Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Help with System Photo Library

Recently decided to use iCloud for backup; when trying to backup my photos the icon for using iCloud will not work and the dialogue that appears is: iCloud features for Photos are only available in the System Photo Library.


Running MacOS Monterey 12.6.8 on MacBook Pro early 2015


How can I make my iPhoto the system library.


Thanks

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Sep 11, 2023 3:07 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 11, 2023 3:12 PM

See the following: Designate a System Photo Library in Photos - Apple Support


Also note that this applies to "Photos" and not "iPhoto."

iPhoto was discontinued .


Also note that iCloud Photos is not quite like a "backup." It is a syncing service.

iCloud Photos is a syncing service. Any photo you delete from a device where iCloud Photos is turned on will also be deleted from iCloud and from any other device connected to iCloud Photos. You can potentially reduce the storage space required on a device by turning on Optimize Storage. See the following Apple article for more information: Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support


Apple does not currently offer cloud-only storage for photos. If that is what you want or need, you may want to explore 3rd party options such as Google Photos or Dropbox.


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 11, 2023 3:12 PM in response to mhkmatt

See the following: Designate a System Photo Library in Photos - Apple Support


Also note that this applies to "Photos" and not "iPhoto."

iPhoto was discontinued .


Also note that iCloud Photos is not quite like a "backup." It is a syncing service.

iCloud Photos is a syncing service. Any photo you delete from a device where iCloud Photos is turned on will also be deleted from iCloud and from any other device connected to iCloud Photos. You can potentially reduce the storage space required on a device by turning on Optimize Storage. See the following Apple article for more information: Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support


Apple does not currently offer cloud-only storage for photos. If that is what you want or need, you may want to explore 3rd party options such as Google Photos or Dropbox.


Help with System Photo Library

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.