On your iPhone, you can effectively "delete" or remove unwanted Memories — the curated collections of your photos and videos — from the Photos app by hiding them. This action removes the specific memory compilation from your "For You" tab, without deleting the original photos and videos that constitute the memory.
Steps to Hide and Remove a Memory on iPhone
Follow these straightforward steps to hide any memory collection you no longer wish to see in your Photos app, as described in the Apple support documentation:
- Open the Photos App: On your iPhone or iPad, tap to open the Photos app (the colorful pinwheel icon).
- Navigate to Memories: Tap on the For You tab at the bottom of the screen. Here, you'll find your curated Memories.
- Open the Desired Memory: Tap on the specific memory you want to remove to open it.
- Access More Options: While viewing the memory, look for the More icon (represented by three dots
...) at the bottom of the screen and tap it. - Hide the Memory: From the options that appear, tap Hide. You will see a confirmation prompt indicating "Remove this memory," signifying that the memory collection will be hidden from your main "For You" feed.
Quick Guide: Hiding iPhone Memories
For a concise overview, here's how to hide memories:
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Photos App | Launch the Photos app on your device. |
| 2 | Select Memory | Go to the For You tab and tap the memory you want to hide. |
| 3 | Tap More Options | Tap the More icon (...) at the bottom of the screen. |
| 4 | Hide Memory | Select Hide to remove the memory from your view. |
What Does "Hiding" a Memory Mean?
When you "hide" a memory on your iPhone, you are essentially removing that specific auto-generated collection from your primary "For You" section. It's important to understand that:
- Memory Collection is Hidden: The curated slideshow or collection of photos and videos will no longer appear as a memory in your "For You" tab.
- Original Photos Remain: This action does not delete the individual photos or videos that were part of that memory from your photo library. Your original media files will remain exactly where they are.
- Can Be Unhidden: Hidden memories can typically be found and unhidden if you change your mind, usually through settings within the "For You" section or by finding the photos that were part of it.
Distinguishing Between Hiding Memories and Deleting Photos
It's crucial to differentiate between hiding a memory collection and deleting actual photos:
- Hiding a Memory: This action only removes the Apple-curated slideshow from your "For You" tab. It's a way to manage which automatically generated content you see. It does not free up storage space.
- Deleting Photos/Videos: If your goal is to permanently remove the actual image or video files from your device and iCloud (if enabled), you must select those individual items in your main photo library and tap the trash can icon. Once deleted, they typically go to a "Recently Deleted" album for 30 days before permanent erasure, freeing up storage space.
By understanding these distinctions, you can effectively manage your iPhone's Memories without inadvertently deleting precious photos.
