Stumbling upon duplicate files on your iPhone can be frustrating. However, knowing how these files were created in the first place might be relieving.
Of course, knowing how these duplicate files are created can help you resolve the issue. And hence, avoid them from being there in the first place.
Here are some of the reasons why your iPhone might be creating duplicate files.
Theoretically speaking, iCloud can recognise when you're trying to upload a duplicate file. However, there may be some instances when it may miss out on the detection task.
For instance, if you're uploading your photos from two different devices. In such a situation, the source for the files is changed, which may result in duplicating the images.
It is better to sync in one of the devices only, especially if you have turned on the auto-sync feature.
Another possibility could be when you are using other cloud storage services on your iPhone.
For example, you might be using iCloud as well as Dropbox services on your iPhone. Going by the recommendations, it is better to eliminate duplicate files before they clutter up your iPhone storage.
But, you can prevent them from being created in the first place. Make sure if you're using two or more cloud services, you manage the sync feature between them.
For example, you may choose to auto-sync your photos on iCloud and other documents on Dropbox. This should stop your iPhone from creating duplicate files.
HDR is a feature in all iPhones that lets you click photos in HD quality. It stands for High Dynamic Range.
It simply combines multiple photos (clicked at high FPS) to create a High-Quality single image.
In iPhone 8 or older versions, you can manually turn on or off the HDR feature. However, in the later versions, this feature is usually turned on by default.
Nonetheless, you can still turn it off. Doing so should prevent your iPhone from creating similar photos or files. Thus, no duplicate images would be made.
Another reason that you might have duplicate photos on your iPhone is if you're using a photo-editing app.
Technically speaking, the app would create a dedicated folder on your device. Any photo that you use or edit in the editor will be stored in this folder.
As a result, this results in creating duplicate files in the localised memory on your iPhone.
The solution to this problem is avoiding using such apps in the first place. And in case you need such tools, it is better to sync these photos on their cloud server. Thus, saving you space on your device and preventing duplicate photos from creating.
Although iPhones are potentially one of the safest gadgets available to users, they are still not completely immune to malware attacks.
If none of the mentioned above reasons justifies the duplicate files on your device, the cause could possibly be malware.
Malware, commonly known, as Trojans, can easily infect your iPhone and create multiple versions of the same file.
In such a situation, you should instead get your iPhone scanned for potential threats. And if you find one, you need to get rid of it as soon as possible.