Sending Photos to Family
One of the best parts of having a smartphone is being able to instantly share photos with family. Whether it's your grandchild's smile or a beautiful sunset, here's how to send photos to the people you love.
Choose Your Method
Text Message
Quick and easy. Works with anyone who has a phone.
Free, even internationally. Great for family groups.
Good for many photos at once or larger files.
Share with many people at once. They'll see it on their feed.
Method 1: Text Message (MMS)
The quickest way to share a photo with someone:
Open Your Messages App
Find the app you use for texting (usually has a speech bubble icon).
Start a Message
Tap on an existing conversation or create a new one.
Tap the Photo Icon
Look for a camera icon, image icon, or + button next to the text box.
Choose Your Photo
Select the photo from your gallery. Tap it to select, then tap "Done" or "Select".
Add a Message (Optional)
Type a caption if you'd like.
Tap Send
Press the send button (usually an arrow).
Note: Sending photos by text (MMS) may use data or count toward your phone plan. On WiFi, this isn't a concern.
Method 2: WhatsApp
Free worldwide and great for groups:
- Open WhatsApp
- Open the chat with the person or group
- Tap the + icon or paperclip icon
- Tap Photo & Video Library
- Select the photo(s) you want to send
- Add a caption if you'd like
- Tap the send arrow
You can send multiple photos at once - just tap several before hitting send.
Method 3: Email
Good for sending several photos or high-quality images:
- Open your email app
- Tap Compose or the pencil icon to write a new email
- Enter the recipient's email address
- Tap the attachment icon (usually a paperclip)
- Choose Attach Photo or Photo Library
- Select the photos you want to send
- Write a subject and message
- Tap Send
Limit: Most email services have a limit (usually 25MB). If sending many photos, send them in multiple emails.
Sending Photos from Your Photos App
You can also start from the photo itself:
On iPhone
- Open the Photos app
- Find and tap the photo you want to share
- Tap the Share button (square with arrow pointing up)
- Choose how to send: Message, Mail, WhatsApp, etc.
- Select the recipient and send
On Android
- Open the Gallery or Photos app
- Find and tap the photo you want to share
- Tap the Share icon (three dots connected or share symbol)
- Choose your method: Messages, Gmail, WhatsApp, etc.
- Select the recipient and send
Sending Multiple Photos
Select Multiple Photos at Once:
- Open your Photos app
- Tap Select (usually in the top corner)
- Tap each photo you want to send (a checkmark appears)
- Tap the Share button
- Choose your method and send
Sending many photos? Consider creating a shared album instead. Family members can view all photos anytime without filling up their storage.
Shared Photo Albums
For ongoing photo sharing with family, shared albums are wonderful:
Photo Quality Tips
WiFi is Best
Sending on WiFi is faster and doesn't use your phone's data plan.
Original vs. Reduced Size
When sharing, you may be asked about size. "Original" is best quality but larger. "Reduced" sends faster.
Check Before Sending
Make sure you're sending the right photo - it's easy to tap the wrong one!
Troubleshooting
"Photo too large to send"
Try sending by email or use a messaging app like WhatsApp. You can also choose a "reduced size" option if offered.
"Photo won't send"
Check your internet connection. Try switching between WiFi and mobile data. If still stuck, restart your phone.
"Photo looks blurry to recipient"
Text messages compress photos. For best quality, send via email, WhatsApp, or a shared album.
Quick Photo Sharing
- Text message: Fastest for one photo to one person
- WhatsApp: Free international, great for groups
- Email: Best for multiple high-quality photos
- Shared album: Ongoing sharing with family
- Use WiFi when possible for faster sending