HT204570: Get help with your iCloud Photo Library

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Loucummins

Q: I would like to delete photos and videos from my device but not my iCloud..can this be done?

HOW MAY MAY I DELETE VIDEOS AND PHOTOS FROM MY DEVICE WITH OUT LOOSING THEM FROM MY ICLOUD?

iPad 2, iOS 9.0.2

Posted on Oct 2, 2015 9:53 AM

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Q: I would like to delete photos and videos from my device but not my iCloud..can this be done?

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  • by Winston Churchill,

    Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Oct 2, 2015 10:26 AM in response to Loucummins
    Level 10 (103,981 points)
    Apple TV
    Oct 2, 2015 10:26 AM in response to Loucummins

    With iCloud Photo Library enabled, you cannot delete a photo on one device (or at iCloud.com) without deleting it from every device that uses iCloud photo library (and iCloud.com). In order to save space on your mobile devices (and indeed your Mac if you wish to do so) turn on optimisation for photos on these devices (settings > photos & camera > optimise storage on your mobile device and Photo preferences > optimise storage on your Mac)


    Optimisation is dynamic, it reduces the resolution of your photos as and when needed, so you may not notice it occurring at first. However when it is needed, it is very effective and users have reported libraries being optimised to much less than 10% of their original size in some cases. My own library is about 9% of its original size on my phone.