dschroet

Q: Why can't I delete photos from Camera Roll on import any more?

I like to import my Camera Roll into Photos regularly and 'delete on import' to save space and prevent duplicates. I also prefer to edit, organise and delete photos from my Mac because I find it easier. I just noticed that a recent update removed the ability to 'delete on import' when importing my Camera Roll.

 

So what happens if I make an edit to a photo on my Mac? Then the unedited original photo is still on my iPhone. So there's two versions of the same photo. This defeats the purpose of both Photos and the Camera Roll.

 

Is there a solution?

Posted on Jun 9, 2015 2:25 AM

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Q: Why can't I delete photos from Camera Roll on import any more?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by R C-R,

    R C-R R C-R Jun 9, 2015 3:24 AM in response to dschroet
    Level 6 (17,700 points)
    Jun 9, 2015 3:24 AM in response to dschroet

    If you are not using iCloud Photo Library or My Photo Stream you should see this in the toolbar when you import from your iPhone:

    Delete after import.jpg

    If you are using either of those iCloud services, click on the relevant link(s) above -- they will take you to the FAQ page for that service, which among other things explain how edits & deletions are handled.

  • by léonie,

    léonie léonie Jun 9, 2015 3:26 AM in response to dschroet
    Level 10 (109,018 points)
    iCloud
    Jun 9, 2015 3:26 AM in response to dschroet

    The option to "delete items after import" is still there.  It has been moved to the top of the import panel.  Enable it, before you select and  import the items.

     

    Screen Shot 2015-06-09 at 12.21.36.png

    And the option is only available, if you are not using iCloud Photo Library  on the iPhone or the iPad you are importing from.

    This makes sense -  if you are using iCloud Photo Library on a device, the photos are not stored on the device but in iCloud and only mirrored on the device.  You would be deleting mirrored copies from iCloud and they would right sync back or delete the photos on all devices.