Google Photos Trash: How to recover data within 60 days
The recycle bin keeps everything you delete for 60 days, and many people don't even know it exists.
Where is the trash can?
Open Google Photos and tap Library in the bottom bar. The Trash option will appear along with your device's albums and folders. Once inside, you'll see everything that has been deleted in the last 60 days, with each item showing the number of days remaining.
The list is in order of deletion, from most recent to oldest. If you deleted a lot at once, scroll until you find the correct period.
How to restore step by step
Hold your finger on the first image you want to restore. The app will enter selection mode, and then simply tap on the others. With everything selected, tap Restore at the bottom.
The photos are returned to the gallery in their original album, with the original date and quality in which they were saved. There is no recompression or loss of resolution.
If the trash can appears empty
The most common reason is the wrong account. Many phones have more than one Google email address configured, and the trash you're seeing might belong to a different account. Tap the profile picture in the upper corner to check.
Another reason is that backups have never been enabled. Without synchronization, the application doesn't take control of deletions, and the recycle bin becomes unusable.
1. Google Photos
It includes a 60-day recycle bin, automatic backup, and search by date and location. It's the fastest way to retrieve files when deletion is recent.
Why it's worth it:
- 60-day recycle bin for everything you delete
- Automatic backup as soon as Wi-Fi connects
- Search by date, place, and even by what appears in the photo
2. Gallery
It organizes the device's albums and shows folders that the standard gallery sometimes hides. It helps to find images that have disappeared from view but are still saved.
Why it's worth it:
- Shows the folders that other applications create
- Organizes the albums on the device itself
- It works offline, directly from memory
3. Dumpster
Create your own recycle bin on your phone and retain what you delete for the period you choose. It serves as a second chance after the 60 days have passed.
Why it's worth it:
- Save what you accidentally delete
- Restores with one touch, no extra steps required
- No root access is required for it to work
How to do it by computer
Those who prefer a large screen can achieve the same result through a browser, and sometimes the selection process is faster because you can use the mouse.
- Open the Google Photos website and sign in with the same account you use on your phone.
- Click on the side menu and select Trash Can.
- Hover your mouse over each image and check the circle in the corner.
- Click on Restore in the upper right corner of the screen.
The photos are returned to the library and, within a few minutes, reappear on the phone as well, provided synchronization is turned on.
Where else to look before giving up?
If the trash can didn't solve the problem, it's worth checking these places before resorting to a recovery app.
- Folder Archive: the photo may have been archived unintentionally and disappeared from the timeline.
- Folders from other apps, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram.
- Albums from the manufacturer themselves, who sometimes keep separate copies.
- Keyword search: type something that appears in the image, such as beach or dog.
- Incorrect date: if the device's time was incorrect, the photo ended up at a different point in the timeline.
How to avoid losing photos again
- Keep backup and synchronization always enabled.
- Check from time to time to make sure you're in the correct account.
- Use a secondary cloud service for what is irreplaceable.
- Copy what's important to a computer or external hard drive.
- Install an extra trash can on your phone as a safety net.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does restoring consume internet data?
If the photo is only in the cloud, yes, the app needs to download it again. If it's still on the device, it doesn't cost anything.
Does the trash can take up space on your phone?
It occupies the space while the items are there. Upon restoration or after 60 days, the space is returned.
Is it possible to recover video as well?
Yes, the trash can stores videos for the same period as photos.
I restored it, but it didn't show up in the gallery. What now?
Close and reopen the gallery, or wait a few minutes. The device takes some time to reread the folder.
Can I recover photos from an old account?
Yes, but you need to log in with that account on the app. Each account has its own trash bin.