Photos for Mac won't remove or merge duplicate images

Hey everyone.


I'm glad to see that Photos for Mac 8, bundled with macOS Ventura 13.1, has introduced the feature to detect and merge/remove duplicate images from one's library.


Unfortunately I'm having an issue with merging/removing duplicate images in my library.


Photos for Mac has detected a range of images that are duplicates. Normally, one would:


  1. Select all of the duplicate images in the Duplicates tab.
  2. Click the "Merge __ Items" button in the top-right.
  3. And then again confirm the intent to merge the duplicates by clicking "Merge __ Items" in the prompt that appears. (See attached image)


Photos for Mac shows a progress bar for a few moments, and then the dialogue box disappears. The detected duplicate images remain in my Duplicates tab.


Has anyone else had this issue before?

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Dec 30, 2022 04:54 PM

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3 replies

Jan 2, 2023 02:29 PM in response to Andrew Strugnell

Give this a try: As a test launch Photos with the Option key held down and create a new, test library.  Import a couple of the same photos and test to see if the same problem persists. Does it? This tells us if the problem is limited to your current library or is more wide spread.


Then try your original library again.


Regardless of the results above boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Jan 1, 2023 12:29 PM in response to Andrew Strugnell

Hi Andrew Strugnell,


Thanks for coming to Apple Support Communities for help today.


It sounds like you are properly following the steps found here: Remove duplicate photos in Photos on Mac.


Have you checked the Recently Deleted folder to see if they are there and permanently delete them?


If that doesn't explain the issue, please contact Apple Support for a deeper dive.


Have a fantastic day!


Jan 2, 2023 01:32 PM in response to MichaelB2019

Hi Michael, thank you for your response.


I have taken your advice and checked the Recently Deleted tab. I permanently deleted the contents of the bin, and then returned to merge what had been found in the Duplicates tab. Unfortunately this did not help me to merge the remaining duplicated images.


I'll reach out to the Apple Support team for a deeper dive.


Cheers!

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Photos for Mac won't remove or merge duplicate images

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