Why did Apple download ALL photos onto my new iPod?

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Why did Apple download ALL photos onto my new iPod?

I got a new iPod last week. I want it to be able to view my iCloud Photo Library and upload new photos I take with said iPod. However it seems iCloud has downloaded my entire iCloud library to my iPod. I have no idea how or why. To my knowledge that’s not even an option. My iPhone and iPad haven’t experienced this. This has also been draining my battery like crazy. It was 99% when I got up two hours ago and it’s now 35%. What do I do about this?

Posted on May 25, 2022 9:57 AM

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Answer 1

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FoxFifth

Level 10

472,203 points

May 26, 2022 7:49 AM in response to Glamzar

Sorry but I've used iCloud Photos since it was first released. It has always synced all photos to all devices where iCloud Photos is turned on. Not everyone likes that and there have been many complaints about it in this forum. The only option to potentially reduce the space needed on a device is the Optimize storage option.

See all of the information in Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support including, for example, the following:

The photos and videos that you keep in iCloud Photos use your iCloud storage and your device storage. And as long as you have enough space in iCloud and on your device, you can store as many photos and videos as you like.

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Answer 2

FoxFifth

Level 10

472,203 points

May 25, 2022 4:40 PM in response to Glamzar

If iCloud Photos was turned on as shown in your screenshot, the photos will be downloaded to your iPod -- that's what iCloud Photos does. They may be all the original full size versions but if the Optimize Storage option is also turned on, then some or all of them may be smaller space-saving versions if the iPod is low on space.

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Answer 3

Glamzar Author

Level 1

23 points

May 25, 2022 8:07 PM in response to FoxFifth

iCloud is so it uploads your photos, and you can VIEW them from any device. Not download your entire iCloud onto your physical device. New iPad this year and new phone in 2020, iCloud has never done that and does not say it does that.

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Answer 4

FoxFifth

Level 10

472,203 points

May 25, 2022 10:01 AM in response to Glamzar

See the following from Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

iCloud Photos keeps all your photos and videos in their original, high-resolution version. To save storage space on your device, you can turn on Optimize Storage.

If you turn on Optimize Storage, iCloud Photos automatically manages the size of your library on your device. Your original photos and videos are stored in iCloud and space-saving versions are kept on your device. Your library is optimized only when you need space, starting with the photos and videos you access least. You can download the original photos and videos over Wi-Fi or cellular when you need them.

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Answer 5

Glamzar Author

Level 1

23 points

May 25, 2022 3:52 PM in response to FoxFifth

I never chose to download them so why did they? How to I stop it from happening again? There should be no photos actually stored on my new iPod.

I reset my iPod and it’s happening again. 86% usage!! I asked if there was anything I can do about this.

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Answer 6

Glamzar Author

Level 1

23 points

May 29, 2022 1:27 PM in response to FoxFifth

What part of this has never happened before is not understandable? I’ve had two phones in the last 4 years and a new pad within the last year and never has it done this. My phone and iPad have ZERO photos actually stored on them.. It doesn’t say it does this either. So this is a glitch not the proper function.

“The photos and videos that you keep in iCloud Photos use your iCloud storage and your device storage. And as long as you have enough space in iCloud and on your device, you can store as many photos and videos as you like.”

This does not at all imply what you are saying is true. This just says you can have as many photos as you want as long as you have the space for it. If you don’t know what you’re talking about you don’t have to reply. I’m only here because Apple support is such a hit or miss.

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Why did Apple download ALL photos onto my new iPod?

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