Getting rid of Google Photos can seem daunting, but it’s actually a pretty straightforward process. All you really need to do is delete your photos and videos from the app, and then remove the app itself from your device. After that, you’re all set!
Step by Step Tutorial to Get Rid of Google Photos
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly go over what these steps will do. Essentially, by following these instructions, you’ll be removing all your photos and videos from Google Photos and ensuring the app is no longer taking up space on your device.
Step 1: Delete Your Google Photos Content
To start, you’re going to need to delete all the photos and videos you have stored in Google Photos.
Once you’re in the app, you can select multiple photos by pressing and holding on one photo and then tapping on any others you wish to delete. After you’ve selected all the photos you want to remove, just hit the trash can icon, and bam, they’re gone!
Step 2: Uninstall the Google Photos App
With your photos and videos gone, it’s time to get rid of the app itself.
If you’re on an Android device, you can uninstall the app by holding down on the app icon and then dragging it to the ‘Uninstall’ option that appears. If you’re on an iPhone, you press and hold the app icon, then tap the ‘X’ that shows up. Once you’ve confirmed you want to delete the app, it’ll be removed from your device.
After you’ve completed these steps, all your photos and videos will be gone from Google Photos, and the app will no longer be taking up precious space on your phone or tablet.
Tips to Get Rid of Google Photos
- Before you delete anything, make sure you’ve backed up all the photos and videos you want to keep. You don’t want to lose any precious memories!
- If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to all your content, you can download all your Google Photos data before you delete it.
- Remember that deleting the Google Photos app doesn’t remove your photos and videos from Google’s servers. You have to delete them from within the app first.
- If you have a lot of content to delete, it might be quicker to do it from a computer rather than your mobile device.
- After you’ve uninstalled the app, double-check your device’s storage to make sure it’s actually freed up space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting Google Photos delete my photos from my phone?
Deleting Google Photos does not delete photos you have stored on your device outside of the app. It only deletes the photos and videos you have stored within the Google Photos app.
What happens to my photos if I uninstall Google Photos?
If you uninstall Google Photos without deleting your photos from within the app first, your photos will remain on Google’s servers. You can still access them through the Google Photos website or by reinstalling the app.
Can I recover photos after I’ve deleted them from Google Photos?
After you delete photos from Google Photos, they’re moved to the trash and kept there for 60 days before being permanently deleted. If you change your mind before then, you can recover them from the trash.
Do I need to delete my Google account to get rid of Google Photos?
No, you do not need to delete your Google account. You can simply delete the photos and videos from the Google Photos app and then uninstall the app from your device.
Will getting rid of Google Photos free up space on my device?
Yes, deleting the Google Photos app will free up space on your device. However, remember that deleting the app alone won’t do it—you need to delete your photos and videos within the app first.
Summary
- Delete your Google Photos content.
- Uninstall the Google Photos app from your device.
Conclusion
Deleting Google Photos and all the content it holds might sound like a huge task, but it’s actually pretty simple when you break it down into steps. Remember to back up any photos or videos you want to keep before you start deleting—you don’t want to accidentally lose something important. Once you’ve cleared out your content and uninstalled the app, you’ll enjoy a decluttered digital space and potentially some extra storage space on your device. It’s always good to take control of your digital footprint and understand where your data lives. If you’re looking to simplify your online accounts or just want to start fresh, getting rid of Google Photos is a great step in that direction.
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.