Google Photos is a popular cloud-based photo storage and sharing service that allows users to store and access their photos from multiple devices. However, accidents can happen and you may find yourself in a situation where you have permanently deleted files from your Google Photos account. The good news is that there are ways to recover these deleted files, and in this blog post, we will explore different methods you can use to recover your permanently deleted files from Google Photos.
Recovering permanently deleted files can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can increase your chances of successful recovery. It’s important to note that these methods may not guarantee a 100% recovery rate, as it depends on various factors such as the time elapsed since the files were deleted, the storage capacity of your Google Photos account, and the overall condition of your account. Nevertheless, it is always worth a try to recover your precious memories.
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The Challenge of Recovering Permanently Deleted Files from Google Photos
When you delete a file from your Google Photos account, it is moved to the trash or bin, where it stays for 60 days. During this period, you can easily recover the deleted files by restoring them from the trash. However, once the 60-day period is over, the files are permanently deleted and cannot be restored from within the Google Photos interface.
Google Photos does not provide a straightforward option to recover permanently deleted files. This presents a challenge for users who have accidentally deleted their files or files that were deleted beyond the 60-day grace period. Fortunately, there are several methods that can help you recover your permanently deleted files from Google Photos, and we will discuss them in the following sections.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving into the methods of recovering permanently deleted files from Google Photos, there are a few things you should prepare to maximize your chances of success:
- A reliable internet connection: Having a stable and fast internet connection is crucial for a smooth recovery process.
- Your Google account login credentials: You will need to log in to your Google account to access your Google Photos and initiate the recovery process.
- A computer or mobile device: You will need a computer or mobile device to access your Google Photos account and perform the necessary steps for recovery.
- Patience and perseverance: Recovering permanently deleted files can take time and may require multiple attempts. It’s important to stay patient and persevere in your recovery efforts.
Method 1: Using the Google Photos Trash
The first method we will explore is using the Google Photos trash or bin. As mentioned earlier, files in the trash are recoverable within 60 days of deletion. Here’s how you can use the Google Photos trash to recover your permanently deleted files:
- Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device and go to the Google Photos website.
- Log in to your Google account using your credentials.
- In the left sidebar, click on "Trash" to access the trash or bin.
- Browse through the files in the trash to locate the deleted files you want to recover.
- Select the files you want to recover by clicking on the checkbox next to each file.
- Click on the "Restore" button to move the selected files back to your Google Photos library.
Pros:
- Simple and easy-to-use method.
- Can recover files within the 60-day grace period.
- No need for any third-party tools or software.
Cons:
- Files permanently deleted beyond the 60-day period cannot be recovered using this method.
- If the trash is emptied, files are permanently deleted without the possibility of recovery.
- May not be effective for recovering large numbers of files or files deleted a long time ago.
Method 2: Using a Professional Data Recovery Tool
If the files you want to recover have been permanently deleted beyond the 60-day grace period or if the Google Photos trash does not contain the files you need, you can consider using a professional data recovery tool. These tools are specifically designed to recover deleted or lost files from various storage devices and can help in recovering permanently deleted files from Google Photos. Here’s how you can use a professional data recovery tool to recover your files:
- Download and install a reliable data recovery tool on your computer. There are several options available, such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Wondershare Recoverit, and Stellar Photo Recovery.
- Launch the data recovery tool and select the storage device where your Google Photos files were originally located. This could be your computer’s hard drive or an external storage device.
- Start the scanning process. The data recovery tool will scan the selected storage device for deleted or lost files, including the permanently deleted files from Google Photos.
- Once the scanning process is complete, you will be presented with a list of recoverable files. Browse through the list and select the files you want to recover.
- Click on the "Recover" button to initiate the recovery process. Choose a location on your computer or an external storage device to save the recovered files.
Pros:
- Can recover permanently deleted files beyond the 60-day grace period.
- Professional data recovery tools have advanced scanning algorithms that can detect and recover a wide range of file types.
- Provides a higher chance of successful recovery compared to other methods.
Cons:
- Requires the installation and use of third-party software, which may not be free.
- Recovery success depends on the condition of the storage device and the extent of data fragmentation.
- May take a longer time to complete the recovery process compared to other methods.
Method 3: Via Google Drive Backup
If you have enabled the Google Photos backup feature within the Google Photos app on your mobile device, there is a chance that your deleted files are backed up on Google Drive. Here’s how you can check for and recover your permanently deleted files using Google Drive:
- Open a web browser on your computer and go to the Google Drive website.
- Log in to your Google account using your credentials.
- In the left sidebar, click on "Backups" to access the list of backed up files.
- Browse through the list of backups to locate the deleted files you want to recover.
- Select the files you want to recover by clicking on the checkbox next to each file.
- Click on the "Restore" button to move the selected files back to your Google Drive storage.
Pros:
- Can recover files backed up on Google Drive, even if they have been permanently deleted from Google Photos.
- Provides an additional layer of backup and recovery options for your files.
