How-To
← All guidesiPhone & iPad

How to Keep Full-Resolution Photos on an iPhone or iPad

Choose whether the device stores originals locally instead of primarily optimized versions.

Quick Answer

Open Settings → Apps → Photos and review the iCloud Photos download/optimization options available on the device.

Step by Step

  1. Open the relevant Apple app or Settings section on the iPhone or iPad.
  2. Open Settings → Apps → Photos and review the iCloud Photos download/optimization options available on the device.
  3. Review the result before deleting data, removing an account, or changing synchronization settings.
  4. For important data, confirm a current backup exists before making a major storage, account, or device change.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Apple occasionally moves settings between iOS/iPadOS versions, so exact menu wording can differ by software version.
  • iCloud synchronization is not the same as a separate backup of every item; deleting synchronized content can propagate to other devices.