Sometimes you want to free up space on Google Photos, but you don’t want to lose those precious memories from your phone. Don’t worry, it’s possible and not too complicated. Here’s a quick overview: You’ll need to turn off the sync feature between your phone and Google Photos, then manually delete the photos from Google Photos. After that, they’ll still be safe and sound on your phone. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process.
Step by Step Tutorial to Delete Photos from Google Photos Without Deleting from Phone
Before we start deleting anything, it’s important to understand that following these steps will remove the photos only from Google Photos, and they will remain on your phone’s gallery.
Step 1: Turn off Google Photos sync
Turning off Google Photos sync will prevent any changes you make in Google Photos from affecting your phone’s gallery.
To turn off sync, you’ll need to go into the Google Photos app on your phone, tap on your profile icon, and then select "Photos settings". From there, go to "Back up & sync" and turn it off. This way, any changes you make in Google Photos won’t mess with your phone’s gallery.
Step 2: Delete photos from Google Photos
Now that sync is off, you can delete photos from Google Photos without affecting your phone’s gallery.
To delete photos, just open Google Photos, select the photos you want to remove, and hit the trash bin icon. Remember, since sync is off, these photos will only be removed from Google Photos, not your phone.
Once you have completed these steps, the photos you selected will no longer be in your Google Photos library, but they will still be available on your phone. If you ever want those photos back in Google Photos, you’ll need to re-upload them.
Tips for Deleting Photos from Google Photos Without Deleting from Phone
- Make sure you have a backup of your photos somewhere safe before you start deleting, just in case.
- If you change your mind and want to turn sync back on, remember to do it after you’ve finished deleting photos.
- Be aware that deleting photos from Google Photos when sync is on will also delete them from all devices connected to that account.
- If you’re deleting a lot of photos, take your time and double-check you haven’t selected any you want to keep.
- Keep in mind that any photos you delete will stay in the trash for 60 days before they’re permanently deleted, just in case you need to recover them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I turn sync back on after deleting the photos?
If you turn sync back on after deleting the photos, only new photos will be synced. The ones you deleted won’t magically reappear in Google Photos.
Will these steps work for both Android and iPhone?
Yes, these steps will work for both Android and iPhone as long as you have the Google Photos app installed.
Can I recover photos after I’ve deleted them from Google Photos?
Yes, deleted photos will stay in the trash for 60 days before they’re permanently deleted. You can recover them during that period.
Is there a way to select and delete multiple photos at once in Google Photos?
Yes, you can press and hold on one photo and then drag your finger to select multiple photos before hitting the trash bin icon.
What if I accidentally delete a photo from my phone’s gallery?
If you’ve backed up your photos to Google Photos before deleting, you can always re-download them to your phone.
Summary
- Turn off Google Photos sync
- Delete photos from Google Photos
Conclusion
And there you have it! Deleting photos from Google Photos without removing them from your phone is a pretty straightforward process. It’s all about understanding how syncing works and making sure you’ve turned it off before you start deleting. This way, you can manage your cloud storage without losing the local copies of your memories.
Just remember the key points: back up before you start, turn off sync, delete, and then turn sync back on if you wish. And, of course, relax knowing that your photos are still on your phone. With technology constantly evolving, it’s essential to stay informed and savvy about managing our digital lives. So, keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be a Google Photos pro in no time.
If you ever find yourself unsure or in need of a refresher on how to delete photos from Google Photos without deleting from phone, just come back to this guide. We’ve got you covered!
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.