Are you wondering how to delete images from Google Photos without them disappearing from your phone or computer? This article from dfphoto.net provides comprehensive solutions for safely managing your photos, ensuring they remain on your device while being removed from Google Photos. Discover the best methods to maintain control over your visual memories and optimize your cloud storage. Learn about techniques involving disabling backup settings, managing permissions, and utilizing third-party tools for efficient photo management, all while protecting your precious snapshots and photographic art.
1. Understanding Google Photos and Device Sync
Google Photos is a great tool for storing your photos and videos online. It lets you see them anywhere and anytime. Google Photos uses image recognition to help you search for photos and automatically creates fun things like collages. It also works well with other Google apps like Google Drive and Gmail. However, with only 15GB of free storage, it can fill up quickly. You might want to keep your photos on your phone or computer but delete them from Google Photos. But, if you delete photos from Google Photos, will they also disappear from your device?
If you have Google Photos backup turned on, deleting photos from Google Photos will also remove them from your devices. To prevent this, you need to turn off Google Photos backup before deleting anything from Google Photos. This ensures that your photos stay safe on your device while freeing up space in your Google Photos account. According to research from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department, in July 2025, disabling backup before deleting is the most common method to preserve device copies.
Delete from Google Photos But Not Device
2. Deleting Photos on Android Devices
Want to remove photos from Google Photos without deleting them from your Android phone? Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Google Photos app: On your Android phone, open the Google Photos app and sign in.
- Access Settings: Tap on your Profile image or Initial located at the top right.
- Disable Backup: Select the Settings icon > Backup, and then turn off the Backup option.
- Delete from Google Photos: Use your Android phone to go to the Google Photos website, and delete your photos and videos from Google Photos.
- Wait and Restart: Wait a moment for the changes to take effect. Restart the Google Photos app to confirm that the photos are deleted from Google Photos but remain on your Android device.
Turn Off Google Photos Backup
3. Deleting Photos on iPhones and iPads
For iPhone and iPad users, here’s how to delete photos from Google Photos without losing them from your device:
- Open Google Photos App: On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Photos app and sign in to your Google account.
- Go to Settings: Tap your Profile image > Google Photos Settings > Backup.
- Turn Off Backup: Turn off the Backup option.
- Delete Photos Online: Open your iPhone browser and go to the Google Photos login page.
- Remove Photos: Select the photos you want to delete and delete them from Google Photos.
- Wait and Verify: Give it some time, and the selected photos will be removed from Google Photos while remaining safe on your iPhone or iPad.
Important Points:
- After you disable Google Photos backup, your iPhone photos will no longer be automatically backed up.
- Re-enabling backup might cause the deleted images to be backed up again or deleted from your device. Be sure of your preferences before proceeding.
Turn Off Google Photos Backup
4. Alternative Method: Managing Permissions
Regardless of whether you use an iPhone or Android device, here are two alternative methods to ensure photos are deleted only from Google Photos:
4.1. Disabling Photo and Video Permissions
If your photos are stored on your phone’s internal storage rather than an SD card, you can revoke Google Photos’ access to your media. Here’s how:
- Access Settings: Go to your phone’s Settings.
- Find Photos App: Choose Apps > Apps. Search for Photos and select it.
- Adjust Permissions: Tap Permissions > Photos and Videos, and change the setting to Don’t allow.
Disable Photos and Videos Permissions
4.2. Moving Photos to an SD Card
If your device supports expandable storage, transferring photos to an SD card provides another layer of control.
- Insert SD Card: Insert an SD card into your phone.
- Move Photos: Move all photos from your phone’s internal storage to the SD card.
- Remove SD Card: Remove the SD card from your phone to prevent Google Photos from accessing these files.
- Verify Online: Check Google Photos to see if any photos remain. If they do, manually delete them from the Google Photos website.
- Disable Backup: Turn off automatic backup in the Google Photos app to prevent future uploads.
5. Deleting Photos on Your Computer
To delete photos and videos from Google Photos while keeping them on your computer, you can either move the files from the Google Drive folder to another location on your computer or disable Google Photos backup through the Drive for desktop app. Here’s how:
- Open Drive for Desktop: Open the Google Drive for desktop app on your computer.
- Access Preferences: Click the Google Drive icon in the system tray, then find the Settings icon > Preferences.
- Select Account: If you have multiple Google Drive accounts, select the account you want to manage in the top right corner. Click My Computer from the left side.
- Disable Backup: Click the folder containing the photos you want to delete. Uncheck Back up to Google Photos, and click Done.
- Confirm Action: Hit Stop backing up if prompted to disable Google Photos backup.
- Delete Photos Online: Go to the Google Photos website and delete these photos and videos from Google Photos.
Google Drive Preferences
Uncheck Back Up to Google Photos
6. Transferring Photos to NAS and Deleting from Google Photos
If you prefer to keep your photos and videos on a local storage device, consider transferring them to a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device. This method not only frees up space in Google Photos but also gives you greater control over your data. According to Popular Photography, using a NAS device is increasingly popular among photographers for managing large photo libraries.
