Use Photos → Collections → Utilities → Duplicates to merge exact copies. Then compare similar groups in Gallery Dash, keep the strongest image and review the remaining delete candidates.
1. Separate exact duplicates from similar photos
Exact duplicates contain the same image data or matching copies that Photos can consolidate. Similar photos are separate frames with meaningful differences in focus, expression, timing or composition.
2. Use Apple's built-in Duplicates collection
Open Photos → Collections → Utilities → Duplicates and review each set before merging. Photos keeps the best available quality and combines relevant metadata where possible.
3. Compare near-duplicates consistently
Check sharpness, facial expression, motion, framing and unique context in the same order. Keep a second frame only when it adds something the favourite does not.
4. Review and reclaim space
Inspect every item marked for deletion, especially edited versions. Redundant files remain in Recently Deleted until you remove them permanently or the retention period ends.
Common questions
Can iPhone delete every duplicate automatically?
Photos identifies exact duplicates but still presents sets for review. Near-identical shots are not safe to delete automatically because small differences may matter.
Why do duplicate photos come back?
Imports, messaging apps, edits, shared libraries or another synchronised device can create new copies. Identify the source before repeatedly cleaning the same files.
Does merging duplicates reduce iCloud storage?
It can. The library change synchronises through iCloud Photos, but redundant files remain in Recently Deleted until permanently removed.