How to Send Photos by Text or Email (iPhone and Android)

Here’s how to send a photo by text message or email from an iPhone or Android phone, using the Share button in Photos or Google Photos.

One button, either way

It all starts with Share — Open the photo in Photos (or Google Photos), then tap the Share icon
Pick the app — Messages for a text, Mail or Gmail for an email
Same idea on iPhone and Android — The apps look a little different, but the steps match

How to send a photo by text or email, step by step

iPhone

1iPhone: send a photo by text

Open Photos, pick a photo, then tap Share.

WHAT TO DOTap Messages, type who it’s going to, and tap Send.

Send photos by text or email: iPhone: send a photo by text

Android

2Android: send a photo by email

Open Google Photos, pick a photo, then tap Share.

WHAT TO DOTap Gmail, type the email address, and tap Send.

Android: send a photo by email

A few tips

Sending a lot of photos? — Email usually handles more at once, and bigger files, than a text
Text messages often shrink photos — To save space; email keeps the full-quality original
Sending to a computer? — Email it to yourself, or use a cloud service like iCloud or Google Photos

Recap: sending photos by text or email

Open the photo, then tap Share
Pick Messages for a text, or Mail/Gmail for an email
Type who it’s going to, then tap Send
Email keeps full quality; texts may shrink the photo

Printable quick guide

Send Photos by Text or Email (1-page quick guide PDF)

Frequently asked questions

How do I send a photo by text from an iPhone?

Open Photos, select the photo, tap the Share button, then tap Messages. Enter the recipient and tap Send.

How do I send a photo by email from an Android phone?

Open Google Photos, open the photo, tap Share, then tap Gmail (or your email app). Enter the recipient and tap Send.

Why do my texted photos look blurry?

Text messages (MMS) often compress photos to save space. For full quality, send the photo by email instead.

How do I send a lot of photos at once?

Email usually handles more photos, and larger file sizes, than a single text message. For a large number of photos, a cloud service like iCloud or Google Photos can also share a link.

Sending several large photos? Email usually handles more at once than a text message, and keeps full quality, since MMS text messages often shrink photos to save space.