How to Upload Photos in Google Drive from iPhone [Step-by-Step]

Why Can't I Upload Photos to Google Drive from My iPhone?

Many people want to transfer iPhone photos to Google Drive to back up memories, free up space, or share images across devices. However, some users face issues during this process, especially when trying to upload pictures to Google Drive from an iPhone quickly or in bulk.

Here are common reasons why you may not be able to upload photos:

🔑 App Permission Not Granted

Google Drive needs permission to access your photos. Without this, you cannot transfer iPhone photos to Google Drive.

🌐 Poor Internet Connection

A weak or unstable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection can interrupt uploading iPhone photos to Google Drive.

💾 Insufficient Google Drive Storage

If your Drive is full, you won’t be able to add pictures to Google Drive from your iPhone until you free up space.

⚠️ Outdated Google Drive App

Older versions may have bugs that block transferring photos from iPhone to Google Drive. Updating helps fix this.

Method 1. How to Upload iPhone Photos to Google Drive with the App

The Google Drive app offers a straightforward way to upload photos from your iPhone manually. This method lets you choose exactly which photos to transfer and where to store them in your Drive, making it perfect for backing up important images or sharing specific files.

It provides full control over your uploads but does not support automatic syncing, so you need to start the upload each time. Large files and Live Photos may not upload correctly, so check your files before transferring. A stable internet connection is essential to prevent interruptions. Overall, this method works well for occasional photo transfers and for users who want selective management of their iPhone photos in Google Drive.  

Here is a step-by-step  tutorial on  uploading iPhone photos to Google Drive with the app:     

Step 1. Open the Google Drive app on your iPhone. If you don’t have it installed, download it from the App Store and sign in with your Google account.

Step 2. Tap the “+” (plus) icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen to open the creation menu.

Step 3. From the menu, select “Upload” to begin choosing files to upload.

Step 4. Tap “Photos and Videos”. This opens your iPhone’s photo library. Browse through your albums and tap to select the photos you want to upload. You can select multiple photos at once.

Step 5. After selecting your photos, tap “Upload” in the top-right corner. The upload progress will display, and your photos will be saved to your Google Drive.

 Method 2. How to Upload Pics from iPhone to Google Drive via the Files App

Instead of relying on the Google Drive app, users can upload pics from iPhone to Google Drive directly through the iPhone’s Files app. This method offers several advantages: it provides access to multiple cloud services in one place, supports easier navigation through folder structures, and avoids constant app switching. Users who prefer native iOS tools often find this approach more intuitive, especially when managing files across iCloud, Dropbox, and Google Drive.

It also helps when handling different file types in one action. While this method may require more steps and may not preserve Live Photo data or metadata, it remains a practical option. For those who value system-level control and organized file management, the Files app is a strong alternative.

Follow these steps to transfer pictures from iPhone to Google Drive:

Step 1. Install the Google Drive app from the App Store and sign in with your Google account. This step ensures Google Drive appears as a storage location inside the Files app.

Step 2. Open the Files app, tap Browse, then tap the three-dot icon (•••) and choose Edit. Toggle on Google Drive to enable it as an available location.

Step 3. Go to the Photos app and select the pictures you want to upload. Tap the Share icon once your selections are complete.

Step 4. From the Share menu, tap Save to Files. Then choose Google Drive and select the folder where you want the photos to be stored.

Step 5. Tap Save to upload the selected photos to your Google Drive through the Files app.

Method 3. How to Upload Photo on Google from Mobile via Google Photos

Google Photos provides a useful workaround for users who want to upload photos to Google Drive from iPhone without doing it manually. Although Google Photos doesn’t sync directly with Google Drive anymore, it still stores your iPhone photos safely in your Google account.

By installing the Google Photos app and enabling Backup & Sync, your iPhone photos automatically upload to the cloud. While this doesn’t place them in Google Drive folders, the photos remain accessible across devices. If needed, you can later download them from Google Photos and manually move them to Drive. This method works best for users who want automatic cloud backup and don’t need immediate access to photos inside Google Drive.

Here is how to transfer iPhone photos to Google Drive using the Google Photos app:

Step 1. Download the Google Photos app from the App Store and open it on your iPhone.

Step 2. Sign in with your Google account.

Step 3. When prompted, allow access to your photos so the app can view and back them up.

Step 4. In the app settings, turn on “Backup & Sync.” This will automatically upload your iPhone photos to your Google Photos account.

