Accidentally deleted a photo that you didn’t mean to? Don’t panic! Recovering permanently deleted photos from Google Photos can be a simple process if you catch it in time. Here’s a brief overview of what you can do: check your trash, ask someone you shared it with, or use a recovery software if all else fails.
Step by Step Tutorial: Recovering Permanently Deleted Photos from Google Photos
Before we dive into the steps, it’s essential to understand that this process will help you restore photos that have been deleted within the last 60 days. After that period, recovery becomes much more difficult.
Step 1: Check your Google Photos Trash
When you delete a photo from Google Photos, it isn’t gone immediately. Instead, it’s moved to the Trash folder.
After deleting a photo, Google Photos keeps it in the Trash for 60 days before permanently removing it. To recover a photo, go to the Trash, select the photo, and tap on "Restore."
Step 2: Ask someone you’ve shared the photo with
If you’ve shared the photo with someone before deleting it, they might still have it.
Reach out to the person you shared the photo with and ask if they can send it back to you. It’s a long shot but worth trying if the photo isn’t in your Trash anymore.
Step 3: Use a recovery software
If you can’t find the photo in your Trash and no one you’ve shared it with has a copy, you might need to use a recovery software.
There are various recovery software options available, some free and some paid. They can scan your device for lost data and potentially recover your deleted photos.
After following these steps, you should be able to recover your deleted photos. However, remember that success is not guaranteed, especially if a significant amount of time has passed since the deletion.
Tips: Enhancing Your Recovery Success Rate
- Act quickly. The sooner you attempt to recover a deleted photo, the better your chances of success.
- Regularly back up your photos. Whether through Google Photos or another service, backups can save you from losing your memories.
- Check other devices. If you’ve had your Google Photos account synced across multiple devices, your photo might still exist on one of them.
- Maintain a clean Trash. Regularly check and empty your Trash to prevent accidental permanent deletions.
- Consider a professional service. If the photo is incredibly important and you can’t recover it, professional data recovery services might be able to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover photos that were deleted more than 60 days ago?
It is unlikely that you’ll be able to recover photos deleted over 60 days ago through Google Photos. However, you can try using a recovery software or professional service.
Do I need special software to recover deleted photos?
Not necessarily. Often, just checking your Google Photos Trash can be enough. But if the photo has been permanently deleted, recovery software might help.
Can I recover a photo if I deleted it from my device’s gallery and not Google Photos?
If the photo was backed up to Google Photos before being deleted from your device, you should be able to recover it from Google Photos.
Is there a way to prevent accidentally deleting important photos?
Yes, regularly backing up your photos and creating albums for important ones can help prevent accidental deletion. You can also "archive" photos in Google Photos to keep them safe.
Will recovery software work on both Android and iOS?
Yes, there are recovery software options available for both Android and iOS devices, but make sure to choose one that’s compatible with your device.
Summary
- Check your Google Photos Trash
- Ask someone you’ve shared the photo with
- Use a recovery software
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a complete guide on how to recover permanently deleted photos from Google Photos. While it’s not always a surefire thing, knowing these steps can certainly up your chances of getting those precious memories back. Just remember to act fast and double-check all possibilities; whether it’s your Trash folder or someone you might’ve shared the image with. And if all else fails, there’s a world of recovery software out there to lend a hand.
However, prevention is always better than cure. Take this experience as a learning curve and start getting into the habit of backing up your photos. You never know when you might need that safety net. Plus, with technology being unpredictable at times, having a backup can save you from a lot of grief and panic.
In the end, photos are more than just images – they’re snapshots of moments, emotions, and stories that we want to hold onto. So take care of them, back them up, and know that if you ever do slip up and delete one, there might just be a way to bring it back.
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.