Restore recently deleted photos & videos

You can restore recently deleted photos and videos that are still in your trash. Items that are permanently deleted can’t be restored.

Backed up photos and videos stay in your trash for 60 days. Photos and videos that weren’t backed up stay in your trash for 30 days. If you’re missing photos and videos, check your trash. Learn how to turn on backup.

Check your archive

If your missing item is archived, you can unarchive it so it shows in your Google Photos library.

Learn how to check your archive and unarchive items.

Check your trash

If your missing photo or video is in your trash, you may restore it.

If your missing photo or video isn't in your trash, it may be permanently deleted. Learn more about deleted photos and videos.

Restore photos & videos

Important: You can only restore photos and videos if they’re still in your trash.

  1. On your computer, go to photos.google.com/login.
  2. On the left, click Trash Delete.
  3. Place your cursor over the photo or video that you want to restore.
  4. Click Select Select.
    • If the photo or video isn’t in your trash, it may be permanently deleted.
  5. At the top right, click Restore and then Restore. Your photo or video will be back in:
    • Albums that it was in
    • Google Photos Account

Not all deleted photos & videos can be restored

Important: If you're inactive in Google Photos for 2 years or more, your content may be deleted. Learn about the Google Photos inactivity policy.

If a deleted photo or video isn't in trash, you can’t restore it. You won't be able to restore a photo or video if:

  • You moved it to trash more than 60 days ago.
  • You moved it to trash, then emptied your trash.
  • You permanently deleted it from your trash.
Your backup settings are important to how and when Google Photos backs up your items. To find and recover photos and videos in the future, turn on backup. Learn how to check your backup settings.

Still missing photos or videos?

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