mcushing428

Q: iCloud difficulties

I am trying to make sure I am using iCloud the right way. I want to download pictures on to my computer and iCloud/back it up and then be able to delete the pictures on my phone so I have more storage. If my phone is connected to iCloud, if I delete the pictures on my phone will they be gone on iCloud too and just completely gone?

Posted on Sep 29, 2016 3:47 PM

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Q: iCloud difficulties

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  • by zinacef,

    zinacef zinacef Sep 29, 2016 3:57 PM in response to mcushing428
    Level 5 (4,851 points)
    Applications
    Sep 29, 2016 3:57 PM in response to mcushing428

    Unfortunately iCloud doesn't work that way particularly when it comes to photos or videos.  It isn't your traditional cloud based backup solution.  What it is is a syncing/mirroring system, i.e. it syncs and upload all of your photos and videos to all of your devices having them available almost immediately.  Delete one of these photos or videos from one device, and it's gone from all devices.

  • by FoxFifth,

    FoxFifth FoxFifth Sep 29, 2016 3:59 PM in response to mcushing428
    Level 7 (26,916 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 29, 2016 3:59 PM in response to mcushing428

    If you are using iCloud Photo Library then any photos that you delete from the phone will also be deleted from iCloud and from any other devices connected to that iCloud Photo Library. The most you can do to reduce the storage space required on the phone while continuing to use iCloud Photo Library is to turn on Settings > iCloud > Photos > Optimize iPhone Storage. Apple does not currently offer any cloud-only storage option for photos. If that is what you want, you may want to explore 3rd party options such as Dropbox and Flickr.

  • by Abstractman23,

    Abstractman23 Abstractman23 Sep 29, 2016 4:06 PM in response to mcushing428
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Apple Music
    Sep 29, 2016 4:06 PM in response to mcushing428

    am pretty sure that using icloud means that you have the same photos everywhere. if you delete from your phone - they are gone from the cloud and thus your computer too.

     

    but iphone optimises photos storage so make sure you have that turned on in settings. this is like a thumbnail - and if you want to open or edit the photo you'll get a progress wheel while it quickly downloads the full-res version from the cloud.

     

    if in doubt don't delete anything ;-)

     

    i have 33,000 photos so will have to remove some photos soon so they are not clogging up my phone!

    i will just export them (this retains the location data btw - just make sure the box is checked). if you drag photos out of Photos you lose the location data...

     

    good luck!