Google Warns: Deleting Photos in Google Photos Can Have Different Results Depending on Your Device
A small mistake could lead to permanent data loss
Google has issued a renewed warning to users about how deleting photos and videos in Google Photos actually works — a process that often causes confusion. According to Google, the result of deleting an image can vary depending on the device you’re using and whether backup and sync are enabled at the time, which could unintentionally lead to the permanent loss of important memories.
When backup is turned off, deleting a photo from the Google Photos app is treated as a request to remove the file only from the device. However, users should be cautious: in many cases, the photo disappears immediately. Some newer devices and operating systems include a local trash or recycle bin, which may temporarily retain the file before permanent deletion, but this is not guaranteed across all devices.
The situation becomes more critical when backup is enabled. In this case, tapping the trash icon in Google Photos acts as a “delete everywhere” command. The photo is removed simultaneously from the device’s local storage and from cloud storage. This is where many users make mistakes, assuming the image will remain on their phone even after deletion — which is not the case.
Google also highlights a safer option that many users overlook: “Delete from device.” This option, found in the additional menu, removes the photo only from the phone while keeping the backed-up original safely stored in the cloud. For users trying to free up storage without losing files permanently, this is the most reliable method.
Another key point involves deleting photos via the Google Photos website. When a user deletes an image from the web interface, only the cloud copy is removed. The local file on the device remains untouched unless the user manually deletes it later. However, if syncing is enabled, the photo may disappear from the app’s gallery view even though the actual file still exists on the device.
Google ends its reminder with an important note about data recovery. Tools like Google Takeout are designed for exporting data elsewhere, not for restoring photos that have already been deleted from the trash. Once the trash is emptied, recovery is no longer possible.
The takeaway is clear: always double-check your backup and sync settings before deleting anything. A single tap can make the difference between freeing up space and losing irreplaceable memories forever.
Source: 9to5google
