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The iCloud Shared Photo Library is a relatively new feature, introduced with iOS 16, which allows two or more people to share a single photo library. You might have seen the Shared Library icon in the Camera Remote app on your Apple Watch. We’ll go over how to switch between your Personal Library and your Shared Library.
Why You’ll Love This Tip
- Prevent sensitive/surprise photos from being shared with friends or family members.
- Keep your personal photos separate from your shared ones, while still benefiting from the Shared Photo Library.
How to Switch between Personal & Shared Photo Library
What is iCloud Shared Photo Library? This new feature is similar to shared albums, but instead of a single album, you share an entire library. If you have your iCloud Shared Photo Library set up and open the Camera Remote app on your Apple Watch, you might see the Shared Library icon:
If it is filled in and yellow, like in the screenshot above, any photos you take will be added to your iCloud Shared Photo Library. If it is dark and has a slash through it, photos will only go to your personal library:
Unfortunately, touching the Shared Library icon on your Apple Watch does not do anything. If you want to switch between your Personal and Shared Library, you’ll have to use your iPhone:
- Open the Camera app on your iPhone, and you’ll see an icon next to the Night Mode and Flash icons in the upper left that looks like two people. Please note, this icon will only appear if you have set up your iCloud Shared Photo Library.
![Open the Camera app, and you’ll see an icon next to the Night Mode and Flash icons in the upper left that looks like two people.]()
- Tap the icon to switch between your Personal and Shared libraries. As on the Apple Watch, if the icon is filled in and yellow, any photos you take will be added to your Shared Photo Library.
![Tap the icon to switch between your personal and shared library.]()
- If it is dark and has a slash through it, photos will only go to your Personal Library.
![If it is dark and has a slash through it, photos will only go to your personal library.]()
The setting you choose will be mirrored on your Apple Watch, so you’ll see the same option when you open the Camera Remote app. For more iPhone and Apple Watch-related advice, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter. Next, find out how to leave a Shared Photo Library.
