Questions, answered plainly.
The important details about access, storage figures, iCloud media, privacy, and deletion.
Does Library Surgeon upload my photos or videos?
No. Photos, videos, metadata, searches, and the local index stay on your device. Library Surgeon has no backend, account system, analytics, or advertising.
Will the first scan download my iCloud videos?
No. The first scan is metadata-first and does not download full-resolution iCloud videos. A user-requested preview may require Apple Photos to retrieve that individual item.
What can I search for?
You can search by duration, available file size, creation date, resolution, video type, favourite or hidden status, and whether an item is available locally or stored only in iCloud.
Are storage totals exact?
Not always. Totals describe scanned assets and may be estimated or incomplete when Apple does not expose a file size. Unknown sizes are excluded rather than guessed.
Does the app delete anything automatically?
Never. You choose items, review the selection, confirm an in-app warning, and then approve Apple Photos’ own system confirmation.
Does deleting a video free storage immediately?
Not necessarily. Deleted items move to Recently Deleted in Apple Photos and may continue to occupy storage until Photos removes them permanently or you empty that album.
Can I give access to only some photos?
Yes. With limited Photos access, Library Surgeon scans only the videos you allow. You can manage that selection later in iOS Settings.
Can I remove the local index?
Yes. Settings includes an option to clear the on-device metadata index. Removing Photos access also prevents further scans and photo-library actions.
Need help with the app?
Visit Support for access, scanning, storage, and deletion guidance.
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