Step by step
- Open the Photos app and tap Albums.
- Scroll to the Utilities section and tap Duplicates. (If you don't see it, see below.)
- Tap Merge on a pair, or Select → Select All → Merge for everything.
- Confirm. The best version is kept; duplicates go to Recently Deleted (30 days), so you can undo.
If the Duplicates album doesn't appear
Duplicate detection runs on-device while the phone is locked and charging, so give it a night. If it still doesn't appear, your library may simply contain no exact/near duplicates, or you're on iOS 15 or older (update, or clean via the Mac Photos app which has the same feature).
iCloud notes
Merges sync across devices via iCloud Photos. Storage is freed once Recently Deleted is emptied. Third-party "cleaner" apps require full photo-library access. The built-in feature is both free and more private, so try it first. Cleaning duplicate files instead? See duplicate files on Mac or Google Photos duplicates. On a different device, or comparing your options? Start from how to delete duplicate photos on any device.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does iPhone have a built-in duplicate photo remover?
Yes. iOS 16+ detects duplicates automatically: open Photos → Albums → scroll to Utilities → Duplicates → Merge. Merging keeps the highest quality version and combines metadata.
Why is the Duplicates album missing?
Either indexing hasn't finished (leave the phone locked and charging overnight), there are genuinely no duplicates, or the device is on iOS 15 or older.
Do third-party cleaner apps see my photos?
Any app you grant photo access can read your library. The built-in Apple feature requires no third-party access, which is why it's the recommended first step.
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