To save storage space on the Mac's startup disk, many users choose to move their photo library to an external hard drive. This helps store a large number of photos and videos without filling up internal storage. However, moving the library outside macOS’s protected system environment also introduces certain risks. For example: Some third-party apps may access the library without authorization. Time Machine backup can no longer back up your photo library. Repeated plugging and unplugging of USB drives can lead to data corruption.
This may cause the photo library to become inaccessible and require repair—though in some cases, the repair process may fail. In this article, we’ll discuss what to do if your Mac photo library cannot be repaired.
1. Try the Built-in Photo Library Repair Tool
The Photos app on macOS has a built-in repair feature. Steps:
1. Hold down Option + Command and double-click the Photos app icon.
2. When the Repair Photo Library window appears, click Repair.
3. The Photos app will attempt to rebuild your photo library database.
2. If Repair Fails – Use a Third-Party Tool to Rescue Photo Library
If the Photos app cannot repair the library, you can use a third-party tool like Photo Exifer to rescue your photos and metadata.
Key Features:
• Export all photos and videos along with metadata (title, caption, keywords, GPS location, albums, etc.)
• Merge and rebuild your broken photo library by combining it with a new or existing one.
A. Export Photos and Metadata from a Broken Photo Library
1. Download and install Photo Exifer on your Mac. Grant Full Disk Access: Go to System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Full Disk Access, Add Photo Exifer to the list.
2. In Photo Exifer, go to File -> Open Photo Library…. Once loaded, it will display all photos and metadata.
3. Select all photos and videos in Photo Exifer, and click Quick Action -> Export all original photos from photo library by albums, or Export all original photos with photo library metadata -> Export all original photos with all photo library metadata by year and month.
B. Merge the Broken Photo Library with Another
If you don’t have another working photo library, please create a new library:
Hold Option and click the Photos app icon. In the Choose Library window, click Create New… to make a blank library.
Merge Libraries using Photo Exifer:
1. Open Photo Exifer and click Merge Photo Libraries button.
2. import your two photo libraries, and choose the new or alternate library as the destination photo library.
3. Click Start Merge Photo Library to begin the process. Once finished, open the destination library to verify the results.
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