User profile for user: Mikedevs
Mikedevs Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Downloading Photos From iCloud Errors

I have about 22000 photos and videos on iCloud. I'm would to download them to a back up disc.


If I try to download them from iCloud on the web I can download them singly. If I select two photos ICloud goes to a blank screen with the word "Not Found". If I bulk select photos and try to download them it says "Items cannot be downloaded due to a server error."


Not to be deterred I went onto the "Security and Privacy" service and asked for my photos to be sent to me. I only received videos, but no photos.


I can still see the photos one at a time on my computer but I want to create a disc back-up so I can make sure my family have access to them.


Posted on Dec 5, 2025 12:20 PM

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User profile for user: Richard.Taylor
Richard.Taylor
User level: Level 6
16,963 points

Posted on Dec 7, 2025 10:03 AM

Mikedevs wrote: … I want to create a disc back-up so I can make sure my family have access to them.

Using a browser to access Photos is a really awkward experience, and it is intended only for use when people just don't have access to their Macs. Since you have a Mac, then all the pictures are available in Photos on your Mac when you have iCloud Photos turned on. Then you just do File>Export in Photos.


As you can see, when you post a question, it's important to let people here know what model device you have and what OS you're using.


If you're wanting a backup copy of the Photos Library, then you can just make copy of the Library for your external drive. If you plan to use a Photos Library from an external drive, then the external drive must be formatted in either APFS format or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. The drive must be connected directly to the Mac by cable, not networked, clouded, NASed, etc. 


If you use Optimize Storage with your Mac's Photos, then the Library won't have the full sized versions of all your pictures. In that case, see this:

Backup iCloud Photos with an Optimized Mac - Apple Community


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Richard.Taylor
Richard.Taylor
User level: Level 6
16,963 points

Dec 7, 2025 10:03 AM in response to Mikedevs

Mikedevs wrote: … I want to create a disc back-up so I can make sure my family have access to them.

Using a browser to access Photos is a really awkward experience, and it is intended only for use when people just don't have access to their Macs. Since you have a Mac, then all the pictures are available in Photos on your Mac when you have iCloud Photos turned on. Then you just do File>Export in Photos.


As you can see, when you post a question, it's important to let people here know what model device you have and what OS you're using.


If you're wanting a backup copy of the Photos Library, then you can just make copy of the Library for your external drive. If you plan to use a Photos Library from an external drive, then the external drive must be formatted in either APFS format or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. The drive must be connected directly to the Mac by cable, not networked, clouded, NASed, etc. 


If you use Optimize Storage with your Mac's Photos, then the Library won't have the full sized versions of all your pictures. In that case, see this:

Backup iCloud Photos with an Optimized Mac - Apple Community


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Downloading Photos From iCloud Errors

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