Restore recently deleted photos and videos

You can restore recently deleted photos and videos that are still in your bin. Items that are permanently deleted can't be restored.

Backed up photos and videos stay in your bin for 60 days. Photos and videos that weren't backed up stay in your bin for 30 days. If you're missing photos and videos, check your bin. Learn how to turn on backup.

Check your archive

If your missing item is archived, you can unarchive it so that it shows in your Google Photos library.

Learn how to check your archive and unarchive items.

Check your bin

If your missing photo or video is in your bin, you can restore it.

If your missing photo or video isn't in your bin, it may have been permanently deleted. Learn more about deleted photos and videos.

Restore photos and videos

Important: You can only restore photos and videos if they're still in your bin.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Photos app .
2. At the bottom, tap Library Bin .
   • If the photo or video isn't in your bin, it may have been permanently deleted.
3. Touch and hold the photo or video that you want to restore.
4. At the bottom, tap Restore. Your photo or video will be back in:
   • The albums that it was in
   • The Google Photos library

Not all deleted photos and videos can be restored

Important:

• If you're inactive in Google Photos for two years or more, your content may be deleted. Learn about the Google Photos inactivity policy.
• If you're over your storage limit for two years or more, your content may be deleted. Learn more about how your Google storage works.

If a deleted photo or video isn't in the bin, 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 the bin more than 30 days ago.
  • You've permanently deleted it from your device's gallery app.
• The photo or video was backed up and moved to the bin more than 60 days ago.
• You moved it to the bin, then emptied your bin
• You permanently deleted it from your bin

Your backup settings are important for defining 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 and 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