How can I see and save photos of my grandkids if I don't want to use Facebook?

You don't need a social media account to receive photos from family.

Your family can send photos directly to you, or they can create a private online album and share access with you. The best choice depends partly on what devices everyone uses.

The simplest option: text or email

If your family only wants to send you a few pictures occasionally, text messaging or email may be all you need.

When you receive a photo, you can usually tap it and look for a Save, Download, or Share option to save a copy to your device.

The exact steps depend on your phone and the app being used.

This is probably the easiest solution if you don't need a shared family photo collection.

For lots of photos: try a shared album

If your family regularly shares pictures, a shared photo album may be easier.

Two common options are Google Photos and Apple Photos/iCloud.

With Google Photos, an album can be shared directly with particular people or through a private link. Google notes that someone who receives a shared link can pass that link to someone else, so families should think about who they share it with.

Apple also allows people to share photos using iCloud links. Someone with the link can view the shared photos, and iCloud links expire automatically after 30 days.

Which should your family use?

Instead of worrying about which service is "best," ask:

What is everyone already comfortable using?

If your family already organizes pictures in Google Photos, asking them to create a Google Photos album may be easiest.

If everyone uses Apple devices and Apple Photos, one of Apple's photo-sharing options may make more sense.

You don't necessarily need to introduce a brand-new app just for this.

Ask your family to help with the first one

You might say:

“I don't want to use Facebook, but I'd still love to see your photos. Could you show me another way you can share them with me?”

Then have them send a test photo or album while you're together or on the phone.

Once you know where the photos arrive and how to open them, write down the steps that worked for you.

And remember...

Choosing not to use Facebook doesn't mean choosing not to participate in family photo sharing.

Facebook is one way to share pictures. It isn't the only way.

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