To recover trash on your Android phone, open the Google Photos app and tap Collections then Trash, or tap Library then Trash. From there, touch and hold the photo or video you want and tap Restore at the bottom.
How to recover trash on your Android phone
- Open the Google Photos app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Sign in to your Google Account if needed.
- Tap Collections then Trash, or tap Library then Trash.
- Touch and hold the photo or video you want to restore.
- Tap Restore at the bottom.
Where is the trash folder on Android?
The main trash folder for photos and videos on Android is inside the Google Photos app, not a universal system folder. It is accessible through Google Photos > Collections > Trash or Library > Trash. Items stay in Trash for 30 days before permanent deletion, but Google One help specifies that backed-up items stay for 60 days, while items that were not backed up stay for 30 days. Many Android devices also include a built-in trash or recycle bin feature within their File Manager app, which temporarily holds deleted files like documents and downloads before permanent removal. Keep the Trash or Recycle Bin clean to prevent accidental permanent deletions.
What happens after you tap 'Restore'
After you tap Restore, the photo or video returns to the Google Photos library and the albums it was originally in. It also reappears in your phone’s default gallery app.
What to do if the item isn't in Google Photos trash
If the item is not in Google Photos Trash, it has likely been permanently deleted. Immediately stop using the phone to prevent data overwrite. As a last resort, check other cloud backup apps like Google Drive or Dropbox, which may have sync folders containing copies of your files. You can also try utilizing a third-party app like DiskDigger, Dumpster, or Dr.Fone to scan for recoverable data, though no universal recovery path exists across all devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover trash on my Android phone after 30 days?
No. Photos and videos are permanently deleted from Google Photos Trash after 30 days (or 60 days for backed-up items). Once that time passes, they cannot be recovered.
How do I retrieve deleted messages in phone memory?
Google Photos Trash only recovers photos and videos. To retrieve deleted messages in phone memory, you would need to check your messaging app’s own trash or backup settings, as Android does not have a universal trash folder for text messages.
How can I recover permanently deleted photos from Android phone?
If a photo has been permanently deleted from Google Photos Trash, Google states it cannot be restored. No official method exists for recovering permanently deleted photos from an Android phone.
Can I retrieve deleted text messages on Android?
Recovering deleted text messages depends on your messaging app. Some apps have a trash folder, and some carriers offer backup services, but Android does not provide a universal recovery method for SMS.
What does 'permanently deleted' mean?
Permanently deleted means the item has been removed from the Trash folder and is no longer recoverable through Google Photos or any official Android method. The data is considered gone.
Can I recover files from the trash on my Android phone after emptying it?
No, once you empty the trash, deleted files are permanently removed.
