How to delete inaccessible Photo Library from iPad

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Ming45 Author

Level 1

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How to delete inaccessible Photo Library from iPad

Greyed-out Photo Library is taking up 9Gb of storage On my iPad. How do I remove it?

iPad 2, iOS 8.1.3

Posted on Mar 23, 2015 2:40 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 23, 2015 3:28 AM in response to Ming45

Sync some new photo's to your iPad through iTunes. iTunes will warn you that there is an existing photo library on your iPad that will be erased. Acknowledge that message. The old library will be replaced with the new photo's you selected.

After sync you can turn off photo sync through iTunes, the new photo's you previously synced will then be erased from your iPad.

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Answer 2

Ming45 Author

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Mar 23, 2015 10:46 AM in response to Marc Hofstede

Hi Marc,

I've tried the method you suggested but it didn't work.

I did not get the warning about an existing photo library although it did appear to sync the new folder I created with one photo in it.

When I turned off photo sync, it warned me that the photos on iPad will be erased. It went through the motions but the ghost library is still on the iPad (see attached). A folder, ' iPod Photo Cache' also appeared in the folder I created.

I do have the latest version of iTunes (12.1.0.50) but my iMac OS is Lion 10.7.5. I am trying to clean-up before getting a new Mac.

Thanks anyway, regards, Ming

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Answer 3

Demo

Level 10

166,747 points

Mar 23, 2015 11:00 AM in response to Ming45

The creation of the new iPod Photo Cache folder is normal and expected behavior. Read this for more information.

iTunes: Understanding the iPod Photo Cache folder - Apple Support

For for the photos that will not disappear, try this.

Delete all of your Recently Deleted photos from your Recently Deleted folder

Then go to Settings>General>Date & Time, and change the date back to any time more than 6 months ago. Then go back to the Recently Deleted folder. Tap on the Recently Deleted Album and you should see a bunch of photos that you already deleted. Delete them again, go back to Settings>General>Date & Time>Set Automatically>On.

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Answer 4

Ming45 Author

Level 1

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Mar 23, 2015 2:52 PM in response to Demo

THANKS! It worked ... Useful bit of 'time travelling'.

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Answer 5

Mar 25, 2015 12:01 PM in response to Ming45

Yay it worked!!!! Deleted the deleted folder, went back in time, deleted the deleted folder again, and now no storage issue!!! many thanks 🙂

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Answer 6

Suyash95

Level 1

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Jun 23, 2015 4:01 PM in response to Demo

Demo, your tip worked perfectly.. I have 16 GB Ipad and the Photos were taking 2.1 GB of the space.. Was always worried about the space.. Because of you, finally, I have found peace..

So, thanks for the wonderful advice..

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