The short answer: open a conversation in Messages, tap +, tap Photos, tap the picture, then tap the send arrow (Apple). Or open the picture in the Photos app, tap the Share button, and choose Messages, Mail or AirDrop (Apple). Both work on any iPhone with a current version of iOS.
Way 1: from a text conversation (Messages)
- Open Messages and tap the conversation with the person (or start a new one).
- Tap + next to the text box.
- Tap Photos, then tap the picture you want. Swipe up to search or browse all your photos (Apple).
- Type a note if you like, then tap the send arrow.
To take a new picture instead, tap +, then Camera, take the photo, tap Done, and send (Apple).
Way 2: from the Photos app
This is handy when you’re already looking at the picture.
- Open the Photos app and tap the picture.
- Tap the Share button (a square with an arrow pointing up).
- Tap Messages, Mail or AirDrop (Apple).
- Choose the person and send.
Several pictures at once: on the photo grid, tap Select, tap each picture, then tap Share. Tap Show Selected to check your picks first (Apple).
Way 3: by email
Use Way 2 and choose Mail, or start an email in the Mail app and add the picture as an attachment (Apple). Email is a good choice for sending photos to a doctor’s office, a printer shop or anyone who doesn’t text. For more, see how to attach photos to an email.
Sharing with someone sitting next to you (AirDrop)
AirDrop sends a picture straight to a nearby iPhone, iPad or Mac without using texts or email (Apple). In the Share menu, tap AirDrop and pick the person’s device.
If a picture won’t send
- Check your connection. Pictures need Wi-Fi or mobile data. See how to connect to Wi-Fi.
- Video too long? Your carrier may limit attachment size (Apple). Send a shorter clip or use email.
- Restart the iPhone and try again.
A word about privacy
A shared photo can carry its date, time and location (Apple). Send family photos to people you know, and be careful posting pictures that show your house number, car plate or travel plans. See iPhone privacy settings to change.
Questions people ask about sending pictures
How do I send more than one picture at once?
In the Photos app, tap Select, tap each photo, then tap the Share button and choose Messages or Mail (Apple). In Messages, you can tap several photos after you tap + and Photos (Apple).
Why does my picture look blurry when it arrives?
Your carrier may limit the size of picture messages, and iPhone may compress photos and videos to fit (Apple). For full quality, try email, AirDrop to someone nearby, or a shared album (Apple).
Does the photo show where I took it?
It can. Sharing a photo includes details such as date, time, location and device (Apple). Keep that in mind before posting pictures taken at home in public places.
How do I save a picture someone sent me?
In the conversation, tap the save button next to the photo (Apple). It goes into your Photos app.
Can I send a picture to someone with an Android phone?
Yes. Use Messages the same way. The picture goes as a regular text message attachment (SMS, MMS or RCS) instead of an iMessage (Apple).
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