To remove photos from Google Photos without deleting them from your phone, you need to understand that there is no single button that performs this action for already-backed-up items. Instead, the two safe, documented workarounds are to either archive the photo to hide it from the main library view or stop backing up the device folder to prevent future photos from syncing.
The truth about removing photos from Google photos without deleting them
Google Photos does not provide a direct "remove from Google Photos but keep on phone" action for photos that have already been backed up. If you delete a backed-up photo from the Google Photos app, it will also be removed from your phone. The two official methods to keep a local copy while removing it from the cloud library are based on your goal: if you want to declutter the main view, use Archive; if you want to stop future photos from syncing, disable backup for that device folder.
Method 1: Use Archive to hide photos from the main library view
Archiving is the best option when you want to keep a photo on your phone and still have it accessible in albums and search results, but no longer want it cluttering the main Photos feed. This works on both Android and iPhone/iPad.
On Android
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Select the photo or video you want to hide.
- Tap the three-dot menu (More) in the top-right corner.
- Choose Archive.
On iPhone and iPad
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Choose Archive.
The photo will disappear from the main library view but remains on your device, in any albums it was added to, and in search results. This is ideal for managing and transferring photos without losing the originals.
Method 2: Stop backing up a device folder to prevent future syncs
If you want to prevent an entire folder of photos from ever appearing in Google Photos, you can turn off backup for that specific device folder. This method is available on Android devices and tablets. Third-party apps for local storage management include Solid Explorer, Gallery Doctor, and Files by Google.
On Android
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap your profile photo or initial at the top of the screen.
- Tap Photos settings.
- Tap Backup.
- Tap Back up device folders.
- Turn off the switch next to any folder you do not want backed up.
When you turn off backup for a folder, new photos added to that folder will not sync to Google Photos. You can also turn the global Back up all device folders setting on or off; when it is on, photos in new device folders automatically back up. This is a key feature for anyone looking for the 9 best file upload apps for iOS you need now, as it gives you folder-level control over what gets uploaded.
How to unarchive photos and manage your archive
Archived photos are not deleted; they are simply moved to a separate section. To find and restore them:
On Android
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap Collections at the bottom.
- Tap Archive.
- Select the photo you want to restore.
- Tap More (three dots).
- Tap Unarchive.
On iPhone and iPad, the same process applies: archived items are still available in albums, search results, and device folders. Note that archived photos still count toward your Google Account storage quota, so archiving does not free up cloud space.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I delete a photo from the Google Photos app, will it delete from my phone?
Yes, if the photo has been backed up, deleting it from the Google Photos app will also remove it from your phone's local storage. This is why archiving or stopping folder backup are the recommended methods.
Do archived photos take up storage space in Google Photos?
Yes, archived photos still occupy space in your Google Photos cloud storage. Archiving only hides the photo from the main library view; it does not delete the cloud copy.
What is the difference between archiving and stopping backup?
Archiving hides already-backed-up photos from the main feed while keeping them on your device and in albums. Stopping backup prevents future photos in a specific device folder from being uploaded to Google Photos at all.
Can I use this method on an iPhone or iPad?
Yes, the Archive feature works on iPhone and iPad exactly as it does on Android. However, the option to stop backing up a device folder is currently only available on Android devices and tablets.
Will unarchiving a photo restore it to the main library?
Yes, unarchiving a photo moves it back to the main Photos view. It will reappear in the main feed and remain on your device.
Related reading: How To Delete All My Photos From Google Photos On My Google Phone.
