Google Photos is a great way to safely store your digital memories. However, if you’re someone who stores all their photos on Google Drive as well, it could lead to some serious storage overload. If you’re facing any storage concerns or you want to remove some particular photos, then deleting Google photos from Google Drive is a good option.
This article will guide you through the methods that can be used to remove all Google photos from Google Drive.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
In these methods, all you need is a Google account with photos on Google Drive.
What Requires Your Focus?
Deleting all Google photos could be a time-consuming and irreversible process. Before going for this action, make sure you have double-checked this decision- Pro tip: You can also backup your Google photos on your desktop before deleting.
Different Methods to Delete All Google Photos from Google Drive
Method 1: Google Takeout
If you’re willing to download all your photos and backup them to your desktop, then this method is the easiest way to delete all Google Drive photos.
Steps:
1. Open the Google Takeout page on your device.
2. Choose the photos that you’d like to save or backup.
3. Uncheck all the other files and folders on the list so that your download contains only photos.
4. Hit the "Next" button that appears at the bottom of the page.
5. Pick your export size and file format.
6. Choose the option that specifies where you’d like your archive to be saved.
7. When you are finished configuring the settings, click the "Create Archive" button at the bottom of the page.
8. Open the Google Takeout link when your email arrives to download the archive to your desktop.
9. Delete all photos from Google Drive by selecting them or the folders they are in, right-clicking and then selecting "Move to Trash."
Pros:
-This method lets you backup your photos to your desktop.
– This method lets you get rid of the photos in a few minutes.
Cons:
– You would still be left with the backup of the Google photos on your desktop.
– This method requires a lot of steps.
Method 2: Google Drive
You might have uploaded Google photos to your Google Drive by syncing your desktop Google Drive application to your Google account. This method will guide you on how to remove photos from there.
Steps:
1. Open Google Drive on your device and sign in with your Google account.
2. Press "My Drive" on the left side.
3. Look for "Google Photos" in the page’s lower-left corner.
4. Right-click "Google Photos," select "Remove" and then "OK."
5. After syncing, all Google photos will be deleted from Google Drive.
Pros:
– This method is pretty convenient for those users who use Google’s sync feature.
Cons:
– Google Photos may not be the only media you have synced with Google Drive.
– It may be tricky to find/unrecognizable to some users.
Method 3: Google Photos and Google Drive
You may have synced your Google Drive account to your Google Photos, making it difficult to determine which image belongs to which account. This method demonstrates how to remove shared Google photos from Google Drive.
Steps:
1. In Google Drive, go to "Settings."
2. Navigate to "General."
3. Locate "Create a Google Photos Folder" option.
4. Uncheck the box next to it.
5. In Google Photos, go to "Settings."
6. Browse to "Google Drive."
7. Uncheck the box beside "Sync photos & Video from Google Drive."
8. Go to "Google Drive."
9. Select all the photos and right-click them.
10. Select "Move to Trash."
Pros:
– This method is pretty convenient for those users who use Google’s sync feature.
– This method is effective and eliminates any synced media with a few clicks.
Cons:
– You may lose any backups originating from Google Drive that you haven’t synced with Google Photos.
Why Can’t I Delete Google Photos from Google Drive?
1. Syncing Issue
A: With syncing enabled, everything you delete from Google Photos also deletes from Google Drive. However, this won’t work if the sync was only one-way. Turn off Google Photos syncing to eliminate Google photos from Google Drive.
2. Storage Space Issue
A: Google Photos and Google Drive share storage. So, if you’re running out of storage space, it may affect both platforms.
3. Multiple Devices
A: You have a copy of Google Photos on more than one device. As a result, you’ll have to delete the same photos from these devices as well.
Implications and Recommendations
Deleting Google photos from Google Drive is not an issue that should be taken lightly. This issue could have serious consequences. If you do delete, make sure that you’ve got all of your bases covered and that you know how to access your photos. Although deleting Google photos from Google Drive reduces the clutter and confusion you might face in the future, backups of your media are always necessary.
5 FAQs about Deleting Google Photos from Google Drive
Q1: If I delete a photo from Google Photos, will it also be deleted from Google Drive?
A: Yes, if syncing is enabled between Google Drive and Google Photos and vice versa. Check your settings.
Q2: Does deleting Google Photos from Google Drive delete them from all devices?
A: No, only the copy on Google Drive will be erased. If you have automatic backup enabled, the pictures will be on other devices.
Q3: Do I need to delete Google Photos from Google Drive frequently?
A: Suppose you have enough space and syncing turned off. In that case, you can keep the pictures in your Google Drive account for as long as you want.
Q4: Will deleting Google Photos from Google Drive free up space in my Google Account?
A: Yes, it should. However, if you have automatic backup turned on, additional space may not be available.
Q5: Will the photos in my Google Photos folder also be deleted if I delete all photos from Google Drive?
A: No, only the photos that were copied from Google Photos to Google Drive would be eliminated. The ones only available in Google Photos will remain intact.
In Conclusion
The process of deleting Google photos from Google Drive can be a bit of a headache, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can achieve it effortlessly. Always remember to backup your media and proceed with caution.