How to Filter Your Apple Photo Library on iPhone (iOS 26)
Apple Photos in iOS 26 introduces smarter filtering tools that make it easier to focus on exactly the photos you need. Instead of endlessly scrolling through your library, you can now apply filters to instantly narrow results by favorites, edits, and organization status.
This walkthrough breaks down how Photo Library filters work on iPhone and how to use them as a practical organization tool, not just a search shortcut.
🎓 What You’ll Learn
Where to find photo filters in the iOS 26 Photos app
How to filter photos by favorites and edited images
How to combine multiple filters at once
How to remove filters and return to your full library
How to find photos that are not assigned to albums
🧠Where Photo Filters Live in iOS 26
Photo filters are accessed directly from the Library view in the Photos app. Apple has placed them inside the main menu so they are always available while browsing your photos.
This makes filtering part of everyday navigation instead of a hidden feature.
Open the Photos app on iPhone
Tap Library in the bottom-left corner
Tap the menu in the top-right corner to access filters
🧩 Filtering Photos by Favorites and Edits
Filters allow you to instantly narrow your library based on photo attributes. This is especially useful when you are looking for images you have already worked on or marked as important.
Multiple filters can be applied at the same time.
Filter by Favorites to show only starred photos
Filter by Edited to display images you have modified
Combine filters to narrow results even further
🧹 Clearing Active Photo Filters
Once filters are applied, your library view changes to show only matching results. Removing filters is quick and does not affect the photos themselves.
This allows you to move in and out of focused views without losing context.
Tap the menu again in the top-right corner
Choose the option to remove active filters
Instantly return to viewing your full library
🗂 Finding Photos Not Stored in Albums
One of the most useful filters in iOS 26 is the ability to identify photos that are not assigned to any album. This makes photo organization far more manageable.
Instead of guessing what still needs organizing, you can surface those images instantly.
Use the Not in an Album filter
View only photos that have not been organized
Add them to albums directly from the filtered view
🧠Using Filters as an Organization Tool
Filters are not just for searching — they are a productivity feature. When used intentionally, they help reduce distraction and make large photo libraries easier to manage.
This approach is ideal for users who organize photos in batches.
Focus on a specific group of photos at a time
Avoid getting overwhelmed by your full library
Finish organizing photos more efficiently
