You do not need to manually download your iCloud Photos collection to transfer it to Google Photos. Apple has launched a new service that automates the process – all you have to do is sign in to your iCloud account at the technology giant’s data and privacy website. After signing in, go to “Transfer a copy of your details” and then check the box next to Photos and / or videos, depending on what you want to copy. You will then be asked to sign in to your Google Account to complete the process.
Before you can use the new service, you need to make sure you use Apple ID two-factor authentication. Your Google Photos account must also have enough storage space, otherwise the transfer will obviously not be completed. However, the directions you go through during the process will show you how large your collection is, so you can get an idea of how much space you can make available, or if you need access to more storage than any free version of Google Drive can offer.
Once the transfer is complete, you will find that the file names of albums and videos in your Google Account start with ‘Copy of’. Only the latest edits of your photos will be transferred, and some content like shared albums will not be transferred at all. Apple says it will take three to seven days to complete a transfer, and it will take time to confirm your request as well as to complete it.