is it possible to recover removed Folder/Album structure in my Photos library when it is synchronized with iCloud?

I have accidentally removed Folder/Album structure in my Photos library, also from Trash. I have backup PhotoLibrary file, but as soon as I open it and make it iCloud it is loosing the folder structure and over written. Is there a way to recover this?

Posted on Feb 1, 2022 7:41 AM

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Posted on Feb 1, 2022 8:33 AM

How old is your backup Photos Library? Do you still have the original backup or has it been overwritten by trying to sync it with iCloud?

If you still have the original backup library, unmodified by iCloud Photos, try this:

  • If the backup does not have all photos, export all new photos from your current library to save them.
  • Now delete all photos and album from your current iCloud Photos Library, wait for the deletion to sync to iCloud.
  • Once your iCloud Photos Library is empty and empty on all devices, restore a copy of you backup library to the Mac, then make it the iCloud Photos Library.

Once all photos have been uploaded to iCloud, the albums should reappear. Now import the newer photos you have saved.


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 1, 2022 8:33 AM in response to czakolo

How old is your backup Photos Library? Do you still have the original backup or has it been overwritten by trying to sync it with iCloud?

If you still have the original backup library, unmodified by iCloud Photos, try this:

  • If the backup does not have all photos, export all new photos from your current library to save them.
  • Now delete all photos and album from your current iCloud Photos Library, wait for the deletion to sync to iCloud.
  • Once your iCloud Photos Library is empty and empty on all devices, restore a copy of you backup library to the Mac, then make it the iCloud Photos Library.

Once all photos have been uploaded to iCloud, the albums should reappear. Now import the newer photos you have saved.


Feb 1, 2022 12:16 PM in response to léonie

I have copy of backup file so it is safe and it is from Oct 2021. I also exported and saved all pictures taken after October.

Unfortunately, I don't know if backup file has all my previous pictures... I have 1.7 TB of pictures but backup file is 460 GB only, it has good structure of folders but does it include all photos? Is it possible?

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is it possible to recover removed Folder/Album structure in my Photos library when it is synchronized with iCloud?

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