How to Recover Deleted Photos from Google Photos: Complete Guide
Losing important photos can be distressing, but if you use Google Photos, there are several ways to recover deleted photos.
To recover deleted photos and videos from your mobile phone (Android or iOS), you must go to the recycle bin in your operating system's native gallery and restore the media within the time limit.
But this can be done through the Recycle Bin, external backups or even using data recovery software.
This article will guide you step by step through the process of recover deleted photos from Google Photos.
Recover Deleted Photos from Google Photos via Recycle Bin
The first and easiest option to recover your photos is to check the Google Photos Recycle Bin. When you delete photos, they remain stored in the Recycle Bin for up to 60 days before they are permanently deleted. Here's how to do it:
- Access the Recycle Bin in Google Photos:
- Open the Google Photos app on your phone or go to photos.google.com in an internet browser.
- In the side menu, select “Trash”.
- Find the photos you want to restore, select them and click Restore to recover them.
- Recovery via mobile device:
- In Google Photos, tap the menu icon (three lines in the top corner).
- Select “Trash” and then choose the photos or videos you want to restore. Then, tap the Restore.
- Computer recovery:
- Access Google Photos via your browser and click on the “Trash” menu.
- Select the files you want to recover and click Restore. Photos and videos will be moved back to the main gallery.
Recover Permanently Deleted Photos: Is There a Solution?
If more than 60 days have passed or the photos have been removed from the Trash, recovering them directly from Google Photos becomes impossible. However, there are still a few options available:
- Use of recovery software: Tools like DiskDigger and the 4DDiG are effective in recovering permanently deleted photos from devices such as memory cards, hard drives or the internal memory of your phone. These software scan the device for traces of the deleted files and can recover them in various formats such as PNG, JPG and JPEG.
- Check external backups: If you have set up automatic backups to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox, your photos may be stored in one of these locations. Additionally, external storage devices, such as hard drives and USB flash drives, are also great options for keeping your photos safe.
- Google Account: Sometimes photos may be in another Google account. Make sure to check any accounts that may have been used to store the photos.
What to do when the photo is not in the Trash?
If your photos aren't in the Google Photos Recycle Bin, or if it's been more than 60 days since you deleted them, it's possible that the images have been permanently removed. In this case, you can try the following methods:
- DiskDigger: This free Android app can be used to scan your device's memory and recover deleted photos. It is ideal for those who do not have a backup.
- EaseUS MobiSaver: Available for both Android and iOS, this software allows you to recover deleted files quickly and easily.
- Dumpster: This app acts as a “recycle bin” for your phone, automatically storing deleted photos, allowing them to be easily restored.
Backup and prevention: The best strategy
The best way to avoid permanent photo loss is to make sure automatic backups are always turned on.
Google Photos offers a free backup service where your photos are automatically saved to the cloud, which makes the recovery process much easier if the photos are accidentally deleted.
Additionally, it is recommended to have a external backup additional, whether in services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or even on an external HD.
Having your photos stored in multiple locations reduces the chances of losing your files permanently.
Step by Step Summary: How to Recover Deleted Photos from Google Photos
- Open the Google Photos app or visit the website in your browser.
- Go to the menu and select “Recycle Bin”.
- Find the photos you want to recover.
- Select the photos and click Restore.
- If the photos have been permanently deleted, use recovery software like DiskDigger or check external backups.
Frequently Asked Questions about Recovering Deleted Photos from Google Photos
- Can I recover deleted photos after 60 days? Unfortunately, photos deleted from Google Photos are permanently removed after 60 days. If the photos were not backed up, it is unlikely that they can be recovered.
- Is there any software that recovers deleted photos from the cloud? Most data recovery software is not effective for photos stored in the cloud, but it is useful for physical devices like hard drives and memory cards.
- Is it safe to use third-party apps for recovery? While there are good apps on the market, it is always important to choose reliable tools as some software can pose security or privacy risks.