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how do I delete all photos from iPhone 5 iOS7 - I do not want to upload them to my computer

iPhone 5 iOS 7 on a Mac


I need to delete all photos from my iPhone, I am running out of space and have over a 1000 pictures. My pictures are backed up through DropBox, so I do NOT want to import them to my computer. Every advice I have seen only either work with previous iOS or it requires me to upload all my photos to my computer and then I will be prompted to delete all photos. I don't understand why I cannot just delete all at once.

iPhone 5, iOS 7.0.4

Posted on Dec 8, 2013 10:19 AM

Reply
63 replies

May 10, 2014 10:35 AM in response to ytapun

I had the same problem as you. After I tapped Select for an album or even for Moments, the trash can icon was grayed out with no option to select it. I decided to connect my iPhone to my PC using iTunes. After syncing my iPhone I was able to go to my PC's "Computer" file list, found a file under my iPhone called "Internal Storage" and then selected all 1500 of my photos simultaneously and deleted them in about 2 minutes! Done. So easy.

Jun 24, 2014 6:40 AM in response to DR E.B.

Using Preview method worked great for me - all done in 30 seconds!!!!!!


More specifically:


"

I think this old method still works -- note that you do NOT need to import anything (just open the import window):

  • connect iPhone to mac
  • open preview
  • file > import from iphone
  • command + A to select all photos
  • click the delete symbol on the bottom

"


PS - Apple please give me 128GB - lots of music....

Jun 28, 2014 7:57 PM in response to Richard Liu

If you are wanting to delete ALL photos (camera roll, photo stream, etc.) from your iPhone, the only way I have discovered to do this is to get on my mac and cut all the photos from iPhoto and paste them into another created folder on my mac so I didn't lose them completely. Once you do that, uncheck the "sync photos from: iPhoto" option on iTunes device menu, then sync. Voila! All photos on iPhone gone. I just did this, and it gave me almost 7GB back on my phone.

Aug 18, 2014 8:52 AM in response to diymond

Not sure if anyone mentioned Image Capture, but it is by far the fastest way to delete ALL photos at once.


1) Connect iPhone to Mac computer.

2) Command-Spacebar (Spotlight) and start typing "Image Capture". Image Capture app will appear. Select it and run the app, or find it yourself in Finder/Applications.

3) Under Devices, choose your iPhone. Wait for it to catalog all the images and videos.

4) Select All the images and movies using Command A.

5) If you wish to "dump" all the contents, do so now. Choose a destination and import. Not required.

6) Click the Delete Icon at the bottom (next to the Import TO: text).

7) Confirm the prompt.


This will completely wipe your iPhone of all pictures and movies. There is no undo (well, there is photo stream, if you enabled it).


I just deleted 5,567 photos and movies in about 5 minutes.


You're welcome.

Aug 30, 2014 4:11 AM in response to diymond

User uploaded file


To delete iPhone data before selling is to ensure that no one will ever recover the content. This can be achieved without any trouble, if iPhone Data Eraser is employed. It is an application which can erase private data, overwrite deleted content or simply wipe all files. Up to 28 types can it be applied to-contacts, messages, pictures and so forth.


This is user guide: How to permanently delete photos from iPhone without recovery.

Sep 1, 2014 7:36 AM in response to Traesmom

User uploaded file


Most every application in any OS (operating system) has a "file" menu. See image above.


When you connect your iPhone to your Mac and it says zero photos... you most likely have the "do not import duplicates" option checked. This means that there a no NEW photos that you don't already have on your computer.


Your phone stores not just pictures, but music, apps, books and other information. If you connect your iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes, you can see how much data is being used in each category in the capacity graph.


Be sure to enable iCloud backup. Should you lose or drop your iPhone into a sharknado, iCloud backup with allow you to fully restore all your data to a new iPhone.

how do I delete all photos from iPhone 5 iOS7 - I do not want to upload them to my computer

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