How to Fix Mac Photos App Keeps Crashing?

Share This:

If you own a Mac and have recently updated to iOS 15 or a later version, you may have encountered a frustrating issue where the Photos app keeps crashing. This can be quite annoying, especially if you rely on the app to organize and view your precious memories. However, there are several possible reasons why this may be happening, and fortunately, there are solutions available to help you resolve the issue.

One of the potential causes for the Photos app crashing is an issue with the user library. This could be due to data errors, such as corrupted or incompatible media files within your library. For example, if image files were corrupted during the download from a memory card or cable, or if bad disk blocks have damaged a file, it can lead to instability in the app.

To address this issue, you can try repairing your photo library. Here’s how you can do it:

1. If the Photos app is open, close it.
2. Hold down the Command and Option keys at the same time.
3. While holding these keys, click to open the Photos app.
4. A window will open, and you’ll see the option to “Repair.” Click on it to start the repair process.

If you’re unable to open the Photos app on your MacBook, you can try an alternative method:

1. Choose Photos from the menu bar and select “Quit Photos.”
2. Press the Option and Command keys together.
3. Double-click on the Photos icon in the Applications folder or in the Dock.
4. In the Repair Library window that appears, click on “Repair” to recreate your photo library.

By following these steps, you’ll initiate the repair process for your photo library, which may help resolve any underlying issues causing the Photos app to crash.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that keeping your Mac and the Photos app up to date with the latest software updates can also help prevent such issues. Apple regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and improvements, so make sure to check for updates regularly and install them when available.

In some cases, if the issue persists even after repairing the library or updating the software, it may be necessary to seek further assistance from Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for additional troubleshooting.

If you’re experiencing the frustrating issue of the Photos app crashing on your Mac after updating to iOS 15 or later, it’s likely caused by issues with your user library. By repairing your photo library or updating your software, you can potentially resolve the problem and regain the full functionality of the app.

How to Fix Mac Photos App Keeps Crashing? 1

Why Does Photos Keep Closing On Mac?

There could be several reasons why the Photos app keeps closing on your Mac. Here are some possible explanations:

1. Software issues: It’s possible that there is a bug or glitch in the Photos app itself. This can happen with any software, and the best solution is usually to check for updates and install any available fixes.

2. Insufficient system resources: If your Mac is running low on memory or processing power, it may struggle to keep the Photos app running smoothly. This can lead to crashes and unexpected closures. Make sure you have enough free disk space and consider closing any other resource-intensive applications running in the background.

3. Corrupted library: If there is a problem with your Photos library, it may cause the app to crash. This can happen if the library becomes corrupted due to issues with the media files it contains or if there are compatibility problems with the library itself. You can try repairing the library using the built-in repair tool or restoring from a backup if available.

4. Conflicting plugins or extensions: If you have installed any plugins or extensions for the Photos app, they may be causing conflicts that result in app closures. Try disabling or removing any recently installed plugins and see if the issue persists.

5. Outdated software: If your Mac’s operating system or the Photos app itself is outdated, it can lead to compatibility issues and instability. Make sure you are running the latest version of macOS and that your Photos app is up to date.

6. Hardware issues: In some cases, hardware problems can cause apps to crash. If you have recently upgraded or changed any hardware components of your Mac, it’s possible that they are not fully compatible or functioning properly. Consider running hardware diagnostics or contacting Apple support for further assistance.

It’s important to note that troubleshooting software issues can be complex, and it may require a combination of solutions to resolve the problem. If the Photos app continues to close unexpectedly, it may be helpful to contact Apple support or visit an authorized service provider for further assistance.

How to Fix Your Photos App On Mac?

To fix the Photos app on your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Close the Photos app: If it’s already open, simply close the application.

2. Open Photos with Command and Option keys: Press and hold the Command and Option keys on your keyboard while clicking to open the Photos app.

3. Repair process: A window will appear with options. Click on the “Repair” option to initiate the repair process.

4. Wait for the repair to complete: The app will now start the repair process. This might take some time, depending on the size of your photo library. Be patient and let it finish.

5. Restart the Photos app: Once the repair process is complete, close the window and restart the Photos app normally.

By following these steps, you can fix any issues that may be causing problems with the Photos app on your Mac.

Why is Photos App Not Responding On Mac?

The Photos app on your MacBook may not be responding due to various reasons. Here are a few possible causes:

1. Software glitch: Sometimes, the app may encounter a software glitch, causing it to freeze or become unresponsive.

2. Large library size: If you have a large photo library, it may take longer for the app to load and respond.

3. Insufficient memory or storage: If your MacBook is low on memory or storage space, it can affect the performance of the Photos app and cause it to not respond properly.

4. Outdated software: If you are using an outdated version of the Photos app or macOS, it may not be compatible with your current system, leading to unresponsiveness.

5. Conflicting third-party applications: Certain third-party applications or plugins installed on your MacBook may conflict with the Photos app and cause it to stop responding.

To troubleshoot and resolve the issue, you can try the following steps:

1. Force quit the Photos app: Press Command + Option + Esc keys together to bring up the Force Quit Applications window. Select Photos and click on the Force Quit button. Then try reopening the app.

2. Restart your MacBook: A simple restart can often resolve software-related issues. Go to the Apple menu and choose Restart. Once your MacBook restarts, try opening the Photos app again.

3. Update software: Make sure both your macOS and the Photos app are up to date. Go to the Apple menu, select System Preferences, and click on Software Update. Install any available updates for your system.

4. Clear cache: Launch the Photos app while holding the Shift key. This will prevent any plugins or extensions from loading. Then go to Photos > Preferences > General, and click on the “Use as System Photo Library” button. Restart the app and check if it responds.

5. Repair the photo library: If the above steps don’t work, you can try repairing the photo library. Quit the Photos app, then press Option + Command and double-click on the Photos icon in the Applications folder or Dock. In the Repair Library window, click on Repair to recreate your photo library.

6. Disable conflicting plugins: If you have any third-party plugins or extensions installed, try disabling them temporarily to see if they are causing the issue. Remove or update any plugins that are not compatible with the current version of the Photos app.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing the issue of Photos app crashing on your MacBook after updating to iOS 15 or later, it is likely due to issues with the user library. This can be caused by corrupted or incompatible media files in your library, which can result from various factors such as file download errors, disk block damage, or migrating libraries.

To resolve this problem, you can try repairing your photo library by following a simple process. Firstly, close the Photos app if it is open. Then, while clicking to open Photos, hold down the Command and Option keys simultaneously. This will prompt a window to appear, where you can click on the “Repair” option to initiate the repair process.

If you are unable to open the Photos app on your MacBook, you can choose the “Quit Photos” option under the Photos menu. After that, press the Option and Command keys together and double-click on the Photos icon in the Applications folder or Dock. This will open the Repair Library window, where you can click on “Repair” to recreate your photo library.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the crashing issue with the Photos app on your MacBook. It is important to note that this process may take some time, depending on the size and complexity of your photo library. However, it is a recommended solution to fix any potential issues with the user library.

In case the problem persists even after attempting the repair process, it may be necessary to seek further assistance from Apple Support or consult a professional technician for advanced troubleshooting options.

Share This:
Photo of author

Sanjeev Singh

Sanjeev is the tech editor at DeviceMAG. He has a keen interest in all things technology, and loves to write about the latest developments in the industry. He has a passion for quality-focused journalism and believes in using technology to make people's lives better. He has worked in the tech industry for over 15 years, and has written for some of the biggest tech blogs in the world. Sanjeev is also an avid photographer and loves spending time with his family.