Cannot import photos library

Ok so I accidentally deleted the photos library from my pictures folder but put it back from the trash. When I put it back it said there was already a file called that, so I said to keep both. My pictures folder now contains two photos librarys one called "Photos Library.photoslibrary" and another "Photos Library copy.photoslibrary".

The latter actually contains all my photos, which I can see in the folder "originals" when I select "Show Package Contents".


When I try to open the copy photos library (i.e. the real one), it comes up with the following message:


I have also tried deleting the non-copy version (i.e. the empty library), but in this case when I try to open the copy, it comes up with the following message:


I have also tried repairing the photos library through the photos app, but it seems to only attempt to repair the empty library.

How would I be able to get all my photos back into the photos app?


Thanks for the help in advance.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.3

Posted on May 29, 2023 12:51 AM

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2 replies

May 29, 2023 3:18 AM in response to northboom

What happened before you put the library back from the Trash? Had you already started to empty the Trash bin? Then the library may be incomplete and will not work.


Do not try to import the Photos Library but to open it in Photos.

  • Quit Photos, if it is running.
  • Now select "Photos Library copy.photoslibrary" and double-click it to open it in Photos.

Can Photos open the library this way? Or are you getting the same erfror message?



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Cannot import photos library

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