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What Does iCloud Photos Do?

Understand how photos and videos synchronize across devices using the same Apple Account.

Quick Answer

When iCloud Photos is enabled, photo-library changes synchronize through iCloud; deleting a synchronized photo can remove it from other connected devices too.

Step by Step

  1. Open the relevant Apple app or Settings section on the iPhone or iPad.
  2. When iCloud Photos is enabled, photo-library changes synchronize through iCloud; deleting a synchronized photo can remove it from other connected devices too.
  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.