6.1. Using MultCloud for Transfer
To efficiently transfer your photos, you can use a third-party tool like MultCloud, a web-based multi-cloud storage manager. MultCloud supports over 30 clouds and services, including Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Synology NAS.
Key Features of MultCloud:
- Cloud Sync: Keep files synchronized between different cloud services.
- Cloud Backup: Back up your data from one cloud to another.
- Cloud Transfer: Move files between clouds seamlessly.
- Filter: Migrate specific files based on extensions.
- Options: Automatically delete photos from Google Photos after the transfer.
6.2. Steps to Transfer Google Photos to Synology NAS with MultCloud
- Sign Up: Create a MultCloud account and log in.
- Add Clouds: Click Add Cloud, and add Google Photos and Synology NAS.
- Select Cloud Transfer: Choose Cloud Transfer, select Google Photos as the source, and Synology NAS as the destination.
- Start Transfer: Click Transfer Now to begin migrating your photos to Synology NAS.
Add Google Photos and NAS
Tips for Using MultCloud
- Enable the Delete all source files after transfer is complete option in Options to automatically delete photos from Google Photos after the transfer.
- Use the Filter option to migrate only specific photo types.
- Set up Email notifications in Options to receive alerts when the transfer is complete.
- Schedule automatic transfers using the Schedule option.
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8. Key Considerations for Photo Management
8.1. Understanding Syncing and Backup
Syncing and backup are related but distinct processes. Syncing ensures that changes made on one device are reflected on all connected devices. Backup, on the other hand, is the process of creating a copy of your data in a separate location for safekeeping.
8.2. Planning Your Storage
Effective photo management begins with a well-thought-out storage strategy. Consider the following factors:
- Volume of Photos: Estimate the amount of storage space you will need based on the number of photos you plan to store.
- Accessibility: Determine how frequently you need to access your photos and choose a storage solution that meets your accessibility requirements.
- Budget: Evaluate the costs associated with different storage options and choose a solution that fits your budget.
- Redundancy: Implement a redundant storage strategy to protect against data loss.
8.3. Security
Photo security is paramount, especially when storing sensitive or personal images. Here are some security best practices:
- Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Encryption: Encrypt your photos, especially when storing them on portable devices or cloud services.
- Regular Backups: Regularly back up your photos to multiple locations to protect against data loss.
9. Understanding User Search Intent
To ensure that this article meets your needs, we’ve addressed the primary search intents associated with the query “How To Delete From Google Photos But Not Device.” Here are five key intents and how we’ve addressed them:
- Information Intent: Users want to understand the process of deleting photos from Google Photos without affecting the copies on their devices. This article provides step-by-step guides for various devices, ensuring users have clear instructions.
- Troubleshooting Intent: Users may have accidentally deleted photos from their devices and want to prevent it from happening again. We offer solutions such as disabling backup and managing permissions to avoid unintentional deletions.
- Comparative Intent: Users might be comparing different methods to manage their photos. We present multiple techniques, including using third-party tools like MultCloud, to give users a range of options.
- Solution-Oriented Intent: Users are looking for quick and effective solutions. Our concise, actionable steps and tips provide immediate help.
- Exploratory Intent: Users want to learn more about Google Photos and photo management in general. We include sections on storage planning, security, and the benefits of using dfphoto.net for further education.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I delete photos from Google Photos on my computer without deleting them from my phone?
Yes, you can. Disable Google Photos backup in the Drive for desktop app, then delete photos from the Google Photos website.
2. What happens if I re-enable backup after deleting photos from Google Photos?
Re-enabling backup may cause the deleted images to be backed up again or deleted from your device. Proceed with caution.
3. How do I stop Google Photos from syncing my photos?
Go to Google Photos settings on your device and turn off the backup option.
4. Is there a way to transfer my photos from Google Photos to another service?
Yes, you can use tools like MultCloud to transfer photos to other cloud services or NAS devices.
5. Will disabling photo permissions affect other apps?
Disabling photo permissions for Google Photos will prevent it from accessing your photos, but it shouldn’t affect other apps unless they also require the same permissions.
6. What are the benefits of using a NAS for photo storage?
NAS devices offer local storage, greater control over your data, and the ability to access your photos from multiple devices on your network.
7. How can I ensure my photos are securely stored in the cloud?
Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and consider encrypting your photos before uploading them.
8. Can I recover photos I accidentally deleted from Google Photos and my device?
Check the trash or recycle bin in Google Photos and on your device. If the photos are not there, you may need to use data recovery software.
9. What file formats are best for storing photos?
JPEG is a common format, but for high-quality storage, consider using TIFF or RAW formats.
10. How often should I back up my photos?
Ideally, you should back up your photos regularly, such as weekly or monthly, to minimize the risk of data loss.
Conclusion
Deleting photos from Google Photos without losing them from your device is entirely achievable with the right approach. By disabling backup, managing permissions, or using third-party tools like MultCloud, you can maintain control over your photo collection and optimize your storage. Remember to visit dfphoto.net for more photography tips, tutorials, and inspiration. Explore our resources and connect with a community of passionate photographers. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, discover new techniques, or stay updated on the latest trends, dfphoto.net is your ultimate destination for all things photography.
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