Introduction
You can never have too many backups of photos and videos captured with your iPhone or iPad. And whether you already pay for Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage, or you’re looking for a solution you can automatically back up your iPhone or iPad photos and videos to, OneDrive is a great solution. The only requirement is that you have the OneDrive app installed on your device, and you can use that to automatically upload and back up your iPhone or iPad photos and videos to the cloud service.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Automatically Backup iPhone or iPad Photos to OneDrive
- Open the OneDrive app on your iPhone or iPad. You’ll land on your OneDrive home screen. Again, if the OneDrive app isn’t installed on your device, you’ll need to do that in order to automatically back up your photos and videos to OneDrive.
- Tap your Microsoft profile picture at the top of the screen. You’ll land on the main menu.
- If you have multiple Microsoft accounts associated with your app, make sure the account you want to automatically back your iPhone or iPad photos and videos up to is selected at that top. After you’ve selected the Microsoft account you want to back your photos and videos up to, tap “Settings.” The Settings screen is shown.
- Navigate to the Files and Photos section in this menu, and then tap “Camera Upload” in this section. The Camera Upload screen is displayed.
- If you have multiple accounts set up in the OneDrive app, tap to toggle on the Microsoft account you want to automatically upload your iPhone or iPad photo and video backups to.
A list of options is displayed on this screen. Choose whether you want your backups to be uploaded over cellular data, and whether you want to back up videos as well.
Also, choose whether you want your uploaded content organized by year, month, or not organized at all.
- After setting up your backup options, tap “Photos” in the menu on the screen.
You’ll land on your Photos screen, where you’ll see a little gray box that will initially say that things are being set up. Tap this box.
You’ll land on a Camera Upload window, which will be blank until the process kicks off, which may take a while. As a reference, I had to wait 30 minutes for my backup to start. Eventually you’ll see the list of your detected files and the progress of them being uploaded to OneDrive.
After the upload is complete, the window will close and you’ll see your automatically backed up files in the Photos section. You can find your automatically backed up photos through the OneDrive file structure by navigating to Pictures and then Camera Roll.
9 Reasons to Automatically Backup iPhone or iPad Photos to OneDrive
1. File Protection
OneDrive safeguards your photos. It serves as an insurance policy against accidental deletions, device damage, and theft. If something unforeseen happens, your images aren’t lost. They remain safe on the cloud. Photos are crucial memories. Losing them can be heart-wrenching. OneDrive ensures they’re retrievable, no matter what happens to your device.
2. Easy Access Across Devices
OneDrive provides convenience. Your photos are accessible from any device with internet connectivity. Whether you’re using a computer, an Android, or another iOS device, you can reach your photos. You could be anywhere in the world, but your photos are just a few clicks away. This access gives you the ability to view, share, or edit your images whenever you wish.
3. Save Space
Storage is a constraint on iPhones and iPads. High-resolution photos can quickly consume your device’s memory. OneDrive helps alleviate this issue. By storing your photos on OneDrive, you free up significant space on your device. This extra space can then be utilized for other apps, videos, or documents.
4. Seamless Integration with Microsoft Services
OneDrive integrates smoothly with the entire Microsoft ecosystem. If you use services like Outlook, Word, or PowerPoint, OneDrive syncs your photos across these platforms. Your images can be quickly included in documents or presentations. This integration allows for a unified workflow, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
5. Photo Sharing
OneDrive enables uncomplicated photo sharing. It eliminates issues associated with large file sizes or incompatible formats. You can easily share individual photos or entire albums with friends, family, or colleagues. It allows you to create shared folders, ensuring all stakeholders can access relevant images. It simplifies the photo sharing process significantly.
6. Organization and Search
OneDrive simplifies photo organization. It empowers you to create custom folders and albums. This customization facilitates easy retrieval and review of your images. Moreover, OneDrive has an excellent search feature. It enables you to locate your photos rapidly, saving you valuable time. Efficient organization and search increase the utility of your photo collection.
7. Version History
OneDrive provides a version history for your photos. It retains previous versions of your images. If you’ve edited a photo and want to revert to an older version, OneDrive makes it possible. You don’t lose any versions of your image in the process. It’s a beneficial feature for those who frequently edit their photos.
8. Automatic Sync
OneDrive offers automatic sync. Once you’ve set up the backup, the process becomes automatic. Every new photo taken on your device gets backed up on OneDrive. This feature eliminates the need for manual backups. You can capture your moments without worrying about backing them up. Your photos are always secure on OneDrive.
9. Secure Storage
OneDrive guarantees secure photo storage. It employs encryption to secure your photos during transmission and storage. This security measure protects against unauthorized access. Your photos remain confidential and safe. In today’s world, where digital security is paramount, OneDrive ensures your photos’ privacy and protection.
