In the age of digital photography, managing your photo and video library is crucial, especially when it comes to privacy and storage. With iOS 17, Apple has made it easier than ever to handle unwanted media. Whether you’re looking to free up space or ensure your private moments remain private, understanding how to permanently delete photos and videos is essential. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring that you can confidently manage your media without leaving behind any traces. Let’s dive into the details of how to delete your photos and videos permanently on your iPhone.
Access Photos App
To begin the process of deleting photos and videos, open the Photos app on your iPhone. This is where all your media is stored, and you will need to navigate through your albums or the main library to locate the items you wish to delete.
Select Photos and Videos
Once you are in the Photos app, browse through your library or albums to find the photos and videos you want to delete. You can select multiple items at once by tapping on them. For more efficient selection, you can also use the “Select” button in the top right corner of the screen.
Delete Selected Items
After selecting the photos and videos, tap on the trash can icon usually located at the bottom right of the screen. A confirmation message will appear, asking if you are sure you want to delete the selected items. Confirm your choice to move them to the Recently Deleted album.
Access Recently Deleted Album
To permanently delete the items, you must access the Recently Deleted album. This can be found under the Albums tab in the Photos app. Here, you will see all the items you have recently deleted, which will remain for 30 days before being permanently erased.
Delete Items from Recently Deleted
In the Recently Deleted album, you can either select individual items to delete or choose to delete all items at once. To delete all, tap “Select” and then “Delete All.” Confirm your choice, and the items will be permanently removed from your device.
Manage Storage Settings
For an even more streamlined process, you can manage your storage settings to optimize how your photos and videos are handled. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, and review the recommendations to free up space, including reviewing large attachments or unused apps.
Consider Cloud Options
If you want to ensure that your media is backed up before permanent deletion, consider using iCloud or other cloud storage solutions. This way, you can safely delete items from your device without losing important memories. Just remember to manage your cloud storage effectively to avoid unnecessary charges.
| Step | Action | Location | Confirmation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Photos App | Main Screen | N/A | Initial step to access media. |
| 2 | Select Photos/Videos | Library/Albums | Confirmation Message | Use Select button for multiple items. |
| 3 | Delete Selected Items | Bottom Right | Confirm Deletion | Items go to Recently Deleted. |
| 4 | Access Recently Deleted | Albums Tab | N/A | Items remain for 30 days. |
To maintain an organized and efficient media library on your iPhone, understanding the deletion process is crucial. By following these steps, you can ensure that unwanted photos and videos are removed permanently, giving you peace of mind and more storage space.
FAQs
Can I recover photos after deleting them from Recently Deleted?
No, once you delete photos from the Recently Deleted album, they are permanently removed and cannot be recovered. Make sure you are certain before performing this action.
How long do deleted photos remain in the Recently Deleted album?
Deleted photos remain in the Recently Deleted album for 30 days. After this period, they are automatically and permanently deleted from your device.
Is there a way to delete all photos at once?
Yes, you can delete all photos at once by going to the Recently Deleted album, tapping “Select,” and then choosing “Delete All.” Be cautious, as this action cannot be undone.
What if I want to keep some photos but delete others?
You can selectively delete photos by choosing only the items you want to remove in the main Photos app. Use the Select feature to pick and choose which photos or videos to delete.
