How to Delete Photos from Google Photos Without Losing Them on Your Phone
Google Photos is a powerful platform that allows you to store, organize, and share your photos. However, sometimes you might find yourself needing to delete certain photos from the cloud without losing them on your phone. Here’s a guide on how to do it.
Steps to Delete Photos from Google Photos Without Losing Them on Your Phone
The process to delete photos from Google Photos while keeping them on your phone can be a bit tricky. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it:
Step 1: Open the Google Photos App
:n - Launch the Google Photos app on your device.
Step 2: Select the Desired Photos
:n - Go to the Photos tab to view all your images.
:n - Tap and hold on a photo to start selecting multiple photos. You can then select more by tapping on them.
Step 3: Select All Photos (if applicable)
:n - If you want to select all photos, you may need to do this in batches. As of now, there isn’t a direct way to select all photos from the web browser interface.
:n - Use the Shift key to select photos in a range if you have many photos to delete. Click on the first photo, hold the Shift key, and click on the last photo to select all in between.
Step 4: Delete from Google Photos
:n - After selecting your photos, click the Trash icon or tap the three dots for more options. Confirm that you want to delete them.
Important Notes
Check Backup Settings
:n - Ensure that your photos are backed up to your phone’s local storage and not just in Google Photos. You can check this by going to the Settings in Google Photos and ensuring the backup option is configured correctly.
Deleting vs. Removing
:n - When you delete photos from Google Photos, they will also be removed from any synced devices. To keep them on your phone, ensure they are downloaded and stored locally.
Empty Trash
:n - Deleted photos go to the Trash and remain there for 60 days before being permanently deleted. To free up space immediately, go to the Trash and empty it.
Alternative Method: Download and Delete
If you need to delete certain photos from Google Photos without losing them on your phone, you can use a two-step process:
Step 1: Download the Photo to Your Computer
:n - Use the Download option in the Google Photos app.
:n - The downloaded photo will be saved to your computer in the DCIM/Restored/ folder. This folder is not tracked by Google Photos for deletion, meaning you can delete the photo from Google Photos without affecting the copy on your phone.
Step 2: Delete the Photos from Google Photos
:n - Once the photo is saved to your computer, you can delete it from Google Photos.
:n - Be cautious with photos on SD cards, as Google Photos may not delete them even when you use the 'Free up space' option. The app may inform you that the photos are on an SD card, so nothing can be downloaded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I back up my photos on my phone?
A: Ensure that your phone is set to back up photos to its local storage. You can check this in your phone's settings under the Google Photos section.
Q: How do I download a photo from Google Photos?
A: Tap on the photo you want to download, then tap the three dots and select Download. The photo will be saved in the DCIM/Restored/ folder on your phone.
Q: Can I use the 'Free up space' option on an SD card?
A: If your photos are stored on an SD card, the 'Free up space' option may not delete them. The app may notify you that the photos are on an SD card and that nothing can be downloaded.
Conclusion
Deleting photos from Google Photos without losing them on your phone can be done using the steps mentioned above. Whether you use the app's built-in features or download photos to your computer, you can manage your photo library more effectively.