Make & keep
Review and merge duplicate photos in Photos on Mac
Use the Duplicates collection, inspect the paired files, and recover a mistaken merge from Recently Deleted.
Repeated imports can leave the same photo in a library more than once. Photos groups items it identifies as duplicates under Utilities. This is a review step, not a blind “delete all” command: compare the images and check whether separate copies carry different captions, edits, or event context before merging.
Open and inspect Duplicates
In Photos, open Duplicates below Utilities in the sidebar. If the section is not visible, reveal Utilities with its disclosure arrow. Photos may need time to analyze a large library before duplicates appear. Select a row and inspect the paired items at full size, checking names, visual edits, and surrounding sequence.
Evidence: Apple user guide
Merge only reviewed groups
Select only the duplicate groups you intend to combine, then click Merge [number] Items and confirm the same action in the dialog. For an iCloud Shared Photo Library, select Both Libraries from the toolbar’s Library menu if you want to review across both personal and shared collections.
Evidence: Apple user guide
Recover a mistaken merge
Photos leaves one original item in the library where the selected duplicates were located; the removed duplicates go to Recently Deleted and can be recovered for 30 days. Reopen Recently Deleted promptly if a captioned or edited copy was merged by mistake. A duplicate detector cannot decide which contextual record is most useful, so retain the version with the right notes and relationships.
Evidence: Apple user guide
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- Apple Photos User Guide for Mac — Remove duplicatesApple user guide