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How to Repair a Mac Photo Library That Won't Open
Use the built-in Photos Repair Library tool to analyze the database and rebuild a library that will not open. Back up your library before starting.
To repair a photo library that will not open on a Mac, the built-in Photos Repair Library tool might help Apple Support. Before running the tool, you should back up the photo library using Time Machine, an external drive, or a third-party backup solution Apple Support.
When to use the tool and how to prepare
The Photos Repair Library tool might help if your photo library won't open, or if the Photos app behaves unexpectedly on your Mac Apple Support.
Before you use the Photos Repair Library tool, back up your photo library Apple Support. You can do this by using Time Machine, copying the library to an external drive, or using a third-party backup solution Apple Support. As a practical suggestion, ensure this backup is fully completed before attempting any database repairs.
How to launch the Photos Repair Library tool
To start the process, press Option-Command and click the Photos icon in the Applications folder, or Option-Command-click the Photos icon in the Dock Apple Support.
In the Repair Library window, click Repair to rebuild your photo library Apple Support.
What the tool repairs and how it finishes
The Repair Library tool analyzes the library's database and repairs any inconsistencies it detects Apple Support. Depending on the size of your library, the repairs might take some time Apple Support.
When the process is done, Photos opens the library Apple Support. If problems persist after running the tool, you can also restore your library from a Time Machine backup Apple Support.
