Use these procedures as task-oriented reference. They describe public capabilities and verification steps, not private implementation. UI labels can vary by version.
Use a small group and keep important records elsewhere.
Compare text, date and visible status in each candidate.
Check annotations or values that differ despite similar layout.
Choose which copy to keep; newest is not always the correct record.
Review the selected deletion count.
Read and confirm the Photos prompt only for the intended items.
Only copies you have inspected are selected for removal.
A similarity grouping is not proof of redundancy. Storage estimates may not equal immediately reclaimed space.
Open the app rather than deleting based on widget numbers.
Run a new scan with the intended Photos permissions.
Compare the review-screen count with the widget.
Inspect any large or recent groups.
Delete only reviewed selections if desired.
Recheck the app after the Photos operation.
Decisions use current scan information.
Background refresh is not background deletion. Photos Recently Deleted and system storage accounting can delay visible changes.
Record app/version, device/OS, selected mode, input conditions and the smallest failing step. Distinguish expected behavior from the observed result. Use synthetic examples and omit credentials or private records.
Documentation index · Capabilities and limits · Support and sources