Deleting all photos from your iPhone can be necessary for various reasons – freeing up storage space, preparing for a sale, or simply starting fresh. This guide provides a complete walkthrough of the process, addressing common concerns and offering alternative solutions.
How to Delete All Photos from Your iPhone Directly
The simplest method is to delete photos directly from the Photos app. Here's how:
- Open the Photos app: Locate the purple icon on your home screen and tap to open it.
- Select "Albums": At the bottom of the screen, you'll see various tabs. Tap on "Albums."
- Find "All Photos": Scroll through your albums until you locate "All Photos." This album contains every photo and video on your iPhone.
- Select Photos to Delete: You can't directly delete all photos at once without using a selection method. You have a few options:
- Select Individual Photos: Tap on each photo you want to delete. A checkmark will appear in the corner. This method is time-consuming for large libraries.
- Select Multiple Photos: Tap and hold on a photo, then drag your finger to select multiple adjacent photos. Alternatively, tap "Select" in the top right corner and tap individual photos to select them.
- Delete Selected Photos: Once selected, tap the trash can icon in the bottom right corner. Confirm your deletion when prompted.
Important Note: This only deletes the photos from your iPhone. If you have iCloud Photos enabled, these photos will still be available in iCloud, unless you also delete them there (discussed below).
What Happens to My Photos After Deletion?
Deleted photos are moved to the "Recently Deleted" album within the Photos app. They remain there for 30 days before being permanently deleted. This gives you a grace period to recover any photos you accidentally deleted.
How to Delete Photos from iCloud Photos
If you use iCloud Photos, deleting photos from your iPhone only removes them locally. To completely remove them, you need to delete them from iCloud as well:
- Open iCloud.com: Visit iCloud.com on your computer's web browser.
- Sign in: Enter your Apple ID and password.
- Open Photos: Click on the "Photos" icon.
- Select Photos to Delete: Similar to the iPhone app, you'll need to select the photos individually or in groups.
- Delete Selected Photos: Click the delete button (trash can icon) to remove the selected photos permanently.
How to Permanently Delete All Photos Immediately?
There is no single button to instantly and permanently delete all photos from your iPhone and iCloud simultaneously. The process involves the steps outlined above, which necessitates selecting and confirming the deletion of each image or group of images.
Can I Delete Photos Without Selecting Each One?
No, Apple's Photos app doesn't offer a single "delete all" button for photos. Third-party apps might offer this functionality but using them carries potential risks. Always back up your photos before using such apps.
What if I Accidentally Deleted Photos?
If you accidentally delete photos, don't worry! Check the "Recently Deleted" album in the Photos app. Photos remain there for 30 days, giving you ample time to recover them. If they are gone from "Recently Deleted," recovery is more difficult and may require specialized data recovery software.
Should I Delete Photos From My iPhone Or iCloud First?
It's generally recommended to delete photos from your iPhone first. This frees up local storage space immediately. Then, delete them from iCloud to remove them from your cloud backup. This method ensures you’re not left with excess storage usage in iCloud while you are still using the space on your phone.
This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step process for deleting all photos from your iPhone and clarifies the impact of your actions on both your device and your iCloud storage. Remember to always back up important photos before undertaking any major deletions.
