Which photos library is correct

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Level 1

11 points

Which photos library is correct

Hi,

In preparation for the forthcoming shared photos libraries (finally) I'm doing some housekeeping on my photo library. In doing this I'm using various devices. Each device is linked to my one system photo library and the totals on each differ, so I've no idea which the 'definitive' total is. I've opened the library on all devices and the totals are statuses below.

Mac mini: 70,276 photos, 3,725 videos

Set to download originals to this Mac. Says 'Update Just Now'.

MacBook Pro: 70,290 photos, 3,725 videos

Set to download originals to this Mac. Says 'Updated Just Now'.

iPhone 11 Pro: 70,282 photos, 3,725 videos

Set to Optimise iPhone Storage. Says 'Synced to iCloud'.

Finally, I checked on iCloud.com: 70,262 photos, 3,724 videos.

Updated 21:59 (i.e. now).

I'm totally confused why in four places the I get four different total counts. How am I supposed to know what my 'correct' library is if they all differ? Very confusing.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Sep 30, 2022 2:01 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

léonie

Level 10

200,897 points

Sep 30, 2022 11:28 PM in response to Satkin

Which system versions are running on the different devices? Depending on the system version, they may be counting the photos differently, and depending on the system version one of your videos may not be able to upload, or you may have imported some items as referenced (not copied into your Photos Library, but referenced in the original location).

In addition the smart album mentioned by Tony create another smart album on both your Macs with the rule "Photo is referenced". See: Check the status of your library in Photos for macOS - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Sep 30, 2022 3:07 PM in response to Satkin

Check in each library for items that cannot upload to iCloud.

There may be an "unable to upload" item in the side bar.

Also create a smart album with the condition "photo - is unable to upload to iCloud"

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Answer 3

Satkin Author

Level 1

11 points

Oct 1, 2022 3:20 AM in response to Satkin

As the Macs are set to download originals, I consider those the 'true' libraries. Both Macs are running on the same version of Monterey (12.6) and the same version of Photos (Version 7.0 (460.0.120)).

I've created both Referenced Photos and Unable to upload to iCloud Photos smart albums. On both devices the libraries show no items in either smart album.

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Answer 4

léonie

Level 10

200,897 points

Oct 1, 2022 6:27 AM in response to Satkin

The different numbers might also be caused by shared photos. Photos for Mac or iOS can show photos shared with you from some apps. If you have set the sharing options differently on your devices, the numbers might differ.

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Which photos library is correct

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