Step 5. To move any photo to Google Drive later, open Google Photos in a browser, download the photo, and then upload it manually to Google Drive.

How to Share or Access Your Uploaded Photos in Google Drive

After you import iPhone photos to Google Drive, accessing and sharing your images is simple. Open the Google Drive app on your iPhone or visit drive.google.com on any device. Your photos typically appear in the “My Drive” section unless you saved them to a specific folder. If you organized them into folders, navigate to those folders to find your photos quickly.

To locate photos faster, use the search bar by entering file names, dates, or keywords. You can also filter results by file type to narrow down the search.

To share your photos, select one or more images, tap the Share icon, and choose how to send the link—via email, messaging apps, or by creating a shareable link. You can control permissions to allow others to view, comment, or edit the files. This makes Google Drive a secure and convenient platform to store, access, and share your iPhone photos anywhere.

Bonus Tip: How to Get More Storage for Your Photos in Google Drive

If you find yourself running out of space after importing iPhone photos to Google Drive, you’re not alone. Google Drive offers limited free storage, and upgrading to more space can get expensive. A great alternative is to use CBackup, a cloud backup service that helps you get nearly unlimited Google Drive storage by combining multiple cloud accounts into one larger drive.

With CBackup, you can link several Google Drive accounts or even mix other cloud services like OneDrive and Dropbox, giving you extra storage without additional costs. This solution lets you back up your photos and manage them efficiently, ensuring you never run out of space for your important memories.

Follow the steps to get more space for your photos in Google Drive:

Step 1. Download the CBackup app or visit their website and create a free account.

Step 2. Log in to CBackup and connect your Google Drive accounts under the “Storage” tab.

Step 3. Use the “Add Combined Cloud” feature to merge storage from your Google Drive accounts.

Step 4. Select the iPhone photos or backup folders you want to save.

Step 5. Choose the combined cloud storage as the backup destination and start the backup.

Conclusion

This guide has covered everything you need to know about how to upload iPhone photos to Google Drive. We introduced three main methods: using the Google Drive app for quick manual uploads, using the Files app for system-level control, and using Google Photos as a convenient backup workaround. Each method suits different needs—whether you want to upload selectively, rely on native iOS tools, or enable automatic syncing to the cloud.

We also explained how to access, find, and share your uploaded photos, and offered a bonus tip for expanding your storage with CBackup, which lets you combine multiple cloud accounts without upgrading your Google plan.

With the right method, you can back up your photos securely, manage your space smartly, and access your memories anytime from any device.

FAQs on Transferring Photos from iPhone to Google Drive

If you still have questions about how to upload iPhone pics to Google Drive, the FAQs below cover common concerns and helpful tips to guide you through the process.

1. Can I Save My iPhone Pictures to Drive?

Yes, you can. There are multiple ways to upload photos to Google Drive from iPhone. You can use the Google Drive app to upload selected photos manually, the Files app for direct transfer, or Google Photos as a backup workaround. Each method allows you to store your iPhone pictures securely in your Google Drive and access them from any device. Whether you want full control or automatic backup, you can choose the option that fits your needs.

2. How do I Back Up Photos from iPhone to an External Hard Drive?

If you're using iOS 13 or later, you can plug an external hard drive directly into your iPhone using a Lightning to USB or USB-C adapter. Then, follow the steps to back up your photos:

• 1. Unlock your iPhone and open the Photos app.
• 2. Select the photos you want to back up.
• 3. Tap the Share icon (a square with an upward arrow).
• 4. Choose Save to Files from the sharing options.
• 5. In the Files app interface, select your connected external hard drive as the destination folder.
• 6. Tap Save to copy the selected photos to the external drive.

3. How do You Upload Photos to Google Drive Using a Mobile Phone?

Many users want to back up important memories, free up phone storage, or share photos with friends and colleagues. Uploading photos to Google Drive from your mobile phone offers a convenient, secure way to keep your images accessible anywhere and safe from loss.

Here’s how to upload photos to Google Drive using your mobile device:

• 1. Install and open the Google Drive app on your phone.
• 2. Sign in with your Google account.
• 3. Tap the “+” (plus) button, usually at the bottom right corner.
• 4. Select “Upload” from the menu.
• 5. Choose “Photos and Videos” to access your phone’s gallery.
• 6. Select the photos you want to upload.
• 7. Tap “Upload” to begin transferring your selected photos to Google Drive.