---
id: mac-storage-basics.can-i-delete-photos-from-my-mac-but-keep-them-on-my-iphone
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-i-delete-photos-from-my-mac-but-keep-them-on-my-iphone
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Photos, music and video"
question: "Can I delete photos from my Mac but keep them on my iPhone?"
alt_questions:
  - "delete photos mac not iphone"
  - "remove photos from mac only"
  - "photos mac separate from iphone"
  - "keep photos on phone delete from mac"
  - "icloud photos delete one device"
  - "free mac space keep iphone photos"
short_answer: "Only if iCloud Photos is off. With it on, deletions sync to every device — use Optimise Mac Storage instead to keep the Mac's copies small."
tags: ["photos", "iphone", "icloud photos"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-move-iphone-photos-to-my-mac-and-off-the-phone", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/where-is-the-photos-library-stored-on-a-mac"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I delete photos from my Mac but keep them on my iPhone?

Only if the two libraries aren't synced. With **iCloud Photos** on, the Mac and iPhone share one library: deleting on the Mac deletes on the phone too. In that case, turn on **Optimise Mac Storage** in Photos' iCloud settings instead, so the Mac keeps smaller versions and downloads full ones when needed.

Without iCloud Photos, the Mac's library is separate — photos you imported can be deleted on the Mac without affecting the phone. More on iCloud Photos options: [iCloud & iCloud Photos](https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/).