How can I avoid double downloads when saving videos on iPad Pro 6th gen?

I’d like to move larger videos in Photos to an external drive. When I open a video, it takes some to download which I assume is because it’s getting it from iCloud. But after that when I try to save it, the file is downloaded again before it opens the Files app. Why does it need to download this twice if I’ve just downloaded and watched the video? If I’m reviewing and moving videos then it seems like it’s going to take twice as long as it should.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Question on loading videos then saving them to file

iPad Pro (6th generation)

Posted on Jun 6, 2025 11:36 PM

Reply
4 replies

Jun 7, 2025 8:28 AM in response to v6v6v6

v6v6v6 wrote: … Why does it need to download this twice if I’ve just downloaded and watched the video?

When you engage "Optimize Storage," Photos tries ever so hard to save storage space! I notice on my phone, though, that videos start almost immediately. But I don't have videos that are more than a few minutes long, and I have a good bit of storage available. The first time you view it, Photos may not be downloading a full sized video from iCloud, but rather one that is better for your phone's screen. This all depends on the storage available on the phone.


My phone's storage says 44 GB of 128 GB used. What does yours say?

How can I avoid double downloads when saving videos on iPad Pro 6th gen?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.