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How to Merge Duplicate Photos on iPhone or iPad

Use Apple's duplicate-detection feature when duplicate photos or videos are identified.

Quick Answer

Open Photos, find the Duplicates collection when available, review matches, and use Merge for duplicates you want combined.

Step by Step

  1. Open the relevant Apple app or Settings section on the iPhone or iPad.
  2. Open Photos, find the Duplicates collection when available, review matches, and use Merge for duplicates you want combined.
  3. Review the result before deleting data, removing an account, or changing synchronization settings.
  4. For important data, confirm a current backup exists before making a major storage, account, or device change.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Apple occasionally moves settings between iOS/iPadOS versions, so exact menu wording can differ by software version.
  • iCloud synchronization is not the same as a separate backup of every item; deleting synchronized content can propagate to other devices.