Cannot Empty Recently Deleted Photos on iPhone- Here’s What You Need to Know!

Can’t Empty Recently Deleted Photos on iPhone? Here’s How to Fix It

In today’s digital age, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, and the iPhone is no exception. One common issue that iPhone users may encounter is the inability to empty the recently deleted photos folder. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to free up space on your device. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this problem and provide you with effective solutions to fix it.

Understanding the Issue

The “can’t empty recently deleted photos iPhone” issue can arise due to various reasons. One of the most common causes is a software glitch or a corrupted file. Additionally, if you have enabled iCloud Photo Library or have an iCloud backup, the issue might be related to these services. Let’s delve into these causes and how to address them.

1. Check for Corrupted Files

First, ensure that there are no corrupted files in your recently deleted photos folder. These files can prevent you from emptying the folder. To check for corrupted files, follow these steps:

a. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
b. Tap on the “Albums” tab at the bottom.
c. Scroll down and select the “Recently Deleted” album.
d. Look for any files that appear to be corrupted or have strange icons.

If you find any corrupted files, tap on the “Select” button, then tap on the “Delete” option to remove them from your device.

2. Disable iCloud Photo Library

If you have enabled iCloud Photo Library, it might be causing the issue. To disable it, follow these steps:

a. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
b. Tap on your name at the top of the screen.
c. Select “iCloud.”
d. Tap on “Photos.”
e. Toggle off the “iCloud Photo Library” option.

Disabling iCloud Photo Library will ensure that your photos are stored locally on your device, which might resolve the issue.

3. Check for iCloud Backup Issues

If you have an iCloud backup, it might be conflicting with the local storage on your device. To check for iCloud backup issues, follow these steps:

a. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
b. Tap on your name at the top of the screen.
c. Select “iCloud.”
d. Tap on “Manage Storage.”
e. Look for any backup issues or errors.

If you find any issues, try to resolve them by following the on-screen instructions.

4. Reset All Settings

If none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not delete any of your data but will reset all preferences and settings to their default values. To reset all settings, follow these steps:

a. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
b. Scroll down and tap on “General.”
c. Tap on “Reset.”
d. Select “Reset All Settings.”
e. Enter your passcode when prompted.
f. Confirm the reset by tapping “Reset All Settings” again.

After resetting all settings, try to empty the recently deleted photos folder again.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “can’t empty recently deleted photos iPhone” issue can be resolved by checking for corrupted files, disabling iCloud Photo Library, addressing iCloud backup issues, or resetting all settings. By following these steps, you should be able to free up space on your device and continue using your iPhone without any issues.