How to View Photos from Other Devices: 4 Hassle-Free Methods
Maybe you’ve wondered how to recover lost photos or how to view photos from another phone, whether it’s because you need to protect your children or because your own device was damaged or lost. You might also be curious about how to access the gallery on another device or view someone else’s photos for different reasons.
In this article, we’ll explore the best methods to view the gallery of other devices, either through a physical connection or remote access.
Method 1. Physical Connection via USB Cable
If you have direct access to the device, connecting it with a USB cable is one of the easiest ways to transfer photos. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Connect the phone to the computer using a USB cable.
Step 2. On the phone, select "File Transfer" or "MTP" mode.
Step 3. Open the device folder on the computer and copy the photos you want.
Pros
Fast and straightforward method.
No internet connection required.
Cons
You need physical access to the device.
It may not work if the phone is locked or damaged.
Method 2. Remote Access Through the Cloud (Google Photos or iCloud)
If the device is synced with Google Photos (for Android) or iCloud (for iPhone), you can access its photos from any other device.
📷 Using Google Photos to access another phone’s gallery
Step 1. Open Google Photos in your browser (photos.google.com) or on the mobile app.
Step 2. Sign in with the Google account linked to the device.
Step 3. Access all the backed-up photos.
💡 Tip: If you want to access photos from another device, you can ask the person to share an album with you.
🌟 Using iCloud photos to view another phone’s gallery
Step 1. Go to icloud website and sign in.
Step 2. Navigate to the Photos section.
Step 3. Download or view the images saved in the cloud.
Pros
No physical access to the device required.
Photos are available from anywhere.
Cons
Cloud sync must be enabled on the device.
You need the account credentials (Google or Apple ID).
Method 3. Monitoring Apps Like Msafely
For parents who want to monitor their children's phone content, or for those looking to recover lost photos or view photos from another phone discreetly, apps like Msafely offer an effective solution.
Features of Msafely:
✔️ View saved photos and videos on the device.
✔️ Record the date and time of each image.
✔️ Monitor calls, messages, and social media activity.
How to use Msafely:
Step 1. Sign up on the Msafely website.
Step 2. Choose the type of device you want to monitor.
Step 3. Choose your subscription plan, Msafely offers 3 subscription plans, one month, 3 months, and 12 months.
Step 4. Connect to the target device. For Android, you can either use Google Cloud or download the app. For iPhone, you can connect using the device’s iCloud account and password.
Step 5. Monitor photos and other activities from the control panel.
What else can you track with Msafely?
Msafely provides full monitoring, covering many aspects of device activity.
Basic features: Text messages, Call logs, Contacts, GPS locations, Photos, Videos, WiFi networks, Browser history, Audio files, Live screenshots
Social apps monitoring: WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, LINE, Telegram, YouTube
With Msafely, you can access all this data and more, giving you a complete and detailed view of the monitored accounts' activities.
Pros
Fully discreet (the app is invisible on the target device).
Access to a wide range of data.
Cons
Paid service.
Must be used ethically and legally.
Method 4. Use Remote Access Apps
If you’re looking for an alternative to view photos without relying on the cloud, you can use remote access apps like:
TeamViewer: Allows you to control a device remotely, ideal for technical support.
AnyDesk: Similar to TeamViewer, with low latency and easy setup.
These tools can be useful in business or educational settings but require the device owner's permission to work.
Legal and ethical considerations
Before trying to access photos from another device, keep in mind that monitoring a phone without consent is illegal in many countries. However, parents can responsibly use these tools to protect their children.
Comparison of Methods: What is the Best Way to View Photos from Another Device
Each method has its advantages depending on your specific needs and circumstances. Here's a comparison to help you decide:
| Method | Best for | Pros | Cons |
| Physical connection via USB | Quick transfer when you have the device | Fast, no internet needed | Needs physical access; locked devices can block access |
| Remote access via Cloud (Google Photos/iCloud) | Accessing photos from afar | Easy access anytime, anywhere | Requires account credentials and cloud sync |
| Monitoring apps (Msafely) | Monitoring children's devices or recovering data | Full access to photos and more, discreet monitoring | Paid subscription, legal/ethical limitations |
| Remote access apps (TeamViewer, AnyDesk) | Assisting or viewing photos with consent | Remote control in real-time, versatile | Requires permission, complex setup for beginners |
🔔Which method should you choose?
For parents: Monitoring apps like Msafely are ideal for keeping track of children's online activities responsibly.
For recovering your own photos: Use cloud access (Google Photos/iCloud) or connect your device via USB if available.
For technical assistance: Remote access apps like TeamViewer or AnyDesk work best, especially with consent.
For casual sharing: Simply use Google Photos' shared albums or iCloud shared folders.
FAQ
Q1. How can I view someone else's Google Photos?
To view someone else’s photos on Google Photos, they must share their library with you. They can do this through Google Photos settings under the "Share your library" option. Alternatively, parents can use Msafely to discreetly and remotely view their child’s photos.
Q2. How can I open Google Photos on another phone?
To access Google Photos on another phone, simply download the Google Photos app from the Play Store or App Store. Then, log in with the same Google account you used on the previous device, and you’ll be able to see all your photos stored in the cloud.
Q3. Is there an app to view photos from another phone?
You can use services like Google Photos or iCloud if the person has shared their image library with you. If you are a parent, you can use Msafely to view your child's photos and ensure their online safety.
Q4. How can I access the cloud storage of another phone?
To access another phone’s cloud storage, you need the account credentials. For an Android device, you can log into Google Drive or Google Photos using the associated email and password. For an iPhone, you can access iCloud using the Apple ID and password — but only with permission.
Q5. How can I view someone else's WhatsApp photos?
It’s not possible to view someone else’s WhatsApp photos without their consent, as WhatsApp protects user privacy with end-to-end encryption. If the person has shared images with you in a chat or group, you can view them in your WhatsApp gallery or in Google Photos/iCloud if backup is enabled. If you are a parent wanting to monitor your child's WhatsApp use, you can use parental control tools like Msafely, always respecting legal and privacy guidelines.
Conclusion
We’ve explored four main ways to access photos from another device. If you have physical access, using a USB cable is the best option. If you prefer a remote method, cloud services like Google Photos or iCloud are ideal. For parental monitoring, tools like Msafely can be very helpful — as long as they are used ethically.
If you’re wondering how to recover lost photos, view photos from another phone, or access another device’s gallery, these options will help you find the best solution.