Photos App Question

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Photos App Question

What happened to the "delete photos after import" option in the Photos app? I would like to clear the photos from my iPhone when I import them. I'm on a MacBook with Catalina 10.15.7. Thanks.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 7, 2021 9:02 AM

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Answer 1

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léonie

Level 10

196,989 points

Jan 7, 2021 9:18 AM in response to esayem

The "delete after import" has to be selected before importing. It is usually below the toolbar in the Import dialog.

But this option is not available, if iCloud Photos is enabled on the iPhone. If you are using iCloud Photos, it is not possible for your Mac to delete the photos from the iPhone, because iCloud is the main storage and the photos are only mirrored on the iPhone. Are you using iCloud Photos on the iPhone? It may have become enabled during a system update without you noticing it.

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Answer 2

esayem Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 7, 2021 9:37 AM in response to léonie

Well, it seems I spoke too soon.

After disabling iCloud photos, I tried to import again and the box was not there. I then deleted the photos stored on iCloud just to try it and I restarted Photos and again the option was not available.

Here is a screenshot:

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Answer 3

esayem Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 7, 2021 9:24 AM in response to léonie

Wow! That was quick, thank you!

You were correct, iCloud was enabled to store photos.

Thanks again.

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Answer 4

léonie

Level 10

196,989 points

Jan 7, 2021 9:25 AM in response to esayem

You're welcome 😊

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Answer 5

esayem Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 7, 2021 9:41 AM in response to léonie

I actually just read your article regarding this topic and I see you recommend using Image Capture to delete photos from an iPhone after backing them up. I will try this instead.

Thanks again.

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