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MacBook Pro Photos Not Loading Correctly

I have Monterey 12.5. Recently my MBP's 'Photos' function has stopped recognising my 256GB camera card when previously it did recognise it and would automatically present new pictures for import into the library. I have to manually copy pictures from the card into 'Pictures' in 'Finder' and then import to 'Photos'. Now, too, they are showing in 'Photos' as low resolution and are uneditable. I can't be sure but it seems to coincide with 12.5 installing. Any ideas, please? I've tried shutting down completely and re-starting, but to no avail.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 12.5

Posted on Aug 14, 2022 3:24 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 14, 2022 8:59 AM

Try the following in order as necessary:


1 - reformat the card in the camera, take some test photos and see if it is recognized by Photos.


2 - As a test launch Photos with the Option key held down and create a new, test library.  Test the memory card with the new library. Does it work? If so open your main library and test the memory card again. This tells us if the problem is limited to your current library or is more wide spread.


3 - Log into a new, basic, admin user account, Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac and repeat the test in #2. This tells us if the problem is limited to your user account or is system wide.


4 - Lastly, boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists with your main library and the test library. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files



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8 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 14, 2022 8:59 AM in response to Deepgreen2009

Try the following in order as necessary:


1 - reformat the card in the camera, take some test photos and see if it is recognized by Photos.


2 - As a test launch Photos with the Option key held down and create a new, test library.  Test the memory card with the new library. Does it work? If so open your main library and test the memory card again. This tells us if the problem is limited to your current library or is more wide spread.


3 - Log into a new, basic, admin user account, Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac and repeat the test in #2. This tells us if the problem is limited to your user account or is system wide.


4 - Lastly, boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists with your main library and the test library. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files



Aug 14, 2022 7:49 AM in response to Deepgreen2009

Good news. If that item is not checked, then photos only creates thumbnails internally, and expects the full size images to remain where they were when imported - which obviously once you've removed the card, they don't. Much better to have them fully imported in any case.


Regarding your card being recognised:


I find that photos won't see a card until it is recognised in finder.


A little flakey in my mac with Big Sur - I sometimes have to unplug and replug the card before even finder will see it. This might be related to the specific reader I'm using - and the hub it is plugged into. Try (if it is not already) connecting your reader directly to your mac. Sorry - can't offer more advice than this.

Aug 14, 2022 8:00 AM in response to TonyCollinet

Yes, but my card is, and has always been, recognised reliably in 'Finder'. It's only in 'Photos' that there is an issue - 'Photos' recognises the card but won't now show any of its contents. Until about ten days ago it was fine, and I think that's about when Monterey 12.5 was installed, although I'm not certain. I have had the same problem with needing to push in and pull out the card a few times before it connects, but then it would show the contents. I appreciate your thoughts, thanks.

MacBook Pro Photos Not Loading Correctly

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