As a tech expert with years of experience managing photo libraries across platforms, I've seen how AI-driven memory features in Apple Photos, Google Photos, and Facebook can sometimes resurface painful moments—like a tough job, a long commute, a breakup, or the loss of someone dear—instead of joyful highlights. These apps offer hidden controls to customize what memories appear, helping you curate a more positive experience. Here's how to take charge, based on proven steps across devices.
Apple Photos
Apple's Memories feature varies by device and OS version. iOS 14 offers basic controls, while iOS 15 and later provide more granular options. On Mac, adjustments are straightforward.
On an iOS 14 Device
- If a memory pops up you'd prefer to skip, long-press the photo or video and tap "Suggest fewer memories like this." Note: iOS 14 lacks options to exclude specific people or dates.
- In the "For You" tab (bottom of screen), long-press the unwanted item for the same option.
- To stop notifications: Go to Settings > Notifications > Photos > Memories, and toggle off "Allow Notifications."
- For home screen widgets: Long-press a featured photo, then tap "Remove Featured Photo."
On an iOS 15 or Later Device
iOS 15 introduces better people-based controls:
- Open Photos > Albums > People & Places > People. Select the person.
- Tap the three dots (top right) > Feature this person less or Remove from People.
- "Feature less" options: Less in Memories or never.
- "Remove" resets the People album across iCloud devices.
On a Mac
- Right-click a photo > "Suggest fewer memories like this."
- Photos menu > Preferences > General: Uncheck "Show memories notification" and "Show vacation events" if needed.
Facebook
Facebook's Memories (formerly "On This Day") lets you hide people, dates, or adjust notifications via web or mobile.
Web App
- Left sidebar > Memories (click "See more" if hidden).
- Click "Hide People" or "Hide Dates."
Mobile App
- Menu (top right Android/bottom right iOS) > Memories > Gear icon.
- Under "Hide Memories," select People or Dates.
Enter names or dates to exclude (search may show public profiles first). Note: Can't hide tagged posts from others. Set notifications to daily, highlights, or off.
Google Photos
Google Photos (mobile app only for notifications) allows hiding people/pets or dates.
- Profile picture (top right) > Photos Settings (Android) or Google Photos Settings (iOS) > Memories.
- "Hide people & pets": Easier with pre-labeled faces (low-light/angle issues may persist).
- "Hide dates": Select specific days.
For notifications:
- Memories page > Notifications > Toggle off today's memories or themed ones (e.g., growth compilations).
Updated August 20, 2021, 1:00 PM ET: Added screenshots for iOS 14 steps.
