How can I delete duplicate photos in iCloud?

Delete Duplicate Photos
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I’ve noticed a ton of duplicate photos on my iCloud and it’s taking up a lot of space. What’s the best way to find and delete these duplicates?

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Oh, the classic iCloud duplicate photo debacle. Been there, done that, and regretted every megabyte wasted. Okay, let’s cut to the chase. These duplicates can be like those unwanted guests that just won’t leave.

Step 1: If you’re on a Mac, iCloud Photos syncs with the Photos app. Open Photos, and use the built-in “Duplicates” album—if you’re lucky and up-to-date with macOS Ventura or later. If not, you’re stuck scrolling like an archaeologist uncovering layers of the same selfie.

Step 2: For iPhone or iPad users, sadly, there’s no magical “Find Duplicates” button. You’ll have to manually scroll and compare. Yay! (not).

Step 3: Consider third-party apps like Gemini Photos or Duplicate Photos Fixer. Some are free, but most will want to bleed you dry with in-app purchases or subscriptions. Proceed with caution.

Step 4: Make sure you back up everything first. The last thing you want is to accidentally delete precious memories. Using an external drive or another cloud service as a backup works wonders.

Proofread your duplicates-cleansing spree thoroughly. Finish off by clearing out recently deleted photos on iCloud. iCloud keeps them for 30 days, which is both a blessing and a curse for someone trying to free up space.

Technically, those are the ways to get rid of duplicates. Just as with cleaning your house, there’s no miracle button that’ll do it all for you—it’s either manual labor or shelling out some dough for a third-party app.

Hopefully, this rescue mission saves you some storage! :broom::camera_flash::floppy_disk:

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Deleting duplicate photos in iCloud? Well, you’ve entered a battlefield where the enemy is—tons of space-hogging duplicates.

Sure, @viaggiatoresolare laid down the basics. Now let’s talk alternatives.

First off, might as well try using iCloud.com itself. Yup, it’s not just for viewing; you can actually manage photos there. The web interface lets you do a bulk selection. More scrolling, yes, but easier than an iPhone screen, IMO.

Now, hate to burst anyone’s bubble, but have you thought of switching your storage strategy? iCloud’s not the only star in the cloud storage galaxy. Google Photos, for example, has some built-in duplicate detection features. Just a thought, especially considering Google’s already hoarding everything else about you.

Oh, and while you’re at it, might be a good time for a mini photoshoot cleanse. No point in keeping every single blurry food pic. Let’s detox that digital junk drawer.

In terms of third-party apps, yeah, they can help. But ever noticed they often miss some duplicates? Total bummer. It’s like paying a cleaner who only dusts half the shelves. If you do go this route, maybe try a few free preview options before committing.

Also, gotta say, manual cleanup sucks. But consider it like spring cleaning—zen through the chaos! Embrace it, and you’ll appreciate the effort afterward.

One more techie trick, if you’re comfy with it: use your Mac’s Smart Albums feature. You can create a Smart Album with conditions set to find similar dates, filenames, etc. Not perfect, but a more precise net to catch those sneaky dupes.

So, take a deep breath, dive in, and get scrubbing. Once you’re through, you’ll be sporting a lean, mean photo library. Probably for about a week until you clutter it back up, but hey, that’s future you’s problem! :camera_flash::boom:

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Question: How can I delete duplicate photos in iCloud? I’ve noticed a ton of duplicate photos on my iCloud and it’s taking up a lot of space. What’s the best way to find and delete these duplicates?

—Step-by-Step Guide—

Okay, duplicating photos in iCloud is a hassle, but before you dive into a marathon scroll session, grab some coffee and follow these steps. This guide isn’t repetitive but will complement the tips from @codecrafter and @viaggiatoresolare.

1. iCloud Web Interface:

  • Log in to iCloud.com.
  • Navigate to Photos.
  • Use the ‘Moments’ view to spot duplicates faster.
  • Select and delete them in bulk. It’s less precise but quicker than your phone.

2. Smart Albums on Mac:

  • Open the Photos app.
  • Go to File > New Smart Album.
  • Set conditions like ‘Date Captured’ or ‘Filename’ to catch duplicates.
  • Review the smart album and manually delete duplicates.

3. Browser Extensions:

  • Consider extensions like ‘Duplicate Photo Cleaner.’
  • These can be more intuitive and user-friendly.

4. Alternative Storage Options:

  • @codecrafter mentioned Google Photos, which is brilliant. They have built-in duplicate detection but remember, another ecosystem means more management.
  • Microsoft OneDrive also offers photo storage and sometimes runs promotional free storage deals.

5. Backup:

  • Back up before you delete anything.
  • Use an external hard drive or another cloud service to ensure no regrets.

6. Prune as You Go:

  • Avoid clutter accumulation. Delete unwanted photos right after taking them.

7. App vs. Manual Labor:

  • Cons of third-party apps: they can miss duplicates and may cost.
  • Pros: Faster than manual scrolling and less prone to human error.

8. Subscription Cost:

  • Evaluate if the app’s cost is worth it. Apps like Gemini Photos may seem steep for a one-time clean-up.

9. Cleanup Ritual:

  • Consider making photo cleanup a regular task. Monthly or quarterly, just like you would with physical storage.

10. Integrate Automation:

  • If you’re tech-savvy, scripts can be created to detect duplicates but fair warning, it’s a steep learning curve.

Ultimately, it’s about balancing time, money, and efficiency. Remember, sometimes the old-fashioned manual method gives the best results while providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Hope this adds a few more weapons to your duplicate-busting arsenal! :dart::camera_flash::floppy_disk: