iCloud Shared Photo Libraries // what's the deal with normal ALBUMS not syncing?

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Level 1

25 points

iCloud Shared Photo Libraries // what's the deal with normal ALBUMS not syncing?

Hi everyone,

I'm just getting acquainted with the new iCloud Shared Photo Libraries. I have a library of 60,000+ photos and videos that I have now shared with my wife's Apple ID account. It's been surprisingly buggy getting this set up but I really have one main question:

What's the deal with normal Albums in the Shared Library environment? I'm not talking about SHARED Albums. Just "My Albums" that appear when you're in the Shared Library tab.

What I'm noticing is that when I create an Album on my iPhone in the SHARED LIBRARY that album doesn't show up on my wife's phone. That's the long and short of my issue right now. Is this a bug? Are regular Albums only designed to work with Personal Libraries? In that case how am I supposed to organize Albums that both of us can see in our SHARED LIBRARY?

And before anyone asks, YES we are both on iOS 16.3.1. And YES my Mac is on Ventura 13.1. All OSes are compatible with the Shared Library feature.

Thank you all for your time,

JD

iPhone 13 Mini

Posted on Feb 23, 2023 7:12 PM

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Answer 1

JD Marlow Author

Level 1

25 points

Feb 26, 2023 10:49 AM in response to dawngreg08

Hi,

thanks for the reply. I actually am not having a problem with SHARED ALBUMS. I tried to make clear in my post that I’m talking about regular ALBUMS but in a SHARED LIBRARY. From additional research I see that those do not sync between different Apple IDs so I was able to answer the question for myself.

it would be nice to see some additional functionality here for shared libraries in the future so that regular albums can be seen across Shared Libraries without having to make additional Shared Albums, which normally I would reserve for sharing photos with people not in my iCLOUD family.

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Answer 2

dawngreg08

Community Specialist

Feb 25, 2023 2:58 PM in response to JD Marlow

Hello JD Marlow,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

We understand you're having an issue with Shared Albums and we'd like to help.

Follow the steps below and see if you're able to get your wife to see the Shared Album.

About Shared Albums

Learn more about setting up and using Shared Albums.

In earlier versions of iOS, macOS, tvOS, and iCloud for Windows, Shared Albums was called iCloud Photo Sharing.

How do I back up a Shared Album?

"Shared Album content isn't automatically backed up. If you want to save a photo or video from a Shared Album, add it to your photo library before you back up your device.

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Tap the photo, then tap the Share button , then tap Save Image.
On your Mac: Select the photo or video, control-click > Import.

Any comments or likes attached to a photo or video in a shared album aren't saved with the photo or video.

What do I need to see and share videos, contribute to someone else's Shared Album, and add comments or like photos and videos?

iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 7 or later
Mac with OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later
Apple TV (2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation) with Apple TV software 6.0 or later
PC with Windows 7 or later and iCloud for Windows

If the owner of a Shared Album turns on the Public Website option and shares the link with you, you can use any up-to-date browser to see photos and videos added by the owner and all contributors."

More information can be found in this article: If Shared Albums aren't working - Apple Support

Let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Take care!

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Answer 3

SnickZ.

Community Specialist

Feb 26, 2023 11:26 AM in response to JD Marlow

Hello JD Marlow,

Thanks for clarifying. Creating a Shared Photo Library is different than sharing photos and albums. iCloud Shared Photo Library only contains the information that was contained in your photo library at that specific moment.

Use iCloud Shared Photo Library on iPhone - Apple Support - This section of the iPhone User Guide shows what types of things will sync across once an iCloud Shared Photo Library has been created. Also:

After you set up or join an iCloud Shared Photo Library (iOS 16.1 or later), you can share photos and videos with friends and family in the Photos app. You and up to five other participants can add photos and videos to the library, and any edits, comments, or favorites made to them is seen by everyone in real time. Content in a Shared Library is also added to everyone’s memories, featured photos, and to the Photos widget, so everyone can experience more complete memories.

All the best.

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iCloud Shared Photo Libraries // what's the deal with normal ALBUMS not syncing?

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