Ming45

Q: How to delete inaccessible Photo Library from iPad

Greyed-out Photo Library is taking up 9Gb of storage On my iPad. How do I remove it?

iPad 2, iOS 8.1.3

Posted on Mar 23, 2015 2:40 AM

Close

Q: How to delete inaccessible Photo Library from iPad

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Marc Hofstede,

    Marc Hofstede Marc Hofstede Mar 23, 2015 3:28 AM in response to Ming45
    Level 2 (211 points)
    iPod
    Mar 23, 2015 3:28 AM in response to Ming45

    Sync some new photo's to your iPad through iTunes. iTunes will warn you that there is an existing photo library on your iPad that will be erased. Acknowledge that message. The old library will be replaced with the new photo's you selected.

    After sync you can turn off photo sync through iTunes, the new photo's you previously synced will then be erased from your iPad.

  • by Ming45,

    Ming45 Ming45 Mar 23, 2015 10:46 AM in response to Marc Hofstede
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 23, 2015 10:46 AM in response to Marc Hofstede

    Hi Marc,

    I've tried the method you suggested but it didn't work.

    I did not get the warning about an existing photo library although it did appear to sync the new folder I created with one photo in it.

    When I turned off photo sync, it warned me that the photos on iPad will be erased. It went through the motions but the ghost library is still on the iPad (see attached). A folder, ' iPod Photo Cache' also appeared in the folder I created.

    I do have the latest version of iTunes (12.1.0.50) but my iMac OS is Lion 10.7.5. I am trying to clean-up before getting a new Mac.

    Thanks anyway, regards, Ming

    File 23-03-2015 17 29 08.jpeg

  • by Demo,Solvedanswer

    Demo Demo Mar 23, 2015 11:00 AM in response to Ming45
    Level 10 (95,429 points)
    iPad
    Mar 23, 2015 11:00 AM in response to Ming45

    The creation of the new iPod Photo Cache folder is normal and expected behavior. Read this for more information.

    iTunes: Understanding the iPod Photo Cache folder - Apple Support

     

    For for the photos that will not disappear, try this.

     

    Delete all of your Recently Deleted photos from your Recently Deleted folder

     

    Then go to Settings>General>Date & Time, and change the date back to any time more than 6 months ago. Then go back to the Recently Deleted folder. Tap on the Recently Deleted Album and you should see a bunch of photos that you already deleted. Delete them again, go back to Settings>General>Date & Time>Set Automatically>On.

  • by Ming45,

    Ming45 Ming45 Mar 23, 2015 2:52 PM in response to Demo
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 23, 2015 2:52 PM in response to Demo

    THANKS!  It worked ... Useful bit of 'time travelling'.

  • by samvize40,

    samvize40 samvize40 Mar 25, 2015 12:01 PM in response to Ming45
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 25, 2015 12:01 PM in response to Ming45

    Yay it worked!!!! Deleted the deleted folder, went back in time, deleted the deleted folder again, and now no storage issue!!! many thanks

  • by Suyash95,

    Suyash95 Suyash95 Jun 23, 2015 4:01 PM in response to Demo
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 23, 2015 4:01 PM in response to Demo

    Demo, your tip worked perfectly.. I have 16 GB Ipad and the Photos were taking 2.1 GB of the space.. Was always worried about the space.. Because of you, finally, I have found peace..

     

    So, thanks for the wonderful advice..