Deleting video recordings on your iPhone is a simple process. Whether you’ve captured something by mistake or just need to clear up some space, iOS 17 makes it easy to get rid of unwanted videos. After reading this brief explanation, you’ll know exactly how to remove those recordings from your device.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Delete Video Recordings on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand that deleting videos can help free up storage space and keep your iPhone organized. Let’s walk through the process.
Step 1: Open the Photos app on your iPhone
Opening the Photos app is your gateway to managing all your images and videos.
The Photos app is where all your media is stored. It’s the default app that opens when you take a picture or record a video, so you’re probably familiar with it.
Step 2: Tap on the ‘Albums’ tab at the bottom of the screen
This tab will direct you to where all your media is categorized.
In the ‘Albums’ section, you’ll find different folders that organize your photos and videos, such as ‘Selfies,’ ‘Screenshots,’ and ‘Videos.’ This organization makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.
Step 3: Select the ‘Videos’ album
By selecting this album, you’ll be able to see all the video recordings stored on your iPhone.
The ‘Videos’ album specifically contains all the video recordings, not just any media with video content, such as GIFs or live photos.
Step 4: Find and tap on the video you want to delete
Scroll through your videos to find the one you no longer need.
Once you tap on the video, it will open in full-screen mode, showing you a preview, giving you one last chance to make sure it’s the right video to delete.
Step 5: Tap the trash can icon at the bottom right corner
This icon is the universal symbol for deleting files on most devices, including the iPhone.
Tapping this icon will prompt a confirmation message, ensuring you don’t accidentally delete something important.
Step 6: Confirm by selecting ‘Delete Video’
After confirmation, the video will be moved to the ‘Recently Deleted’ album.
It’s important to note that the video isn’t immediately removed from your device. It stays in the ‘Recently Deleted’ folder for 30 days in case you change your mind, after which it’s permanently deleted.
After you complete the above steps, the video recording will no longer be visible in your ‘Videos’ album. However, remember that it’s not gone forever just yet. It’s moved to the ‘Recently Deleted’ album, where it will remain for 30 days before it’s permanently removed from your iPhone. So, if you accidentally delete the wrong video, you have a month to recover it!
Tips: Making the Most of Video Management on iPhone
- Always preview the video before deleting to ensure it’s the correct one.
- Regularly check the ‘Recently Deleted’ album to clear out videos you’re sure you don’t need.
- Consider backing up important videos to iCloud or another storage service before deleting them.
- Use the ‘Search’ feature in the Photos app to quickly find specific videos by date or location.
- If you’re freeing up space, check the length and size of your videos. Longer, higher resolution videos take up more space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I recover a deleted video?
If you’ve deleted a video and want to get it back, simply go to the ‘Recently Deleted’ album in the Photos app, select the video, and tap ‘Recover.’
Can I delete multiple videos at once?
Yes, you can. In the ‘Videos’ album, tap ‘Select’ in the top right corner, choose the videos you want to delete, then tap the trash can icon.
Will deleting videos from my iPhone delete them from iCloud?
If you have iCloud Photos enabled, deleting a video from your iPhone will also remove it from iCloud and any other devices synced with your iCloud account.
What happens if I don’t delete videos from the ‘Recently Deleted’ album?
Videos in the ‘Recently Deleted’ album will be automatically and permanently deleted after 30 days.
Can I permanently delete a video without waiting 30 days?
Yes, simply go to the ‘Recently Deleted’ album, select the video, and choose ‘Delete’ to remove it immediately.
Summary
- Open the Photos app.
- Tap the ‘Albums’ tab.
- Select the ‘Videos’ album.
- Find and tap the video to delete.
- Tap the trash can icon.
- Confirm deletion.
Conclusion
There you have it, the straightforward steps to delete video recordings on an iPhone running iOS 17. By following the tutorial above, you’ll be able to keep your media library organized and free up valuable space on your device. Remember, it’s always a good idea to back up any important videos before deleting them, just in case you need them later. Speaking of backing up, have you considered using iCloud or other cloud storage services to keep your precious memories safe? It’s a great way to ensure that even if you delete a video from your iPhone, you still have a copy stored securely in the cloud. Managing your iPhone storage effectively is crucial, especially as we capture more and more moments on video. Happy organizing, and remember, the delete button is your friend when it comes to tidying up your video recordings!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.