How to Restore Full Resolution Photos on iPhone From iCloud
If you've noticed that the photos on your iPhone are looking low quality compared to when you captured them, don't worry – there's a solution. In this article, we'll show you how to restore full-resolution photos on your iPhone from iCloud. But first, let's understand why this happens in the first place.
Why Are My iPhone Photos Low Quality?
The reason behind the low-quality photos on your iPhone is simple: Apple compresses images to save storage space. This optimization process reduces the resolution and quality of the images that are stored locally on your device. However, the original high-resolution photos are safely stored on iCloud. So, you can still retrieve your full-resolution images on your iPhone, and we'll explain how.
How to Retrieve Full Resolution Photos From iCloud
There are two methods to retrieve full-resolution photos from iCloud on your iPhone. Let's explore both options.
Method 1: Temporary Fix
If you want to save storage space on your iPhone and only need to view specific photos in high resolution, try this method:
- Open the Photos app and select the photo you want to view in full resolution.
- Once the photo opens in full screen, tap on Edit.
- Wait a moment for the image to download from iCloud.
- Once the image is downloaded in full resolution, tap Cancel to exit. Now you can view the image in its full glory.
Remember, this is a temporary fix. After some time, the image will be switched back to a lower resolution version to save storage space.
Method 2: Permanent Fix
If you have enough storage space on your iPhone and want to store all your photos in full resolution permanently, follow this method:
- Open the Settings app and tap on your name/Apple ID.
- Tap on iCloud.
- Now, tap on Photos.
- On the Photos settings page, select Download and Keep Originals. This will download all your photos in full resolution permanently onto your iPhone.
By following these steps, you can bid farewell to low-quality photos and enjoy crystal-clear memories on your iPhone and iPad. Don't wait any longer – give these methods a try and see the difference for yourself.
Did you know that you can also create and edit collages in Google Photos on your iPhone? And if you have a Google Drive premium plan, you can store high-quality photos and videos in the cloud.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”