When Will Photos Optimize Storage?

[jkeitz]

I recently took a couple of gigs of video on my iPhone 5s, and I was wondering when the phone would optimize the storage? Everything has already uploaded to iCloud, but it is all still sitting on my phone too. Will it wait until I am nearly out of space before deleting the local copies? Is there a way to force it to delete the local copies without losing the iCloud files?

 

[pttptppt]

Interesting. I'll wait to hear what others have to say cause idk

 

[Ledsteplin]

I don't know either. I don't use iCloud Photo Library. It's too confusing. I prefer using Box, Dropbox and OneDrive for all my photos, and videos. Hopefully someone will come along with answers.

 

[robertk328]

How much total storage vs how much available on your 5s?

There's a write-up here on iMore that you can find here:

How to save space on your Mac with 'optimized storage' and iCloud Photo Library | iMore

In essence, based on the article, iOS / iCloud will manage the storage for you. It may not work immediately as it's likely you'll want to view the photos, watch the videos, etc. As time goes on or as storage needs arise, it will manage the space in the background. I would imagine with a 64GB phone with more than half available it would leave full res on the phone, while a 16GB with 2GB full may upload quicker.

If you'd like there's another guide here:

How to use iCloud Photo Library: The ultimate guide | iMore

 

[jkeitz]

I have a 64 GB phone with 12 GB left.

 

[robertk328]

I have a 64 GB phone with 12 GB left.

I'd imagine it will optimize soon if it hasn't already. Let it do its thing if you try to play one of the videos does it play automatically or act like it needs to download?

 

[jkeitz]

Just plays automatically.

 

[robertk328]

Just plays automatically.

Ok I wouldn't worry about it. Let it do its thing. You've got lots of space left!