How To Recover Deleted Photos On Google Drive? A Comprehensive Guide

Accidentally deleting photos from Google Drive can be frustrating, especially when those images hold precious memories or are essential for your work. But don’t worry, dfphoto.net is here to help you explore various methods to recover your lost photos and safeguard your visual treasures!

This guide provides step-by-step instructions and expert insights into Google Drive recovery, ensuring your valuable photos aren’t lost forever. We’ll cover everything from simple fixes to more advanced techniques, equipping you with the knowledge to handle any photo recovery scenario, so keep reading to discover photo restoration, image retrieval, and data recovery methods.

1. Understanding Google Drive Photo Deletion

Before diving into recovery methods, it’s crucial to understand how Google Drive handles deleted files. There are generally two types of deletion: soft deletion and hard deletion. Knowing the difference impacts how you can recover your photos.

Soft Deletion: When you delete a photo, it’s moved to the Trash folder. This is a temporary deletion, and files remain there for a limited time.
Hard Deletion: This occurs when you empty the Trash folder or when files are automatically purged after a specific period. Hard-deleted files are more challenging to recover.

Deletion Type	Location	Recovery Ease	Time Limit
Soft Deletion	Google Drive Trash	Easy	30 days
Hard Deletion	Not in Trash	Moderate	25 days

2. Immediate Action: The “Undo” Option

If you realize you’ve accidentally deleted a photo immediately after doing so, Google Drive provides a quick “Undo” option. This is the easiest and fastest way to restore your image.

Look for a small pop-up notification at the bottom of your Google Drive interface after deleting the photo.
Click the “Undo” button in the notification.

Undo Delete Google Drive

Using the Undo function in Google Drive immediately after deleting a photo.

The photo will be instantly restored to its original location. This method works only if you act quickly before navigating away from the current page.

3. Restoring Photos from the Google Drive Trash

The Trash folder is the first place to look when trying to recover deleted photos. Files remain in the Trash for 30 days before being permanently deleted.

3.1. Steps to Restore Photos from Trash

Open Google Drive: Go to your Google Drive account.
Navigate to Trash: In the left-hand menu, click on “Trash”.

Accessing the Trash folder in Google Drive to find deleted photos.

Accessing the Trash folder in Google Drive to find deleted photos.
Locate the Photos: Browse through the Trash or use the search bar to find the deleted photos.

Searching through the Trash folder to locate deleted photos in Google Drive.

Searching through the Trash folder to locate deleted photos in Google Drive.
Restore the Photos: Right-click on the photo you want to recover and select “Restore”.

Restoring deleted photos from Google Drive's Trash folder by right-clicking and selecting "Restore."

Restoring deleted photos from Google Drive’s Trash folder by right-clicking and selecting “Restore”.

The restored photo will be returned to its original location in Google Drive.

3.2. Restoring Multiple Photos at Once

To restore multiple photos simultaneously:

Select Photos: In the Trash folder, click on each photo you want to restore. A checkmark will appear on the selected photos.
Restore: Click the “Restore” icon (the clock-arrow icon) at the top-right of the screen.

3.3. What to Do If You Can’t Find the Photo

If you can’t find your photo in the Trash, it might have been permanently deleted. In this case, proceed to the advanced recovery methods discussed later in this article.

4. Google Workspace Admin Console: Recovering Permanently Deleted Photos

If you’re using Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), the administrator has the ability to recover permanently deleted photos within a limited timeframe.

4.1. Accessing the Admin Console

Sign In: As an administrator, sign in to your Google Admin Console.
Navigate to Users: Go to “Directory” and select “Users.”

Navigating to the user directory in Google Admin Console to initiate photo recovery.

Navigating to the user directory in Google Admin Console to initiate photo recovery.

4.2. Restoring Data for a User

Find the User: Locate the user whose photos need to be recovered.
Restore Data: Hover over their name, click “More,” and select “Restore data.”

Selecting the 'Restore data' option for a user in Google Admin Console to begin photo recovery.

Selecting the ‘Restore data’ option for a user in Google Admin Console to begin photo recovery.
Specify Date Range: Indicate the date range within the last 25 days and click “Restore.”

4.3. Important Considerations

This method works only within 25 days of the permanent deletion.
You must be a Google Workspace administrator to perform this recovery.

5. Recovering Photos from a Deleted Google Account

Sometimes, photos might be lost when a Google account is deleted. Here’s how to recover photos in this scenario:

5.1. Restoring the Deleted Account

Admin Access: Use your administrator account to access the Google Admin Console.
Restore User: Restore the deleted Google account.