- Can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
Cons:
- Only applicable if you have previously enabled the Google Photos backup feature on your mobile device.
- Recovery success depends on the availability and completeness of the backups on Google Drive.
- May not be effective for recovering large numbers of files or files deleted a long time ago.
Method 4: Using a Google Photos Alternative
If the methods mentioned above do not yield satisfactory results, you can consider using a Google Photos alternative to recover your permanently deleted files. There are several cloud-based photo storage and sharing services available, such as Dropbox, OneDrive, and iCloud, that offer similar features to Google Photos. Here’s how you can use a Google Photos alternative to recover your files:
- Choose a Google Photos alternative that suits your needs and preferences.
- Create an account with the chosen service and set up the necessary configurations.
- Upload your photos to the alternative service and ensure they are securely stored.
- If you have previously backed up your photos to the alternative service, you can simply access and download the deleted files from there.
- If you have not backed up your photos, you may need to explore the recovery options provided by the alternative service.
Pros:
- Provides an alternative storage and recovery option for your photos.
- Allows you to diversify your backup strategy and reduce reliance on a single service.
- May offer additional features and benefits compared to Google Photos.
Cons:
- Requires the setup and use of a different service, which may require additional time and effort.
- May incur additional costs if the alternative service has paid plans or storage limits.
- Recovery success depends on the availability and effectiveness of the recovery options provided by the alternative service.
Why Can’t I Recover Permanently Deleted Files from Google Photos
There could be several reasons why you are unable to recover permanently deleted files from Google Photos. Here are a few common reasons and potential fixes:
Reason 1: The files were permanently deleted beyond the 60-day grace period.
Fix: Unfortunately, once the 60-day period is over, Google Photos permanently deletes the files, and they cannot be recovered within the Google Photos interface. In such cases, you can try using a professional data recovery tool or search for backups on Google Drive.
Reason 2: The files were not backed up on Google Drive.
Fix: If you have not enabled the Google Photos backup feature on your mobile device or if the backups are incomplete or unavailable on Google Drive, you may need to explore other recovery options such as data recovery tools or Google Photos alternatives.
Reason 3: The files may be overwritten or fragmented within the storage device.
Fix: When files are deleted or lost, they are not immediately removed from the storage device. However, as new data is added, the deleted files may become overwritten or fragmented, making recovery more difficult. It is important to stop using the storage device as soon as possible to minimize the risk of file overwriting or fragmentation.
Reason 4: There may be technical issues with the Google Photos service.
Fix: In rare cases, there could be technical issues with the Google Photos service that prevent the successful recovery of permanently deleted files. In such cases, it is recommended to reach out to Google support for assistance.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you in your quest to recover permanently deleted files from Google Photos:
- Regularly back up your Google Photos files to an external storage device or an alternative cloud-based service to ensure you have multiple recovery options.
- Be cautious when using third-party data recovery tools and always choose reliable and reputable software from trusted sources.
- Consider using a file recovery service or consulting with professional data recovery experts if the files you need to recover are of utmost importance and value.
5 FAQs about Recovering Permanently Deleted Files from Google Photos
Q1: Can I recover permanently deleted files from Google Photos after the 60-day grace period?
A1: No, once the 60-day grace period is over, Google Photos permanently deletes the files, and they cannot be recovered within the Google Photos interface. However, you can try using professional data recovery tools or search for backups on Google Drive.
Q2: Are there any free data recovery tools available for recovering permanently deleted files from Google Photos?
A2: Yes, there are some free data recovery tools available that offer limited functionality for recovering deleted files. However, for more advanced features and a higher chance of successful recovery, it is recommended to use paid data recovery tools.
Q3: Can I recover permanently deleted files from Google Photos if I don’t have a backup?
A3: It may be challenging to recover permanently deleted files from Google Photos without a backup. However, you can try using professional data recovery tools or explore alternative recovery options such as Google Photos alternatives.
Q4: How long does it take to recover permanently deleted files from Google Photos using a data recovery tool?
A4: The time to recover permanently deleted files using a data recovery tool can vary depending on factors such as the size of the storage device, the number of files being recovered, and the overall condition of the device. It may take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to complete the recovery process.
Q5: Is it possible to recover permanently deleted files from Google Photos if I have already emptied the trash?
A5: No, if you have emptied the Google Photos trash, the files are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered within the Google Photos interface. In such cases, you can try using professional data recovery tools or search for backups on Google Drive.
In Conclusion
Accidentally deleting files from Google Photos can be a frustrating experience, but with the right methods and tools, you can increase your chances of successful recovery. In this blog post, we explored different methods you can use to recover permanently deleted files from Google Photos. From using the Google Photos trash and professional data recovery tools to exploring Google Drive backups and alternative services, there are multiple avenues to explore in your recovery journey. Remember to prepare the necessary resources and be patient and persistent in your recovery efforts. While there are no guarantees of 100% recovery, it is always worth a try to recover your precious memories.