iCloud: Step-by-Step Guide
Video Tutorial:
Introduction
At some point, we may need to delete photos on our iPhone to free up some space. However, most of us don’t want to lose those precious memories forever. This is where iCloud comes in handy. It offers a seamless way to backup and store photos, allowing you to delete them from your device and still have access to them whenever you need them. In this blog post, we will discuss how to delete photos on iPhone but keep them in iCloud.
Why You Need to Delete Photos on iPhone but Keep Them in iCloud
There are several reasons why you may need to delete photos from your iPhone but keep them in iCloud. Firstly, it helps to free up storage space on your device, allowing you to install other apps or take more photos. Secondly, it offers a way to safeguard your precious memories. If you lose your phone or it gets damaged, you can still access your photos from iCloud. Lastly, it promotes optimization by ensuring that your device runs smoothly without any lag.
Method 1: Via iCloud Photos
Deleting photos from your iPhone via iCloud Photos is one of the easiest methods. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Photos app on your iPhone and tap the Albums tab.
Step 2: Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and select Recently Deleted.
Step 3: Select the photos you want to delete and tap Delete All. The photos will be permanently removed from the device.
Step 4: Open iCloud Photos on your computer and verify that the photos you deleted from your iPhone are still there.
Step 5: Finally, delete the photos from the Recently Deleted album in iCloud.
Pros:
– Easy to use
– Photos are safely stored on iCloud
– Allows you to free up space on your device
Cons:
– May take a while for changes to reflect on all devices
– You need to have a stable internet connection.
Method 2: Via iCloud.com
This method involves using iCloud.com. Follow these steps:
Step 1: On your iPhone, open the Settings app.
Step 2: Tap on your name at the top of the screen.
Step 3: Go to iCloud > Photos.
Step 4: Toggle off the iCloud Photos option and select Delete from iPhone.
Step 5: Go to iCloud.com on your computer and log in to your account.
Step 6: Select Photos and view your library.
Step 7: Delete the photos you no longer need.
Pros:
– Gives you more control over the photos you want to delete
– Lets you access iCloud from any device with a stable internet connection
Cons:
– May take a while for changes to reflect on all devices
– You need to have a stable internet connection
Method 3: Using Third-party software
This method involves using third-party software such as iCloud Photo Manager. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and install iCloud Photo Manager on your computer.
Step 2: Connect your iPhone to your computer.
Step 3: Launch the software and sign in to your iCloud account.
Step 4: Select the photos you want to delete and delete them from iCloud.
Step 5: Disconnect your iPhone from the computer.
Pros:
– Simplifies the deletion process
– Offers more control over iCloud data
– Works with various types of data
Cons:
– May require technical skills to use
– May not be free
– Not all third-party software is reliable and safe.
What to Do If You Can’t Delete Photos on iPhone But Keep Them in iCloud
If you are unable to delete photos on your iPhone but keep them in iCloud, try the following fixes:
– Ensure that you have stable internet connectivity
– Sign out and then back into iCloud on your iPhone
– Force close the Photos app and relaunch it again
– Update your iPhone to the latest software version.
Bonus Tip
You can save iCloud space by optimizing your iPhone storage. With this feature, your iPhone stores full-resolution photos and videos only when you have enough space. However, it will replace your full-resolution photos and videos with optimized versions when storage space is low.
5 FAQs
Q: How do I know if my iCloud Photos Library is turned on?
A: On your iPhone, go to Settings > Photos. If iCloud Photos is turned on, you will see a switch next to the option.
Q: Will deleting photos from my iPhone affect iCloud Photo Library?
A: No, deleting photos from your iPhone will not affect iCloud Photo Library as long as the photos have been synced to iCloud.
Q: How long are deleted photos stored in iCloud?
A: Deleted photos are stored in the Recently Deleted album in iCloud for 30 days before being permanently deleted.
Q: Will deleting photos from iCloud delete them from all devices?
A: Yes, deleting photos from iCloud will delete them from all devices linked to your iCloud account.
Q: How can I recover deleted photos from iCloud?
A: Visit the Recently Deleted album on your iCloud Photos Library within 30 days of deleting the photos to recover them.
Final Thoughts
Deleting photos on your iPhone but keeping them in iCloud is a great way to free up storage space on your device and safeguard your memories. Whether you choose to delete via iCloud Photos, iCloud.com, or third-party software, ensure that you have a stable internet connection before proceeding. If you run into any issues, try the suggested fixes or contact Apple Support for further assistance.