Deleting photos from Google Drive might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have those unwanted pictures out of your Drive in no time!
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Delete Google Photos from Google Drive
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re doing here. By deleting photos from Google Drive, you’re freeing up space and removing clutter. Plus, don’t worry; these steps won’t delete the photos from your Google Photos app.
Step 1: Open Google Drive
First things first, head over to drive.google.com on your web browser.
Accessing Google Drive is the initial step because that’s where your photos are stored. Make sure you’re logged in to the account from which you want to delete the photos.
Step 2: Locate Your Google Photos Folder
Scroll down to or search for the ‘Google Photos’ folder in your Drive.
This folder is the bridge between Google Drive and Google Photos. Anything you delete here will also be removed from Google Photos.
Step 3: Select the Photos You Want to Delete
Click on the photos you want to get rid of. You can select multiple photos by holding down the ‘Ctrl’ key (Command key on Mac) while clicking.
Be careful to only select the photos you’re sure you want to delete, as this action can’t be undone.
Step 4: Right-Click and Select ‘Remove’
After selecting the photos, right-click and choose ‘Remove’ from the dropdown menu.
By clicking ‘Remove’, you’re sending these photos to the trash. They’ll stay there for 30 days before being permanently deleted, in case you change your mind.
Step 5: Empty the Trash (Optional)
Go to the Trash folder, right-click, and select ‘Empty trash’ for immediate deletion.
If you’re absolutely certain you don’t need these photos, emptying the trash will free up your Google Drive space right away.
After you complete these steps, the photos you selected will no longer clutter your Google Drive. Remember, you have 30 days to recover them from the trash if you deleted something by mistake.
Tips for Deleting Google Photos from Google Drive
- Make sure to double-check the photos before deletion to avoid any regrets.
- Remember that deleting photos from Google Drive will also remove them from Google Photos.
- Use the ‘Ctrl’ (‘Command’ on Mac) key to select multiple photos at once.
- Consider backing up essential photos elsewhere before deleting them.
- Regularly cleaning out your Google Drive can help keep your storage organized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I accidentally delete a photo?
If you delete a photo by mistake, you can recover it from the Trash within 30 days of deletion.
Will deleting photos from Google Drive delete them from my phone too?
No, it won’t delete them from your phone’s internal storage but will remove them from your Google Photos cloud storage.
How do I delete all my Google Photos at once?
You can select all photos in the Google Photos folder and delete them simultaneously. Be very cautious with this action.
Can I recover photos after emptying the trash?
Once you empty the trash, it’s not possible to recover the photos through Google Drive.
Is there a faster way to delete large numbers of photos?
Using the web version of Google Drive on a computer is usually faster than using the mobile app for bulk deletions.
Summary
- Open Google Drive.
- Locate the ‘Google Photos’ folder.
- Select the photos to delete.
- Right-click and select ‘Remove’.
- (Optional) Empty the trash.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the complete lowdown on how to delete Google Photos from Google Drive. It’s a simple process that can save you a lot of space and keep your digital life a little more organized. Just remember to double-check before you hit that ‘Remove’ button – once they’re gone, they’re gone for good unless you act swiftly to recover them from the Trash. And hey, if you’re feeling the digital decluttering bug, why not go a step further? Organize your files, clear out old documents, and give your Google Drive a fresh start. After all, a tidy Drive is a happy Drive!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.