Start in Google Photos.
If you deleted the photo in Google Photos, look in its trash first. You can restore photos and videos while they are still there.
Open Trash
In Google Photos, tap Collections → Trash.
Select your photo
Touch and hold the photo or video you want back. Select any other items you also want to restore.
Restore it
Tap Restore to return the selected items to your library.
Check the remaining time.
Google’s current policy keeps trashed items for 30 days. Emptying Trash or permanently deleting an item ends that recovery window sooner.
Used a different gallery?
Open the app you used to delete the photo and look for Trash, Bin or Recycle bin. Availability and retention depend on the app and phone.
In Samsung Gallery, open the menu, then Recycle bin. Tap Edit, select the items and choose Restore. Labels can vary by software version.
If you used Files by Google, check its Trash rather than assuming the item will appear in Google Photos.
Deleted with Swipewipe?
On Android, Swipewipe permanently removes local files after you confirm. It does not send them to the gallery’s trash, and Swipewipe cannot restore a permanently deleted file.
Look for a backup made before deletion.
If the photo was already backed up to Google Photos, check that account’s library for the saved copy. Removing the local file with Swipewipe does not delete that existing cloud copy.
If you only swiped left and have not confirmed, use the review screen to keep the photo before finishing the cleanup.
See how swiping worksNot in Trash? Look for another copy.
A missing local photo may still be in your Google Photos library if you used Free up space on this device. Check the account where you backed it up.
- Check other places you saved it
- Look in computer folders, external drives or a backup service you used before the deletion.
- Check what you shared
- A conversation or someone you sent the photo to may still have a copy.
- Keep expectations clear
- Recovery requires an item still in a trash folder or a retained copy elsewhere. There is no guaranteed recovery once all copies have been permanently deleted.
Questions & answers
A few things worth knowing
Are all Android trash folders the same?
No. Google Photos, Files by Google and manufacturer galleries have their own behavior. Check the app used for deletion and any deadline it displays.
Do I need Swipewipe to recover a photo?
No. Restore from the app’s trash or find a separate backup. Swipewipe is for sorting photos and cannot recover permanently deleted files.
How can I avoid losing a favorite next time?
Keep a separate backup, confirm it is saved and review every cleanup before deletion. On Android, a confirmed Swipewipe deletion has no local trash recovery.