Recover photos from Google Photos

Did you delete photos from Google Photos? The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovery.

First place: the trash can

In Google Photos, what you delete goes to the trash. Backed-up photos stay there for 60 days; unbacked photos, for 30 days. To restore, open the app, tap Library > Trash, select the photos, and tap Restore.

Also check the Archive folder: archived photos disappear from the main screen, but they haven't been deleted.

If the trash can has already been emptied

Without a backup, the photo may still be in the phone's memory until it's overwritten by new files. Apps like DiskDigger search this memory. The less you use your phone until then, the greater the chance of a backup.

So as not to lose again

Leave Google Photos backup turned on and check if it's syncing. On Android, a trash app like Dumpster keeps a copy of what you delete.

How long does a photo stay in the trash can?

60 days if there was a backup and 30 days if there wasn't.

Do I need to pay for any app?

No. The Google Photos trash can is free, and the apps mentioned have free versions.

What if I deleted it more than 60 days ago?

The only remaining option is to search the phone's memory, which works best the sooner it's done.