How to Delete Multiple Photos at Once on Your Phone

Tap a platform to see how it works.

iPhone

In the Photos app, tap Select, then drag your finger across multiple thumbnails to select and delete a whole batch of photos at once.

Android

In the Gallery app, long-press a photo to enter selection mode, then tap additional photos to select them all before deleting them together.

Empty the Trash Too

Deleted photos usually sit in a Recently Deleted (or trash) folder for about 30 days, so you'll need to empty that folder as well if you want them gone for good right away.

Why It's Useful

Clearing out blurry shots or duplicate screenshots all at once frees up storage space much faster than deleting them one by one.

Clean Up Your Camera Roll in Seconds, Not One Photo at a Time

Deleting photos individually adds up fast when you're dealing with dozens of near-duplicate shots or old screenshots. Selecting a whole batch at once turns a tedious chore into something you can finish in under a minute.

Check Whether Cloud Backup Photos Are Linked

If your photos sync to a cloud backup, deleting them on your phone can also remove the cloud copy, depending on your sync settings. It's worth checking your backup settings before a big cleanup if you want to be sure you're not losing photos you meant to keep elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover photos I deleted by accident?

Yes, in most cases they stay recoverable from the Recently Deleted or trash folder for about 30 days before being permanently removed.

Does deleting photos on my phone also delete my cloud backup?

It depends on your settings β€” if cloud sync is turned on, deleting a photo locally can also remove the synced copy, so it's worth checking your backup settings first.