Level 1

81 points

Delete multiple photos from iCloud

I use icloud photos with multiple devices, including an iPhone 4, an iPad, a Macbook pro and two PCs.

My icloud library is too large, containing many duplicates (same photo taken several times) and many photos I don't want to keep.

Deleting photos from the library using the icloud library is a slow, cumbersome process. I can only delete one at a time, each time taking 20 seconds or more, even with a high speed internet connection.

How can I select & delete several photos at once?

[Re-Titled by Host]

iPhone 5s, iOS 9.3.5

Posted on Aug 27, 2016 9:56 AM

Top-ranking reply

rose_10

Community Specialist

Posted on Aug 28, 2016 4:23 PM

Hello rhwolfson,

Thank you for using the Apple Support Communities!

It sounds like you want to be able to remove multiple pictures from iCloud Photo Library at the same time. I will do my best to help find a solution for you.

The easiest way to remove multiple photos is to sign into iCloud.com on one of the computers you listed. Once signed in, click on the photos icon. When you are in the "Moments" view, you should see "Select Photos" in the upper right of the browser window. Click "Select Photos". You should now be able to select multiple photos, and then click the "Delete" button that appears. This should allow you to remove multiple photos at one time.

Have a great day!

View in context

99 replies

Aug 2, 2017 10:30 PM in response to Ericmcaldas

Confirmed it does not work. Apple has either disabled this feature, or have failed to add it as an option.

Programming 101 fail!!!

Aug 2, 2017 10:34 PM in response to rhwolfson

Probably worthwhile to consider other cloud services. Apple are have a reputation for being restrictive in their user options.

I recommend OneDrive

Eric Root

Level 10

685,209 points

Aug 6, 2017 10:05 AM in response to Jodimi

That option was removed.

Oct 14, 2017 11:22 AM in response to rhwolfson

This info is very little use. The trouble is, have to select one photo at a time! Cannot choose multiple photos by "shift" and click... I think Apple iCloud is horrible!

Amyupch

Level 1

4 points

Oct 19, 2017 12:24 PM in response to sarameilan

This works!! Thank god, you just saved me a whole lot of time!

Dec 12, 2017 7:30 PM in response to debbieduncan

yep, I've already dissuaded quite a few people from iphone. I'm embarassed that this is an american company

Dec 14, 2017 6:39 AM in response to Aky_akash

There is no '+' sign at the top right...and all the icons that are there when you are in 'All Photos' are grayed out.

darranzh

Level 1

4 points

Dec 25, 2017 11:25 AM in response to brambletonian

This is THE solution - thank you brambletonian for referring this article.

Jan 5, 2018 8:06 PM in response to Hotovy

worked like charm

loma87

Level 1

12 points

Jan 24, 2018 2:07 AM in response to ahart019

Here's also another way.

1. Click on "share" icon on the right.

2. Double-click on the trashcan icon and click "Delete".

https://i.imgur.com/g0PPUeG.gifv

Kotufina

Level 1

4 points

Feb 4, 2018 3:02 PM in response to rhwolfson

command key + option key

select every picture and then delete

Wan-man

Level 1

4 points

Feb 22, 2018 4:54 PM in response to rose_10

I cannot find the "Select Photos" in my browser. i tried Google Chrome and IE, where it is?

Feb 27, 2018 10:55 AM in response to mehroohvn

On Wed, Feb 21, 2018 at 4:12 AM Apple Support Communities Updates <

Apr 24, 2018 11:31 AM in response to rose_10

This does not work. Please help with an updated answer.

Apr 27, 2018 5:19 AM in response to Hotovy

that doesn't delete the photos from icloud, but is a good way to delete on the device

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Delete multiple photos from iCloud