HT204570: Get help with your iCloud Photo Library

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NotesSensei
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Delete photos on iOS but keep them in the iCloud Photo library

I'm running low on storage on my iOS device. So I want to remove pictures from it, but I'd like to keep them in my iCloud Photo library (and probably the thumbnails on iOS, so I could download my favorites). How do I do that?

iPhone 5s, iOS 9.0.2

Posted on Oct 17, 2015 5:00 AM

by léonie,Solvedanswer
léonie léonie
Level 10 (107,629 points)
iCloud
A:
Hmm... how can I see the effect?

It will take some time, before you are seeing an effect.  The process is dynamic.  When storage is needed for other items, iOS will replace some photos by optimized versions.

You'll notice that photos have been replaced by an optimized version, when you enlarge a photo and it takes some time to load, because the photo has to be retrieved from iCloud.

Posted on Oct 17, 2015 10:26 AM

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NotesSensei

Q: Delete photos on iOS but keep them in the iCloud Photo library

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  • by léonie,Helpful

    léonie léonie Oct 17, 2015 5:20 AM in response to NotesSensei
    Level 10 (107,629 points)
    iCloud
    Oct 17, 2015 5:20 AM in response to NotesSensei

    Enable optimize Storage in the settings Photo& Camera.  http://help.apple.com/iphone/9/#/iph961b96c4d

     

    Choose to optimize your storage or keep all your photos and videos in full-resolution on iPhone. If your iCloud storage plan is over 5 GB, Optimize iPhone Storage is on by default. It manages your device storage by automatically keeping full-resolution photos and videos in iCloud and lightweight versions on your iPhone, as space is needed. Tap Download and Keep Originals to keep your full-resolution originals on your iPhone. Your originals are always stored in iCloud.

  • by NotesSensei,

    NotesSensei NotesSensei Oct 17, 2015 6:41 AM in response to léonie
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 17, 2015 6:41 AM in response to léonie

    Hmm... how can I see the effect?  I don't see Photos in the device storage (I only see it in the iCloud storage).

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Oct 17, 2015 6:50 AM in response to NotesSensei
    Level 9 (50,684 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 17, 2015 6:50 AM in response to NotesSensei

    Look in the device storage, under photos.

     

    IMG_1633.jpg

     

    IMG_1634.jpg

  • by léonie,Solvedanswer

    léonie léonie Oct 17, 2015 10:26 AM in response to NotesSensei
    Level 10 (107,629 points)
    iCloud
    Oct 17, 2015 10:26 AM in response to NotesSensei
    Hmm... how can I see the effect?

    It will take some time, before you are seeing an effect.  The process is dynamic.  When storage is needed for other items, iOS will replace some photos by optimized versions.

    You'll notice that photos have been replaced by an optimized version, when you enlarge a photo and it takes some time to load, because the photo has to be retrieved from iCloud.