To remove photos from your Mac while keeping your iCloud Photos library, turn off iCloud Photos on that Mac before deleting or clearing local copies. In macOS, use System Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos > Sync this Mac, or in Photos use Photos > Settings > iCloud and deselect iCloud Photos. When prompted, choose whether to download a copy or remove local items that are not fully downloaded. The library remains in iCloud for other devices that still use iCloud Photos. Apple’s instructions for using iCloud Photos on Mac describe the options.
Turn off iCloud Photos on this Mac
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In Photos, open Photos > Settings > iCloud. Deselect iCloud Photos. Alternatively, open System Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos and turn off Sync this Mac. The label and settings surface can vary by macOS version.
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When asked what to do with the photos on the Mac, choose the option that matches your needs:
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Download: Keep a local copy on the Mac. If you need full-resolution originals, download them before switching off syncing and make sure the Mac has enough available storage.
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Remove from Mac: Remove local items that have not been fully downloaded. This does not remove the iCloud library.
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Wait for the Mac to finish the change and confirm that iCloud Photos is no longer syncing there before deleting or reorganizing local copies. Your iCloud library remains available on other devices where iCloud Photos is still enabled.
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Choose the right option for your goal
| Option | What stays on the Mac | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Download when turning off iCloud Photos | A local copy; download originals first if you need full-resolution files. | Keeping photos on the Mac while ending its connection to the synced library. |
| Remove from Mac when turning off iCloud Photos | Items that have not been fully downloaded are removed. | Removing local items while retaining the iCloud library. |
| Optimize Mac Storage | Smaller versions when space is limited; full-size originals stay in iCloud. | Freeing Mac storage without turning off iCloud Photos. |
| Download Originals to this Mac | Full-size versions on the Mac as well as in iCloud. | Keeping originals available locally; this uses more Mac storage. |
Apple documents the two storage settings in its iCloud Photos storage guidance. If your only aim is to free disk space but continue syncing, use Optimize Mac Storage rather than turning off iCloud Photos.
Keep a separate copy before making changes
If you want an independent archive, download the originals and export them from Photos to Finder or an external storage device before changing the library. Apple explains how to export photos, videos, slideshows, and memories. An external drive is optional; it is not required to stop syncing on the Mac.
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- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
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What not to do—and how recovery works
Do not delete photos from the synced System Photo Library to clear only the Mac. Apple says deleting there also deletes the corresponding items from iCloud and other devices using the library. Deleted items go to Recently Deleted, where Apple says they can be recovered for 30 days; that recovery period is not a method for removing local copies while preserving the cloud library. See Apple’s instructions for recovering deleted photos.
Also distinguish turning off syncing on one Mac from turning off iCloud Photos for the whole account. The account-wide Turn Off and Delete from iCloud action schedules iCloud photos and videos for deletion after 30 days, and Apple says it can be undone during that period. Do not select it when your goal is to keep the iCloud library. Apple explains how to turn off iCloud Photos.
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