Syncing deleted photos from iPhone to iCloud and other devices

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Syncing deleted photos from iPhone to iCloud and other devices

I want to start this off by saying I have always had iCloud photos turned on, and it is still the same. I recently deleted thousands of photos from my iPhone, however only some deleted from my iCloud/other devices. Without having to go through every individual photo on the rest of my devices, how can I sync the photo library on my iPhone to the photos on my iCloud? To clarify, I would like the photos I have deleted from my iPhones library and recently deleted to be deleted off of my iCloud/other devices as well.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iCloud Photos

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 9, 2025 8:19 PM

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Answer 1

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Mac Jim ID

Level 9

59,240 points

Nov 9, 2025 8:34 PM in response to kiralynnc

Check your sync status message on your iPhone as seen here:

If your iCloud Photos are not syncing - Apple Support

Syncing will be paused under certain conditions and you may also have the option to Sync Now.

Low Power Mode
Battery less than 20%
Device needs to cool down

Using a VPN may also prevent syncing the data to iCloud. If you have one installed, try uninstalling it.

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Answer 2

Nov 10, 2025 7:33 AM in response to kiralynnc

The conditions that Mac Jim ID listed are critical. In addition, keep in mind that since syncing uses the battery, and since lots of people are very anxious about battery drain, the iPhone will avoid syncing when not plugged in. And since syncing uses processing power, and people hate slow-downs, the iPhone will avoid syncing while you use it. And since syncing requires bandwidth, the iPhone will avoid syncing when the internet connection is weak.

So, if you want faster syncing, then find good wifi, plug the phone in, and leave it alone. All this applies to a lesser extent for the Mac.

Given the time and conditions for transfer, then synchronization will keep the Photos Libraries on the phone and at iCloud.com exactly the same.

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