As an iPhone user, you’re likely no stranger to the joys of editing photos on your device. With the built-in Photos app and a plethora of third-party editing software, it’s never been easier to touch up, enhance, and transform your mobile photography. But what happens when you want to remove those edited photos from your iPhone? Perhaps you’ve outgrown the edit, or maybe you want to free up some storage space on your device. Whatever the reason, you’re in luck – we’re about to guide you through the process of deleting edited photos from your iPhone.
Understanding How Edited Photos are Stored on Your iPhone
Before we dive into the removal process, it’s essential to understand how edited photos are stored on your iPhone. When you edit a photo using the Photos app or a third-party editor, the edited version is saved as a new file, leaving the original intact. This means you’ll have two copies of the same photo: the original, unedited version, and the edited version.
This dual-storage system allows you to revert to the original photo at any time, which is convenient, but it also means that edited photos can begin to clutter your library and consume valuable storage space. To remove edited photos, you’ll need to target the edited files specifically.
Method 1: Deleting Edited Photos from the Photos App
The most straightforward way to remove edited photos from your iPhone is to use the Photos app itself. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Photos App
Launch the Photos app on your iPhone. You can find it on your home screen or in the App Library.
Step 2: Select the Edited Photo
Browse your photo library and select the edited photo you want to remove. You can do this by tapping on the photo to open it.
Step 3: Tap the “Edit” Icon
In the top-right corner of the screen, you’ll see an “Edit” icon (represented by a set of sliders). Tap on this icon to enter editing mode.
Step 4: Tap the “Revert” Button
In the top-right corner of the screen, you’ll see a “Revert” button. Tap on this button to revert the edited photo to its original, unedited state.
Step 5: Confirm the Revert
A prompt will appear asking if you’re sure you want to revert the photo. Tap “Revert to Original” to confirm.
Step 6: Delete the Edited Photo
Now that the edited photo has been reverted, you can delete it. Tap the “Trash” icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen, then tap “Delete Photo” to confirm.
Method 2: Deleting Edited Photos from the Files App
If you’ve edited photos using a third-party app, the edited files might not be stored in the Photos app. In this case, you can use the Files app to remove the edited photos.
Step 1: Open the Files App
Launch the Files app on your iPhone. You can find it on your home screen or in the App Library.
Step 2: Navigate to the “On My iPhone” Tab
In the bottom-left corner of the screen, tap on the “Browse” tab, then select “On My iPhone.”
Step 3: Find the Edited Photo
Browse through your iPhone’s storage to find the edited photo you want to remove. You might need to navigate through various folders to locate the file.
Step 4: Tap and Hold the Edited Photo
Tap and hold the edited photo until a contextual menu appears.
Step 5: Tap “Delete”
Tap “Delete” to remove the edited photo from your iPhone.
Method 3: Using the “Duplicate Detection” Feature
If you have multiple edited copies of the same photo, you can use the “Duplicate Detection” feature in the Photos app to remove the edited versions.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
Launch the Photos app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Tap the “Albums” Tab
In the bottom-center of the screen, tap on the “Albums” tab.
Step 3: Tap “Duplicates”
In the “Media Types” section, tap on “Duplicates.”
Step 4: Select the Edited Photos
Browse through the list of duplicate photos and select the edited versions you want to remove.
Step 5: Tap “Merge” or “Delete”
You can either tap “Merge” to merge the duplicates into a single photo, or tap “Delete” to remove the edited versions.
Tips and Variations
While the above methods should cover most scenarios, there are a few additional tips and variations to keep in mind:
Removing Edited Photos from iCloud Photo Library
If you have iCloud Photo Library enabled, removing edited photos from your iPhone will also remove them from your iCloud storage. However, if you want to remove edited photos from iCloud specifically, you can do so through the iCloud website or the iCloud app on your iPhone.
Using Third-Party Apps to Remove Edited Photos
There are numerous third-party apps available that can help you remove edited photos from your iPhone. Some popular options include Gemini, Phone Cleaner, and iMazing.