How to restore deleted Google account

Use Google Admin Console to restore a deleted user account.

5.2. Transferring Ownership of Photos

Transfer Ownership: Make another user the owner of the Google Drive files.
Access Google Workspace: In the Google Admin Console, go to “Apps,” then “Google Workspace,” and select “Drive and Docs.”
Transfer Files: Find “Transfer Ownership,” enter the email addresses of the respective users, and click “Transfer Files.”

Transfer ownership of deleted account's data to another user.

Transfer data ownership after restoring a deleted Google account.

5.3. Time Limitations

Super Administrators can only recover a deleted Google account within 20 days of deletion. After this period, the data is permanently erased.

6. Using Google Takeout to Recover Photos

Google Takeout allows you to download a copy of your data from various Google services, including Google Drive. This can be a useful way to recover photos, especially if you had previously exported your data.

6.1. Accessing Google Takeout

Go to Google Takeout: Visit Google Takeout.
Select Google Drive: Choose Google Drive from the list of services.
Customize Export: Select the file format, archive size, and delivery method.
Create Export: Click “Create export” to prepare your files.
Download Files: Once Google notifies you, download the .zip or .tgz file to your computer.
Extract Files: Extract the files using a file extraction tool.

6.2. Considerations

Google Takeout is not a recovery tool but a data export service.
Data exported may not be easily importable without the proper software or conversion tools.
Large archives can be challenging to download and extract.
Metadata may not be preserved during the export.

7. Recovering Photos Shared with You

If someone shared photos with you that are now deleted, here are the steps you can take:

7.1. Contact the Owner

The first and most straightforward step is to contact the owner of the photos.

7.2. Ask to Restore

Request that the owner restore the photos using one of the methods described in this article.

7.3. Limitations

This method depends on the owner’s willingness and ability to restore the photos. If the owner has permanently deleted the photos or their account, recovery might not be possible.

8. Google One Device Backup for Android Users

If your photos were stored on an Android device and backed up with Google One, you can restore them through the device backup.

8.1. Checking for a Backup

Open Google One: Open the Google One app on your phone or go to one.google.com.
Navigate to Device Backup: Tap on “Storage,” then select “Device Backup.”
Restore Device: If a backup exists, restore your device to recover the photos.

8.2. Setting Up Google One Backup

Open Google One: Open the Google One app on your phone.
Set Up Data Backup: Tap “Set up data backup” and choose what to back up, such as apps, call history, contacts, SMS, and device settings.
Enable Google Photos Backup: Enable Google Photos backup to save photos and videos.
Back Up Now: Tap “Back up now” to start the process.

8.3. Limitations

Google One backups don’t store individual Drive files but can help restore app data, settings, and media.

9. Preventing Future Data Loss

While knowing how to recover deleted photos is essential, preventing data loss in the first place is even better.

9.1. Regular Backups

Implement a system for regular backups to ensure your data is consistently protected. Consider using third-party tools like SpinBackup to automate this process for Google Workspace.

9.2. Organized File Management

Develop a logical and consistent folder hierarchy to organize your files efficiently. This makes it easier to locate and manage your photos, reducing the risk of accidental deletion.

9.3. Access Controls

Implement access controls based on user roles to prevent unauthorized changes or deletions. Limit who can delete or modify important photos.

9.4. Training and Policies

Provide regular training on data management best practices, including proper handling of data and security protocols. Establish clear policies for how long different types of data should be kept and when it should be archived or deleted.

9.5. Compliance

Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and keep up-to-date with these regulations to ensure your data management practices comply with them.

10. Utilizing Third-Party Backup Tools

Standard Google recovery tools might not always meet the needs of modern businesses. Third-party backup tools offer additional features and benefits.

10.1. Benefits of Backup Tools

Permanently Deleted File Restoration: Restore files even if they’ve been permanently deleted or encrypted by ransomware.
Selective Recovery: Recover data selectively (one file) or in bulk (a folder or whole Google Drive).
Point-in-Time Restore: Recover deleted data with all its settings, sharing permissions, and folder structure.

10.2. SpinBackup: A Comprehensive Solution

SpinBackup is a backup tool for Google Workspace that protects against data loss from accidental deletions, zero-day attacks, and ransomware.

