How Can You Delete All Photos From iPhone? A Comprehensive Guide
Deleting all photos from your iPhone can be necessary for various reasons – freeing up storage space, preparing to sell your device, or simply starting fresh. This guide will walk you through several methods, ensuring you achieve a complete and thorough photo purge. We'll also address some frequently asked questions about this process.
Method 1: Deleting Photos Individually (For Selective Deletion)
While not ideal for deleting all photos, this method allows for careful selection. It’s useful if you want to retain some photos while removing others.
- Open the Photos app: Locate and tap the Photos app icon on your iPhone's home screen.
- Navigate to Albums: At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see options like "For You," "Albums," and "Search." Tap "Albums."
- Select the Album: Choose the album containing the photos you want to delete (e.g., "Camera Roll," "Recently Deleted").
- Select Photos: Tap on each photo you wish to delete. You can also select multiple photos by tapping and dragging your finger across them.
- Delete Photos: A trash can icon will appear at the bottom. Tap it to delete the selected photos.
Method 2: Deleting All Photos from a Specific Album
This is quicker than individual deletion but still allows some control.
- Open Photos app and select Albums: Follow steps 1 and 2 from Method 1.
- Select the Album: Choose the album you wish to clear completely.
- Select "Select" In the top right corner, tap "Select".
- Select All: Tap "Select All" in the top left corner.
- Delete Photos: Tap the trash can icon to delete all photos in that album.
Method 3: Deleting All Photos from iPhone (Including iCloud)
This is the most comprehensive method. It removes photos from your iPhone and your iCloud Photo Library, ensuring a complete deletion. Be absolutely certain you want to do this before proceeding. There's no easy undo!
- Open the Settings app: Locate and tap the Settings app icon (grey icon with gears).
- Tap your Apple ID: At the top of the Settings menu, you’ll see your name and Apple ID. Tap on it.
- Tap "iCloud": Scroll down and tap on "iCloud."
- Tap "Photos": Scroll down and select "Photos."
- Turn off "iCloud Photos": Toggle the "iCloud Photos" switch to the OFF position. You'll be prompted with a choice to keep photos on your iPhone or delete them.
- Choose "Delete from My iPhone": This option will remove all photos from your device, syncing with your iCloud Photo Library. Choose carefully!
Method 4: Using a Third-Party App
Several third-party apps offer photo management tools, including bulk deletion. However, exercise caution when using such apps, ensuring they are reputable and secure.
H2: Frequently Asked Questions
H3: Where do deleted photos go?
Deleted photos aren't immediately erased. They move to the "Recently Deleted" album for 30 days before permanent deletion. You can recover them within that timeframe if needed.
H3: How can I recover deleted photos?
Within the 30-day window, open the "Recently Deleted" album, select the photos you want to keep, and tap "Recover." After 30 days, the recovery option is no longer available.
H3: Does deleting photos from my iPhone delete them from my computer's backups?
Deleting photos from your iPhone will not automatically delete them from backups you've created on your computer using iTunes or Finder. However, if you subsequently make a new backup, the photos deleted from your phone will not be included in that new backup.
H3: How do I free up space after deleting photos?
After deleting photos, restart your iPhone. This helps to clear cached data and fully update storage space.
By following these methods and understanding the related FAQs, you can efficiently delete all photos from your iPhone, freeing up valuable storage space and achieving your desired level of data cleanup. Remember to always back up your data before undertaking major deletion operations if you're uncertain.
