How to Recover Deleted Photos from Google Photos: 7 Quick & Easy Fixes (2025 Guide)

It’s distressing when you lose pictures—especially ones packed with special moments. Fortunately, when you deleted a Google Photos image, you still have a decent chance recovering it, even when it seems lost forever. This guide will show you how to recover deleted photos from Google Photos.

In this complete 2025 guide, you’ll see step-by-step how to restore deleted Google Photos, including the Trash folder, Google Takeout, and even reaching out to support. No matter if you deleted it yesterday or months ago, this guide’s got your back.

Let’s get going.

Understanding Google Photos’ Trash Folder

What Happens When You Delete a Photo from Google Photos

Whenever you remove an image or video from Google Photos, it doesn’t get deleted right away. Instead, it is transferred into the Trash (or Bin) folder, where it remains temporarily.

You cannot see these deleted photos in your albums or synced devices but are still recoverable, if you act fast.

How Long Do Photos Stay in the Trash Folder

Photos, videos, and other attachments are kept in the Trash and deleted after 60 days.

By following these methods, you will understand how to recover deleted photos from Google Photos effectively.

⏳ It becomes increasingly difficult to restore after 60 days if you do not maintain backups in other locations or use sophisticated measures (explained later).

Recovering Recently Deleted Photos (Within 60 Days)

Step-by-step Instructions to Restore Images from Trash

If it has been less than 60 days, do the following:

On Mobile:

Open the Google Photos app.
Tap Library > Trash.
Long-press to select the photo(s).
Tap Restore (top-right corner).

On Desktop:

Go to Google Photos.
Click Menu, then Trash.
Select what you’d like to restore.
Click Restore.

🟢 Pro Tip: The restored photos go into your original photo library and albums.

Using Google Photos Mobile App vs Desktop

Overall, the mobile app will be simpler to use when you use it sparingly, but the PC version has more control when dealing with multiple documents.

What to do if Photos are Permanently Deleted

Can You Recover Photos After 60 Days?

After 60 days, photos are automatically purged from Trash. However, there’s still hope:

Google could keep a backup for some time on their servers (not guaranteed)..
You can reach Google Support for a one-time recovery..

Reaching Out to Google Support

You can request recovery through:

Google Photos Help.
Go to Help > Contact Us > “Missing photos”.

Tips:

Include the exact date range.
Share the device name and Google account used.
Be polite and persistent.

Third-Party Tools: Are They Safe and Effective?

Numerous tools purport to retrieve deleted photos, but few are trustworthy, and some put your private data at risk. Use only tools developed by reputable firms (e.g., DiskDigger, Dr.Fone) and steer clear of apps demanding undue permissions.

Employing Google Account Activity to Recover Erased Photos

Monitor Activity Logs for Deletion Items

Go to your Google Account Activity and search for actions related to Google Photos. You may identify deletion timestamps, which help with recovery requests.

Restore with Google Takeout (If Backups Are Available)

If you previously exported your Google data:

Visit Google Takeout.
Select Google Photos.
Download the archive and browse for lost images.

This method works well for users who created regular backups.

Recovering Photos Synced from Other Devices

iPhone, Android, and Cloud Sync Options

Some phones automatically sync with other services like:

iCloud (for iPhones)
Samsung Cloud
OneDrive
Dropbox

Check these services for any images that might’ve been synced before deletion.

Exploring Backup Folders in Device Storage

Use file manager apps to scan hidden folders like:

DCIM
Pictures
WhatsApp/Media

Photos may still be cached in these directories if cloud sync was active.

Using Google Takeout to Recover Photo Backups

How to Download Your Data from Google Takeout

Visit Google Takeout.
Choose Google Photos only.
Select a date range (if needed).
Export and download.

You’ll receive a zip file containing your photo archive.

Sorting and Finding Deleted Photos in the Archive

Unpack the zip you downloaded and look in folders with dates, album, or source app (e.g., Instagram, WhatsApp). The pictures might be saved other places than the Photos app, so take a look around.

Contacting Google Support for Photo Recovery

When and How to Request Google Support Assistance

You should contact support if:

You accidentally deleted an entire album.
Your photos vanished without deletion.
A sync issue led to missing images.

Visit the Google Photos Help page and choose “Missing Photos” for the fastest resolution.

Tips For Making Your Request For Recovery More Likely To Succeed

Reach out within a few days of loss.
Use the same device/account used during deletion.
Be clear and provide evidence, if possible.

Preventing Future Photo Loss

Enable Auto-Backup in Google Photos

Make sure auto-backup is turned on:

Go to Photos app > Settings > Backup & Sync
Turn on the toggle and verify account

Use Multiple Cloud Storage Backups

Don’t rely solely on Google Photos. Use:

iCloud (for iOS users)
Amazon Photos
Dropbox or OneDrive

Create regular local backups as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Am I able to restore permanently deleted images from Google Photos?

Yes, but only through contacting Google Support or backup procedures such as Google Takeout.

How long do photos stay in the Google Photos Trash?

They remain in the Trash 60 days before they are deleted forever.

Can I recover photos without a backup?

Perhaps, if they’re still in Trash or cached on another device.

Is Google Takeout free to use?

Yes, Google Takeout is a free service for downloading your data.

Are third-party photo recovery programs secure?

Some are, but they are risky. Always check out the reviews and use only trusted sites.

Why did my Google Photos disappear without deleting them?

It might be because of syncing issues, account switching, or app errors. Check into account activity and contact support.

Conclusion

It’s Knowing how to recover deleted photos from Google Photos can save your digital memories. Whether it’s through the Trash folder, Google Takeout, or customer support, you have several powerful recovery options—but acting quickly is key.

To avoid future loss, enable backups, use multiple storage solutions, and familiarize yourself with Google’s recovery tools. Your memories are worth protecting.