A few deliberate steps
What are you
getting ready for?
Choose your situation. Work through the steps at your own pace. No account, photo access or upload.
Progress stays on this page unless you choose to save it.
Before a repair
Prepare for your specific appointment. A photo review is optional and does not replace Apple’s service instructions.
Complete a current backup and make sure syncing has finished. A device may be erased during service.
Apple’s service preparation ↗In-person service, mail-in repair and third-party repairs can require different preparation. Follow the instructions for your appointment, including any Wallet or Find My steps.
Read the current service checklist ↗Inspect relevant photos and videos yourself. An optional Sensitivity scan can surface likely explicit media, but it cannot find everything you consider private.
How to review a library ↗Hiding and deleting can sync through iCloud Photos. Check separate copies and recovery options before making changes.
Understand iCloud deletion ↗Apple says not to give anyone your passcode or Apple Account password. If you enter credentials for software support, remain present while the technician has access.
Apple’s credential guidance ↗
You have checked every step in this list. This records your progress; it does not verify a backup, erase a device or guarantee privacy.
Selling or giving away
Selective photo cleanup is not enough for a permanent handoff. Transfer what you need, then follow Apple’s complete erase process.
Confirm your important information is available on the replacement device or in a usable backup before erasing the old one.
Apple’s transfer instructions ↗Do not manually delete your library as a shortcut to cleaning the phone. With iCloud Photos, deletion can remove items from other connected devices too.
How synced deletion works ↗Use Apple’s current checklist for signing out, a paired Apple Watch, Wallet and your SIM or eSIM. Requirements depend on your device and transfer.
Read the complete handoff checklist ↗After verifying your transfer, follow Erase All Content and Settings and the prompts in Apple’s guide. A scan or an empty Hidden album does not replace this.
Follow Apple’s erasure instructions ↗Confirm the old device is ready for its new owner according to Apple’s instructions. If a step failed, resolve it before handing the device over.
Review handoff and photo privacy ↗
You have checked every step in this list. This records your progress; it does not verify a backup, erase a device or guarantee privacy.
Before screen sharing
Prepare the exact screen, app or folder you will show. A clean scan is not a guarantee that nothing private will appear.
Share only the app or window you need when the calling tool supports it. Close unrelated windows and private tabs.
Prepare for screen sharing ↗Open the screens, albums and media pickers you expect to use. Review them yourself before the call.
Review the presentation path ↗Review your notification previews and Focus settings. Remove a Photos widget if you do not want it visible during the call.
Manage Photos widgets and Memories ↗Use only the images needed for the conversation. If you scan them, still inspect the whole selection yourself; private text or documents may not be detected.
Understand what scanning can find ↗Find the stop-sharing control before you start. Pause sharing before opening unrelated private content.
Read the full sharing guide ↗
You have checked every step in this list. This records your progress; it does not verify a backup, erase a device or guarantee privacy.
Reviewing a library
Use automated suggestions to support your own review. Keep anything irreplaceable backed up and make every decision yourself.
On iPhone and iPad, check the Photos access you granted. On Mac, choose your Photos library or the specific Finder folder you want to inspect.
Understand Photos access ↗Choose whether to allow iCloud downloads in Scan Options. A scan of local items cannot establish what is in unavailable originals.
Check missing-item causes ↗Photo scanning is free. Video scanning is an optional one-time purchase. Review progress and any interrupted or unsupported items.
Review videos separately ↗Keep false positives. Review private documents and personal moments yourself; Sensitivity looks for likely explicit content, not everything you consider private.
Understand detection limits ↗Hide supported Photos items you want to retain, or delete only selected items after checking copies, iCloud sync and recovery. A Finder folder has different controls.
Compare your options ↗
You have checked every step in this list. This records your progress; it does not verify a backup, erase a device or guarantee privacy.