Losing precious photos can be devastating. If you’ve accidentally deleted Google Photos and they’re no longer in the trash, you might think they’re gone forever. While challenging, recovering permanently deleted Google Photos isn’t always impossible. This guide explores potential recovery methods for both Android and iOS devices.
Recovering deleted photos from Google Photos on your smartphone depends largely on how long ago they were deleted. If they were recently moved to the trash, restoring them is a simple process. This guide will walk you through the steps for both Android and iOS devices.
Recovering Recently Deleted Google Photos (Within 60 Days)
Google Photos keeps deleted photos in the trash for 60 days. This grace period allows you to easily recover them if you change your mind. Here’s how:
Recovering Deleted Photos on Android
- Open the Google Photos app: Locate the Google Photos icon on your home screen and tap to open it.
- Access the Trash: In the top-left corner of the app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon). Select “Trash” from the menu options.
- Select Photos to Restore: Browse the trash folder and select the photos you want to recover. You can select multiple photos by long-pressing one and then tapping the others.
- Restore the Photos: After selecting the photos, tap the “Restore” button at the bottom of the screen. The photos will be returned to their original albums in Google Photos.
Recovering Deleted Photos on iOS
The process on iOS is very similar to Android:
- Open the Google Photos app: Tap the Google Photos icon on your home screen.
- Open the Menu: Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-left corner.
Google Photos Menu
- Access the Trash: Select “Trash” from the menu options.
- Select Photos: Tap and hold a photo to select it, then tap additional photos to select multiple items.
- Restore: Tap the “Restore” button at the bottom of the screen to recover the selected photos.
What If Photos Are Deleted From the Trash?
Unfortunately, after 60 days, Google Photos permanently deletes items from the trash. Recovery options in this scenario are limited. Your best bet is to:
- Check Connected Devices: If you use Google Photos on multiple devices, check those devices as the photos might still be present locally.
- Cloud Storage or Backups: If you have a cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud) or regularly back up your phone, check for backups that may contain the deleted photos.
Conclusion
Recovering permanently deleted Google Photos after 60 days is a long shot. The best way to prevent permanent photo loss is to ensure regular backups of your photos and videos. Utilizing cloud storage services or backing up your devices to a computer provides an extra layer of security against accidental deletions. While Google Photos offers a convenient trash feature for recently deleted items, remember that this is a temporary solution.
