How to Recover Deleted Photos from Google Photos (Step-by-Step Guide)
Accidentally deleted precious photos from Google Photos? Don’t panic. In most cases you can restore deleted photos quickly if you act fast. This guide from TrendsWheel explains every recovery option — from the Google Photos Trash to backups and advanced tips — so you can get your memories back with minimal fuss.
Quick overview: how Google Photos deletion works
When you delete photos in Google Photos, they move to the Trash (Bin) where they’re kept for 60 days before permanent removal. Items in the Trash still count against your Google storage quota. After 60 days (or if you manually empty the Trash), photos are usually gone from your account — but there may still be recovery options depending on backups and device copies.
1. Restore photos from Google Photos Trash (mobile app)
This is the easiest and fastest method:
- Open the Google Photos app on your Android or iPhone.
- Tap Library at the bottom, then tap Trash (or Bin).
- Find the photo(s) you want to restore — tap and hold to select multiple items.
- Tap Restore. Restored photos will return to your library and to any albums they were in.
Note: If you don’t see Trash, make sure you’re signed in to the same Google account where the photos were stored.
2. Restore photos from Google Photos on the web
- Go to photos.google.com and sign in.
- Open the left menu and click Trash.
- Select photos/videos and click Restore.
Web recovery is helpful when you want to recover many items or prefer a desktop interface.
3. Check other Google accounts and devices
It’s common to have multiple Google accounts. Make sure you’re checking the correct account where the photos were backed up. Also check:
- Other devices (old phone, tablet) — there might be a local copy in the device gallery.
- SD card (if your phone uses one) — remove and inspect with a PC or file manager.
4. Recover from Google Takeout / Backups
If you previously exported data using Google Takeout or created a backup on your computer/cloud, restore from those files:
- Search your drive or backup folder for exported photos (often in .zip or folder format).
- Unzip and re-upload the images to Google Photos or your device.
5. Check Google One or device backups
If you’re a Google One subscriber or you enabled device backup, your photos may exist in a backup snapshot. To check:
- Open the Google One app (or web) and look for device backups.
- Explore backed-up photos/files and restore the items you need.
6. Android local backups & Gallery app
Some phones (Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, etc.) create local backups or save copies in the phone’s Gallery app. Look under folders like DCIM, Camera, or a manufacturer-specific backup folder using a file manager app.
7. Use photo recovery software (last resort)
If photos were deleted from the device (not only from Google Photos) and you have no cloud backup, data-recovery tools for Android/SD card can sometimes restore files — but success is not guaranteed.
- Prefer desktop tools that scan an SD card or device storage (connect device as USB or remove SD card and scan with PC).
- Do not install recovery apps on the same storage you want to recover from (it may overwrite deleted files).
- Recovery tools may require technical steps and can be slow; proceed only if you’re comfortable and know the tool’s reputation.
Warning: Using unknown third-party apps or services risks privacy and data loss. Prefer reputable desktop tools and read reviews before proceeding.
8. Contact Google Support (for exceptional cases)
In rare scenarios (account compromise, service issues), Google Support may be able to help. Visit the Google Photos Help Center and use the contact options — be prepared to provide account details and timing. Support cannot always restore permanently deleted items, but it’s worth trying if the photos are critical.
Tips to prevent future photo loss
- Enable Back up & sync in Google Photos and verify the correct Google account is selected.
- Use an additional backup — for example, Google Drive, an external hard drive, or another cloud service.
- Export important photos periodically with Google Takeout.
- Keep at least one local copy on a separate device or SD card.
FAQ
Q: How long does Google Photos keep deleted photos?
A: Deleted items go to Trash (Bin) and are kept for 60 days. After that they’re typically permanently deleted.
Q: I emptied Trash — can I still recover photos?
A: If Trash was emptied or 60 days passed, recovery is unlikely from Google Photos. Check backups, other devices, or contact Google Support for possible account-related help.
Q: Are restored photos full quality?
A: Yes — restored photos return to your library in their original backup quality (subject to how you had Google Photos set up at backup time).
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