Don't Panic! Here's How To Retrieve Deleted Photos On Google Photos
We've all experienced that sinking feeling when we realise we've accidentally deleted precious photos. However, the good news is that with Google Photos , there's often a way to restore them. Typically, deleted photos in Google Photos are moved to the Trash folder, offering a temporary reprieve.
Deleted photos backed up in Google Photos remain in the Trash for 60 days, while those without backup are retained for 30 days. However, restoration is only possible while the photos are in the Trash folder; once it's emptied, recovery becomes impossible.
Additionally, Google Support notes that if you've been inactive on Google Photos for over 2 years, or if you've exceeded your storage limit for the same period, your content, including photos, may be permanently deleted.
Here are steps to retrieve your deleted photos from Google Photos:
Check Trash Folder: Start by navigating to the Trash folder within Google Photos. If your deleted photos are there, simply select them and click 'Restore' to return them to your gallery or library.
Inspect Archive Folder: Sometimes, photos are mistakenly archived rather than deleted. Check the Archive folder within Google Photos. If you find your missing photos there, select them and choose 'Unarchive' to restore them to your gallery.
Seek Google Support: If your deleted photos were stored in Google Drive, you can request assistance from Google. Visit Google Drive's Help Page, select "Missing or deleted files," and choose either the chat or email support option. Explain your situation, and if feasible, Google may assist in restoring your photos.
Explore Third-Party Recovery Tools: While not guaranteed, you can explore third-party recovery tools such as PhotoRec , Disk Drill , or FreeUndelete. Exercise caution and ensure you're using reputable tools to avoid potential viruses or phishing attempts.
To prevent future photo loss, consider these precautions:
Deleted photos backed up in Google Photos remain in the Trash for 60 days, while those without backup are retained for 30 days. However, restoration is only possible while the photos are in the Trash folder; once it's emptied, recovery becomes impossible.
Additionally, Google Support notes that if you've been inactive on Google Photos for over 2 years, or if you've exceeded your storage limit for the same period, your content, including photos, may be permanently deleted.
Here are steps to retrieve your deleted photos from Google Photos:
Check Trash Folder: Start by navigating to the Trash folder within Google Photos. If your deleted photos are there, simply select them and click 'Restore' to return them to your gallery or library.
Inspect Archive Folder: Sometimes, photos are mistakenly archived rather than deleted. Check the Archive folder within Google Photos. If you find your missing photos there, select them and choose 'Unarchive' to restore them to your gallery.
Seek Google Support: If your deleted photos were stored in Google Drive, you can request assistance from Google. Visit Google Drive's Help Page, select "Missing or deleted files," and choose either the chat or email support option. Explain your situation, and if feasible, Google may assist in restoring your photos.
Explore Third-Party Recovery Tools: While not guaranteed, you can explore third-party recovery tools such as PhotoRec , Disk Drill , or FreeUndelete. Exercise caution and ensure you're using reputable tools to avoid potential viruses or phishing attempts.
To prevent future photo loss, consider these precautions:
- Enable automatic backup to ensure your photos are safely stored in the cloud.
- Download important photos and store them on an external hard drive for added security.
- Utilise Google Photos features like "Lock" and "Archive" to safeguard important photos from accidental deletion.
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