The Fastest Way to Clean Up Your Camera Roll
Use short, focused passes so photo cleanup stops feeling like an all-day project.
3 min read · Updated July 30, 2026
Clean one obvious group at a time: screenshots, screen recordings, duplicates, blurry attempts, and old downloads. Work in ten-minute sessions and stop before decision fatigue sets in.
Start with easy decisions
Screenshots, accidental shots, and repeated attempts require less thought than family photos. Removing them first creates visible progress.
- Pick one month or media type.
- Delete obvious clutter.
- Keep the best photo from repeated shots.
- Review Recently Deleted before emptying it.
Make it a routine
A quick weekly pass is easier than one giant annual cleanup. Tidy is designed around small swipe sessions so you can keep moving without tiny checkboxes and deep menus.
Common questions
Should I delete duplicates first?
Yes, if Photos has found them. Then move to screenshots and repeated shots.
How long should a cleanup session be?
Stop when choices slow down. Ten focused minutes is often more sustainable than an hour.