Photos app (iPhoto) hangs when trying to open

Ive got a mac mini running OSX 10.10.5. I use the built in "Photos" app (formally iPhoto) to manage photos i take on my iPhone, which are synced back to the Photos app via iCloud.

Recently when i open the Photos app it just hangs on this screen (see attached screenshot). Ive force quit the app and re opened it a few times and the same thing happens.

What can be done to get it to work ?

screenshot of Photos app "hanging"


Solution 1:

The first thing I would try before doing anything else is giving the Photos Library Repair Tool a go.

The Photos Library Repair Tool can resolve a number of issues as it analyses the entire database and, where possible, makes repairs.

Follow these steps:

  1. Hold down the Option + Command keys as you open the Photos app
  2. The following message will appear:

enter image description here

  1. Click the blue Repair button to repair your Photos Library.

Solution 2:

Seems like other users over at the Apple Forum were experiencing the same issues as well. The suggested solution was:

  • Eject any external hard drives, USB drives, SD cards, etc.
  • Restart your computer.
  • Be sure to have the latest system updates.

Source: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7013235?start=0&tstart=0