you.

Part 1: Comparison of iPhone to iPad Photo Transfer Methods

Priority Method Best For Requires a Computer Requires an Internet Connection Selective Transfer Automatic Sync
1 AirDrop Quickly transferring a few or multiple photos without a computer No No internet required; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be enabled Yes No
2 iCloud Photos Automatically syncing a photo library across both devices No Yes No Yes
3 USB Cable Importing photos directly without using cloud services No No Yes No
4 Apeaksoft iPhone Transfer Selectively transferring or batch-transferring photos through a computer Yes No internet required during transfer Yes No
5 iTunes/Finder Transferring photos through a computer using Apple’s built-in tools Yes Usually not required for local syncing Depends on the sync method Manual sync only

Part 2. Transfer Photos from iPhone to iPad with AirDrop

AirDrop is a built-in Apple feature that lets you wirelessly transfer photos between nearby iPhones and iPads. It's a convenient option for sending a few photos or a batch of pictures without using a computer efficiently. It is suitable for users who just want to one-time transfer their photos.

AirDrop doesn't require an internet connection, but Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be enabled on both devices. Besides, it only allows face-to-face transfer. Generally, the distance between the iPad and iPhone is no more than 10 meters.

Step 1. Turn on AirDrop, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth in the Control Center for both devices.

Turn On Airdrop

Step 2. Open the Photos app, and select the photos you want to send to your iPad.

Step 3. Tap the share button and choose AirDrop. Click your iPad name, and photos will be transferred to it.

Airdrop Photos From iPhone To iPad

Part 3. Sync Photos from iPhone to iPad with iCloud Photos

iCloud Photos automatically syncs your photo library across devices signed in to the same Apple Account. If you want your iPhone photos to appear on your iPad automatically, you can enable this feature on both devices. Before getting started, keep the following limitations in mind.

  • 1.If you are not an iCloud subscriber, you can only sync up to 5GB of data for free.
  • 2.iCloud Photos syncs changes across your devices rather than creating independent copies. More specifically, if you delete any photo from any device locally, the photo in any other iDevices will be deleted simultaneously.
  • 3.Ensure your iPad and iPhone sign in with the same Apple ID.

Step 1. Go to the Settings app, and tap your name at the top.

Step 2. Click iCloud > Photos.

Icloud Photos

Step 3. Turn on Sync this iPhone. Repeat the same steps on your iPad. Now iCloud will sync photos from iPhone to iPad.

Sync This iPhone

Tips:
1. With iCloud, you can also sync your calendar between your iPhone and iPad to check your to-do list anywhere.
2. iCloud sync is not instant and requires a stable network. If your photos are not synced, try reconnecting to Wi-Fi, rebooting iCloud, and waiting for it to sync.

Part 4. Transfer Photos from iPhone to iPad Using a USB Cable

You can also transfer photos directly from your iPhone to a compatible iPad using a USB cable. This method lets you import photos without relying on cloud syncing. This method is similar to Airdrop but faster and more stable as long as your iPad version meets its restrictions.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your iPad via a compatible USB cable or adapter.

Step 2. Unlock your iPhone and follow the on-screen prompts. On your iPad, open the Photos app and look for the Import option. If it appears, you can select and transfer the photos you want.

Part 5. Transfer Photos from iPhone to iPad in Bulk Selectively

Apeaksoft iPhone Transfer is an intuitive and effective transfer tool that lets you transfer photos from iPhone to iPad through your Windows PC or Mac. Unlike automatic photo syncing, it allows you to preview and select specific photos or transfer them in bulk, giving you more control over which pictures you move. You can also use it to manage or back up all photos or selected photos from your iPhone to your iPad or computer.

Apeaksoft iPhone Transfer Trustpilot Reviewed

Downloaded by over 1,000,000 users

  • Transfer photos from iPhone to iPad in bulk in just a few clicks.
  • Preview and select the iPhone photos you want to transfer.
  • User-friendly interface and visualized transfer process.
  • Transfer, manage, and back up photos, music, videos, and more.
  • Convert HEIC photos and create custom ringtones.
Free Download

Secure Download

Free Download

Secure Download

iPhone Transfer

Step 1. Connect the iPhone and iPad to your computer via USB cables. Then, launch the program, and it will automatically detect the devices.

Connect iPhone

Step 2. Click Photos on the left bar and select the photos you want to transfer. You can also select all and transfer them in bulk. After that, click the top device button and choose your device name. Now, the transfer starts.

Export Photos

Tips: Following similar instructions, you can also transfer photos from computer to iPhone.

Part 6. Transfer Photos from iPhone to iPad Using iTunes/Finder

On Windows PCs and older Macs, you can use iTunes (On Macs running macOS Catalina or later, use Finder instead) to sync photos from your computer to your iPad. But syncing photos may replace previously synced photos on your iPad. Back up important photos before proceeding.

Step 1. Open iTunes (or Finder) on your Windows or Mac and make sure it is the latest version.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable, and import the iPhone photos to the computer using the computer's built-in Photos app.

Step 3. Unplug your iPhone and connect your iPad to your computer. Open iTunes (or Finder). Select your iPad, open the Photos section, choose the folder or photo library you want to sync, and apply the changes.

Conclusion

How can photos be transferred from iPhone to iPad? This article illustrates five ways including AirDrop, iCloud, a USB cable, Apeaksoft iPhone Transfer, and iTunes. Among them, Apeaksoft iPhone Transfer is straightforward and effective because it is a one-stop and selective transfer for bulk photos.

iPhone Transfer Icon Apeaksoft iPhone Transfer

Transfer iOS data among iOS devices, computer and iTunes.

Free Download

Secure Download

Free Download

Secure Download

Related Articles

Noah Miller
Noah Miller

Expertise: Unlock iOS · Unlock Android · Transfer Data · iOS Tips

Noah Miller is an editor at Apeaksoft who focuses on mobile unlocking and data transfer solutions. He has tested dozens of iOS and Android tools. He writes guides on unlocking devices, transferring data, and solving mobile system issues.