Hi, I'm Lisa, a tech enthusiast specializing in cloud storage and data privacy. I've spent years researching and working with various platforms, including iCloud, and I'm happy to share my knowledge to help you navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively.

Let's talk about permanently deleting photos from iCloud. It's crucial to understand that simply deleting a photo from your iPhone or iPad doesn't automatically erase it from iCloud. iCloud acts like a backup and sync service, meaning your photos likely exist in multiple places.

Here's a breakdown of how to ensure those memories are gone for good:

1. Delete Photos from Your Devices:

* iPhone/iPad: Open the Photos app > Recently Deleted album > Select > Delete All.
* Mac: Open the Photos app > Recently Deleted > Delete All.

2. Manage and Delete from iCloud.com:

* Sign In: Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
* Photos: Click on the Photos app.
* Select and Delete: Choose the photos and videos you want to remove permanently. You can select multiple items by holding down the Command (⌘) key on a Mac or the Control key on a PC while clicking.
* Delete Confirmation: Click the trash can icon and confirm your deletion.

**3. Empty the "Recently Deleted" Album in iCloud:**

* This is the critical step. Photos and videos remain in the "Recently Deleted" album for 30 days in case you change your mind.
* iCloud.com: Go to iCloud.com > Photos > Recently Deleted. Click "Delete All" to permanently remove everything.

4. Check iCloud Storage:

* Free Up Space: Go to iCloud.com > Account Settings > Manage Storage. This gives you an overview of what's using your iCloud storage. If photos were taking up significant space, it should be reflected here.

5. Important Considerations:

* Data Recovery Services: Be aware that even after following these steps, highly sophisticated data recovery services might still be able to retrieve deleted files. For absolute certainty, consider consulting with a cybersecurity professional.
* Apple ID Security: Use a strong, unique password for your Apple ID and enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
* Device Backups: If you regularly back up your devices to iCloud (or elsewhere), be sure to exclude the Photos app from future backups if you don't want the deleted photos to reappear.

Remember: Once you permanently delete photos from iCloud, there's no getting them back. Double-check that you've selected the correct items and that you truly want to erase them.

If you have any further questions or need more clarification on any of the steps, feel free to ask. I'm here to help!
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On your iOS device (iOS 8 or later) when iCloud Photo Library is not turned onIn the Photos app, tap Albums, then tap My Photo Stream.Do one of the following: Tap a photo. Tap Select, then tap one or more photos.Tap , then tap Delete Photo or Delete [x] Photos.read more >>