How to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos from Google Photos after 60 Days?

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Losing important photos can be frustrating, especially when they have been permanently deleted from Google Photos after 60 days. Normally, deleted photos remain in the Trash (Bin) folder for up to 60 days, allowing users to restore them easily. However, once this period expires, Google automatically removes them from its servers, making recovery more difficult.

If you’re wondering how to recover permanently deleted photos from Google Photos after 60 days, there are still some methods worth trying. From checking backups and contacting Google Support to using third-party recovery software and retrieving photos from synced devices, this guide explores all possible ways to help you get your lost images back.

Knowing Google Photos Deletion Policy

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1. How Google Photos Stores Deleted Files

  • When a photo is deleted, it moves to the Trash (Bin) folder.
  • Deleted photos stay in Trash for 60 days before permanent deletion.
  • During this period, users can restore photos directly from the Trash.

2. What Happens After the 60-Day Trash Period

  • Once the 60-day period ends, Google automatically deletes the photos.
  • The deleted photos are removed from Google’s servers and cannot be restored through the app.
  • If the storage is full, Trash items may be deleted sooner.

3. Can Permanently Deleted Photos Be Recovered Officially?

  • Google does not offer an official recovery option after permanent deletion.
  • In some cases, Google Support may assist if the deletion was recent.
  • Checking linked devices, cloud backups, or third-party recovery tools may help retrieve lost photos.

How to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos from Google Photos After 60 Days?

If your photos have been permanently deleted from Google Photos after 60 days, recovery can be challenging. However, there are still some methods you can try to retrieve your lost images.

Below are several ways to recover permanently deleted photos.

Method 1. Checking Google Account Backups

1. Google Drive and Other Google Services

  • If you had Google Photos backup and sync enabled, your photos might also be stored in Google Drive.
  • Check your Google Drive for any backups, especially under the Google Photos folder.
  • If you had Google One backup enabled for your phone, your deleted photos might be included in your last device backup.

2. Google Photos Archive and Albums

  • Sometimes, users accidentally archive photos instead of deleting them.
  • Open Google Photos → Library → Archive and check if your lost photos are stored there.
  • Also, check Albums in Google Photos, as some images might still be saved in automatically generated albums.

Method 2. Using Third-Party Data Recovery Software

If Google cannot restore your photos, you may need to try third-party recovery software to scan your storage device for lost data.

1. Overview of Reliable Photo Recovery Tools

  • Recuva – A free tool for recovering deleted files from hard drives and SD cards.
  • WinfrGUI – A powerful recovery tool with deep scanning capabilities.
  • DiskDigger – A mobile-friendly recovery app that scans internal storage for lost images.
  • Wondershare Recoverit – A premium tool that supports multiple file recovery options.
Download WinfrGUI Free

2. How They Work and When They Might Help

  • These tools scan the storage drive (PC, phone, SD card) to locate deleted but recoverable files.
  • If your phone or computer had local copies of the photos before deletion, they may still be recoverable.
  • They work best when photos were stored on a hard drive, SD card, or external USB, rather than only on Google Photos.

3. Risks and Limitations of Third-Party Recovery

  • Recovery success depends on whether the deleted data has been overwritten.
  • Some free versions of these tools have limited recovery capabilities.
  • Be cautious of scam software that may harm your device or compromise your data.

Method 3. Contacting Google Support

If you cannot find your photos in backups, you can try reaching out to Google Support for assistance.

1. How to Request Data Recovery from Google Support

  • Go to the Google Photos Help Center (https://support.google.com/photos).
  • Click on Contact Us and select the issue related to lost photos.
  • Provide details such as when the photos were deleted and any unusual account activity.
  • Request a manual check to see if Google still has temporary backups of your deleted photos.
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2. Success Chances and What to Expect

  • Google does not guarantee recovery, but some users have successfully restored their photos this way.
  • If the deletion happened very recently, Google might still have a cached version.
  • Recovery chances are higher if the deletion was due to a system error or unauthorized account access.

Method 4. Checking Linked Devices and Cloud Services

If you used multiple devices to access Google Photos, there is a chance that your photos are still stored on another device or cloud service.

1. Recovering from Synced Devices (Phones, Tablets, Laptops)

  • Check if your photos are still available on your phone or tablet.
  • If you had Google Photos sync disabled on a device, the images may not have been deleted there.
  • Use file recovery tools on your PC or mobile device to scan for deleted images.

2. Checking OneDrive, Dropbox, or Other Cloud Storage

  • If you backed up your photos to OneDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud, check your storage for deleted images.
  • Many cloud storage services have a Recycle Bin feature, where deleted files remain for a certain period.
  • If you used an automatic backup service, your lost photos may still be accessible in a previous backup version.
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While recovering permanently deleted photos from Google Photos after 60 days can be difficult, trying multiple methods increases your chances of success.

Always check Google backups, reach out to Google Support, and explore third-party recovery tools carefully. To prevent future data loss, enable automatic backups and store copies in multiple locations.

Preventing Permanent Photo Loss in the Future

Losing precious photos can be frustrating, but you can take proactive steps to prevent permanent data loss. Here are some essential strategies to keep your photos safe:

1. Enable Google Photos Backup & Sync

  • Always turn on Backup & Sync in Google Photos to automatically save images to your Google account.
  • Ensure photos are uploaded in high quality or original quality to retain their resolution.
  • Regularly check your backup settings to avoid accidental data loss.

2. Use Alternative Cloud Storage Options

  • Relying on Google Photos alone is risky, so consider using OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, or Amazon Photos as additional backup options.
  • Many cloud services offer automatic photo uploads, ensuring multiple copies of your images are stored securely.

3. Regularly Export Important Photos

  • Periodically download and store important photos on an external hard drive or SD card.
  • Use Google Takeout to export all your Google Photos for safekeeping.
  • Maintain multiple backups across different platforms to minimize the risk of data loss.

By following these steps, you can protect your photos and ensure they are never permanently lost.

Conclusion

While recovering permanently deleted photos from Google Photos after 60 days is not guaranteed, exploring different recovery options can increase your chances of success. Checking Google backups, reaching out to Google Support, using data recovery tools, or retrieving photos from other cloud storage or devices may help. To prevent permanent data loss in the future, enable Google Photos Backup & Sync, store copies in alternative cloud storage, and regularly back up your important photos. By taking these precautions, you can ensure your valuable memories remain safe and recoverable.

FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers about recovering permanently deleted photos from Google Photos after 60 days:

1. How can I recover permanently deleted photos from Google Drive after 2 years?

Unfortunately, when files are permanently deleted from Google Drive, they will not be able to recover from the garbage. You can contact the Google Drive support team for help.

2. Why does Google Photos say there are 60 days until it’s deleted forever?

Google Photos has a “waste” feature in which removed photos are temporarily stored before permanently deleted. The 60-day countdown shows how long the images will be in the trash.

3. How to avoid data loss in Google Photos

To prevent data loss in Google Photos, you can:

  • Regularly back up your photos
  • Enable File Properties
  • Use the “Junk” or “Bin” feature.
  • Enable two-step verification
  • Protect your account

>>Also Read: 3 Ways to Recover Photos From Old Google Account