Guide

How to delete duplicate photos on iPhone (built-in vs faster workflow)

Start with the built-in Duplicates tool for exact copies. For photos that look almost the same, use Photo Monster to compare them side by side and keep the best.

Quick answer

  1. Open Photos > Collections > Utilities > Duplicates.
  2. Tap Merge on each group. Apple keeps one file and moves the rest to Recently Deleted.
  3. Empty Recently Deleted when you are sure.
  4. Use an app like Photo Monster to compare duplicates and find the best photo of the bunch easily.

Step 1: Merge exact duplicates in Apple Photos

Open Photos > Collections > Utilities > Duplicates. Each group shows copies of the same photo. Tap Merge, then confirm. Apple keeps one file and sends the rest to Recently Deleted.

Apple Photos Duplicates list with Merge buttons Apple Photos merge duplicates confirmation sheet

What built-in tools miss

The same sunset from 8 angles. Three almost-identical selfies. A dozen shots of the dog in a row. All of these stay in your library because the built-in Duplicates tool only finds exact copies.

Step 2: Use Compare Mode for similar photos

Photo Monster's Compare Mode groups similar photos together, lets you flip between them with a split view, and marks the best one with a star. Keep one, discard the rest.

Photo Monster Compare Mode: review a candidate photo in a group of similar photos Photo Monster Compare Mode: split-screen view showing two similar photos side by side Photo Monster Compare Mode: the winning photo marked with a Best star badge

Related guides

Want help with faster duplicate cleanup?

Photo Monster gives you a simple review flow and a clear safety step.

Get launch updates and bonus details by email. Unsubscribe any time.

Want to preview perks first? View waitlist bonuses.