Features of SpinBackup

Automated daily backup
Secure storage in GCP, Azure, AWS, or BYOS
Encryption in transit, at rest, and in use
Granular recovery (point in time, single record)
File versioning
Local downloads to comply with the 3-2-1 rule

Granular restore of lost data with SpinBackup

Perform granular file restoration using SpinBackup to recover photos quickly.

10.3. Getting Started with SpinBackup

Visit the Platform Page: Explore the SpinBackup platform.
Set Up Your Account: Integrate SpinBackup with your Google Workspace and select which services to back up.
Run Your First Backup: Monitor the backup status via the intuitive dashboard.
Recover Your Data: Choose specific files, emails, or folders to restore and click “Restore.”
Set Up Automatic Backups: Ensure continuous data protection.

You can also start a free trial to explore SpinBackup’s features and request pricing tailored to your needs.

11. Practical Tips for Efficient Photo Management

Effective photo management can greatly reduce the chances of accidental deletion and make recovery easier.

11.1. Organize Your Photos

Create a clear folder structure in Google Drive to categorize your photos. Use descriptive names for folders and files to make searching easier.

11.2. Regularly Review Your Trash

Periodically check your Google Drive Trash folder to ensure no important photos are accidentally deleted.

11.3. Use Descriptive File Names

When saving photos, use descriptive file names that include relevant keywords. This will help you quickly find specific photos when needed.

11.4. Implement a Versioning System

If you frequently edit photos, implement a versioning system. This allows you to revert to previous versions if needed.

11.5. Educate Users

If you are managing photos for a team, educate users on best practices for photo management and data security.

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13. FAQ: Recovering Deleted Photos on Google Drive

13.1. How do I recover permanently deleted files from Google Drive?

If you are an administrator and want to recover files permanently deleted by users from Google Drive, use Google Workspace Admin Console and perform the following steps:

Sign in to your Google Admin Console, find Directory, and select Users.
Find the user who needs their Drive data restored.
Point to the user and click More options, then choose the option Restore data.
Select the date range for the data that you want to restore. You can only restore data that was deleted within the last 25 days.
Click Restore.

13.2. Does Google keep deleted drive files?

Deleted Google Drive files are moved to the Trash where they are kept 30 days before permanent deletion. You can restore files from the Trash within 30 days after deleting them. After the permanent deletion, the files are stored in the Google system for 25 days more, keeping the 25 Days File Recovery Window for Admins. After that, these files disappear from Google’s systems.

13.3. How to recover Google Drive permanently deleted files after 30 days?

If you fail to restore a deleted file within the 30-day window, you can get the necessary file from Google backups. To restore from a Google backup, go to Settings > System > Backup and Restore > Restore. Select the backup you want to restore from and then follow the instructions.

13.4. How long does Google Drive keep deleted files?

Google Drive keeps deleted files in the Trash folder for 30 days. Additionally, it keeps permanently deleted files for 25 days in corporate Google Workspace subscription plans. Your Google Workspace Admin can recover these files within the 25-day window.

13.5. Can I recover photos deleted from a shared folder?

Yes, but the process depends on your permissions. If you own the folder, you can restore deleted photos from the Trash. If you’re a collaborator, contact the folder owner to restore the files.

13.6. What happens if I accidentally empty the Trash?

If you empty the Trash, the files are permanently deleted and can only be recovered by the Google Workspace Admin within 25 days or through a third-party backup solution like SpinBackup.

13.7. Is it possible to recover overwritten photos in Google Drive?

Google Drive has a version history feature for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, but not for photos. Overwritten photos cannot be recovered through Google Drive’s native features.

13.8. How do I back up my photos on Google Drive?

You can manually upload photos to Google Drive or use Google Photos to automatically back up photos from your devices. Google One also offers additional storage and backup options.

13.9. Are there any free tools to recover deleted photos from Google Drive?

While Google offers basic recovery options, third-party backup solutions like SpinBackup often provide free trials or limited free versions that can help recover deleted photos.

13.10. How can I prevent accidental photo deletion in Google Drive?

To prevent accidental photo deletion, implement clear file management practices, use access controls, and provide regular training to users on data security protocols.

14. Conclusion: Safeguarding Your Visual Memories

Losing photos from Google Drive can be a distressing experience, but with the right knowledge and tools, recovery is often possible. By understanding how Google Drive handles deleted files, utilizing available recovery methods, and implementing preventative measures, you can protect your valuable visual memories.

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Whether you’re an amateur enthusiast or a seasoned professional, mastering these techniques will empower you to recover lost photos and prevent future data loss. Embrace the art of photography and continue creating stunning images with confidence!