Restore photos from your phone's recycle bin
When a photo has disappeared recently, the trash can usually resolves the issue without installing anything.
First, look at what the phone already has
The pre-installed photo app almost always has a deleted items section. That's where images are stored before being permanently deleted.
Using this feature is safe because you don't need to download anything and it doesn't overwrite the photos you want to recover with new data.
Step-by-step instructions for restoring via the trash can
The process takes a minute or two and you can do everything from your cell phone.
See which account is connected. Many people have two Google accounts on their device and end up looking in the trash folder of the wrong account.
Each photo shows how many days are left. Those with backups are kept for up to 60 days; those without backups may only be kept for 30 days.
Holding down the first image activates the selection. You can restore multiple images at once.
The photos are returned to the album from which they came, with the original date and quality.
In many models, the gallery that comes with the phone saves deleted files for about 30 days.
It can also be done via computer
If your phone is freezing, the browser can restore it in just a few clicks.
Log in to the Google Photos website using the account you use on your phone, click on Trash in the left-hand menu, select the circle next to each photo, and click Restore. Then, wait for your phone to sync.
An empty trash can doesn't mean the end
Before embarking on a search through your memory, check out these places:
- The Archive folder, which hides photos that were archived by mistake.
- The folders for WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram.
- Searching Google Photos by typing in something that appears in the image.
- Other Google accounts that have been used on the device.
How to avoid losing photos again
- Leave the backup enabled at all times.
- Check the trash can before emptying it.
- Save your most important photos in a second cloud.
- Make regular backups on your computer or an external hard drive.
1. Google Photos
Google Play
It stores files in the trash for up to 60 days, automatically backs them up, and finds photos by date. It's the first thing people stop when they've recently been deleted.
You can also find images by location or content.
Download on Google Play
2. Files by Google
Google Play
Displays folders created by other applications, such as WhatsApp.
Useful for finding photos that disappeared from the gallery but are still on the device.
Download on Google Play
3. Dumpster
Google Play
Create an extra trash can on your phone, so that the next deletion can be undone.
It returns the file with one tap and works without root access.
Download on Google PlayFrequently Asked Questions
Does restoring consume mobile data?
Only when the photo is stored in the cloud. If it's still on the phone, no.
What is the deadline?
Photos with backups can be stored for up to 60 days. Photos without backups can be stored for only 30 days.
I have two accounts. What now?
Each account has a separate trash bin. Switch accounts in the app and check both.
Do you need internet?
No, if the photo is still on the device.
Can I restore multiple ones at once?
Yes. Press the first one to activate the selection and check the others.
