You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Mac Photos won't delete

I can't delete photos in my Mac desktop Photos program.

I click on them and choose delete.

It asks me to confirm.

I click yes.

Then nothing happens. They are still there.


I have tried choosing just one photo and several photos.

I have tried Right-click + delete.

I have tried the delete button.

I have tried re-booting.

(Sorry, I sound like Dr. Suess.)


My software is up-to-date.

I'm on an almost new iMac, 2020.


Thanks for any help.


iMac 27″, macOS 11.0

Posted on Dec 4, 2020 6:49 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 4, 2020 9:23 AM

Just so we're on the same page:


Deleting Photos from a Photos Library


1 - regardless of where you are in the library, i.e. Photos, Memories, Favorites, People, Recents, Imports, albums or smart albums, select the photo(s) you want to delete and use the key combination of Command+Delete to move the photos to the Recently Deleted smart album.    Without the Command key held down you'll be presented with a confirmation Yes/No window regarding the deletion. 


2 - click on the Recently Deleted smart albums in the sidebar.


NOTE 1: If you're using Photos 1.2 or earlier use the File  Show Recently Deleted menu option.


3 - in the Recently Deleted album you can opt to let the photo automatically delete after the 30 day waiting period is up, delete them immediately or restore them to the library.


NOTE 2: deleting a photo from an album, slideshow, book, etc., with the Delete key only deletes the photo from that item. There is no key combination that will delete a photo from a project and move it directly to the Recently Deleted smart album.


NOTE 3: deleting a photo from a Moment or Collection (the Photos window) or the All Photos window deletes ALL occurences of that photo in the library.


From what view are you trying to delete?


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 4, 2020 9:23 AM in response to DMR19

Just so we're on the same page:


Deleting Photos from a Photos Library


1 - regardless of where you are in the library, i.e. Photos, Memories, Favorites, People, Recents, Imports, albums or smart albums, select the photo(s) you want to delete and use the key combination of Command+Delete to move the photos to the Recently Deleted smart album.    Without the Command key held down you'll be presented with a confirmation Yes/No window regarding the deletion. 


2 - click on the Recently Deleted smart albums in the sidebar.


NOTE 1: If you're using Photos 1.2 or earlier use the File  Show Recently Deleted menu option.


3 - in the Recently Deleted album you can opt to let the photo automatically delete after the 30 day waiting period is up, delete them immediately or restore them to the library.


NOTE 2: deleting a photo from an album, slideshow, book, etc., with the Delete key only deletes the photo from that item. There is no key combination that will delete a photo from a project and move it directly to the Recently Deleted smart album.


NOTE 3: deleting a photo from a Moment or Collection (the Photos window) or the All Photos window deletes ALL occurences of that photo in the library.


From what view are you trying to delete?


Mac Photos won't delete

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.