Restoring Deleted Photos
If you accidentally delete a photo, you can restore it from the “Recently Deleted” album in the Photos app. This album stores deleted photos for up to 30 days before they’re permanently removed.
Conclusion
Removing edited photos from your iPhone is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require some know-how. By following the methods outlined above, you can declutter your photo library, free up storage space, and get back to taking amazing photos with your iPhone. Remember to understand how edited photos are stored on your device, and take advantage of the tools and features available to you. Happy snapping!
What are edited photos and why do I want to remove them?
Edited photos refer to pictures that have been altered or enhanced using photo editing apps or software. You may want to remove edited photos from your iPhone for various reasons, such as freeing up storage space, maintaining original photo quality, or deleting duplicate or unwanted images.
Removing edited photos can also help you declutter your photo library and improve your iPhone’s overall performance. Additionally, removing edited photos can be a good idea if you want to maintain a clean and organized photo collection, or if you’re running low on storage space and want to remove unnecessary files.
How do I find edited photos on my iPhone?
Edited photos on your iPhone can be found in the “Albums” section of the Photos app. To access this section, open the Photos app, tap on the “Albums” tab at the bottom, and then scroll down to the “Media Types” section. Here, you’ll find albums labeled “Edited” or “Modified” which contain all your edited photos.
Alternatively, you can also use the ” Moments” feature in the Photos app to find edited photos. To do this, open the Photos app, tap on the “For You” tab, and then tap on “Moments” at the top. Here, you’ll see a curated selection of your photos, including edited ones.
Can I remove edited photos without deleting the original?
Yes, you can remove edited photos without deleting the original. When you edit a photo on your iPhone, a duplicate copy of the original photo is created, and the edited version is saved as a new file. This means that the original photo remains intact, and you can safely delete the edited version without affecting the original.
To remove the edited photo without deleting the original, simply go to the “Albums” section of the Photos app, find the edited photo, and swipe left to delete it. Confirm the deletion, and the edited photo will be removed from your iPhone, leaving the original photo intact.
What happens when I delete an edited photo?
When you delete an edited photo, it is permanently removed from your iPhone’s storage. The deleted photo is not stored in the “Recently Deleted” album, and it cannot be recovered. If you’ve synced your iPhone with iCloud or another cloud service, the edited photo may still exist in the cloud, but it will no longer be accessible on your iPhone.
Before deleting an edited photo, make sure you’ve backed up your iPhone or saved the original photo to a safe location. This will ensure that you don’t lose the original photo or any important memories.
Can I remove multiple edited photos at once?
Yes, you can remove multiple edited photos at once. To do this, go to the “Albums” section of the Photos app, find the edited photos you want to remove, and tap “Select” at the top right. Then, tap on each photo you want to delete, and finally, tap the “Trash” icon at the bottom right to delete the selected photos.
When deleting multiple photos, make sure to review the selection carefully to avoid deleting important photos. Also, be aware that deleting multiple photos at once can be a more permanent action, as you won’t be prompted to confirm each deletion individually.
Will removing edited photos affect my iPhone’s performance?
Removing edited photos can help improve your iPhone’s performance by freeing up storage space. Edited photos can take up a significant amount of storage space, especially if you have a large photo library. By removing edited photos, you can reclaim this space and improve your iPhone’s overall performance.
Additionally, removing edited photos can also help improve your iPhone’s battery life, as it reduces the amount of data that needs to be processed and stored. A faster and more efficient iPhone can enhance your overall user experience and make it easier to capture and store new memories.
Are there any third-party apps that can help me remove edited photos?
Yes, there are several third-party apps available that can help you remove edited photos from your iPhone. Some popular options include Photo Cleaner, Duplicate Cleaner, and Clean Photos. These apps can help you identify and remove duplicate or edited photos, as well as organize your photo library and free up storage space.
Before using a third-party app, make sure to read reviews and check the app’s ratings to ensure it’s safe and effective. Additionally, always back up your iPhone and photo library before using any third-party app to remove edited photos.