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 iPhone or iPad, open the Google Photos app .
2. At the bottom, tap Collections Trash.
   • If the photo or video isn’t in your trash, it may be permanently deleted.
3. Touch and hold the photo or video you want to restore.
4. At the bottom, tap Restore. Your photo or video will be back in:
   • Albums that it was in
   • Google Photos library

Not all deleted photos & videos can be restored

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:

• The photo or video wasn’t backed up and:
  • You moved it to trash more than 30 days ago.
  • You permanently deleted it from your device’s gallery app.
• The photo or video was backed up and moved 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.

Restore photos & videos to your gallery app

On your iPhone or iPad, after you restore your photos and videos, you can also add them to your gallery app. To add photos and videos to your gallery app:

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Photos app .
2. Sign in to your Google Account.
3. Tap the photo that you want to add.
4. On your screen, swipe up.
5. Tap Download .

Still missing photos or videos?

• Check your backup settings
• Find items from other apps or devices
• How your Google storage works
• Find lost photos & videos