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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How Google Photos Handles Deleted Files

When you delete a photo or video in Google Photos:

  • It’s immediately moved to the Trash (Bin) folder.
  • The deleted file remains in Trash for 60 days.
  • During these 60 days, you can open the Trash and restore or permanently delete the item manually.

If your Google account storage is full, Google may delete items in Trash sooner than 60 days to free up space.

What Happens After 60 Days?
  • After the 60-day period, Google automatically permanently deletes the file.
  • The deleted file is removed from Google’s servers.
  • Once permanently deleted, the file can no longer be restored via Google Photos or Google Drive.
Can Permanently Deleted Photos Be Recovered?

Officially, no. Google does not offer a standard recovery option once a file is permanently deleted. However, in some rare cases (e.g., deletion due to an account or system error, or very recent deletion), you can try contacting Google Support. They may help, though recovery is not guaranteed. You should also:

  • Check linked devices: The photo may still exist on devices synced before deletion.
  • Look in cloud backups: If you use other cloud services (e.g., OneDrive, Dropbox, or local phone backups), check those too.
  • Consider third-party recovery tools: Though success rates vary, some tools can scan device storage for deleted files if not yet overwritten.

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

When a photo goes missing, don’t panic — there’s a chance it’s still saved somewhere in your Google account. Here’s how to check carefully:

Google Drive and Other Google Services

If you had Google Photos backup and sync turned on, your photos might also have been stored in Google Drive without you realizing.

What to do:

  • Open Google Drive on your phone or computer.
  • Look for a folder called Google Photos — this is where synced photos sometimes end up.
  • Don’t forget to check the Trash (Bin) in Drive as well, just in case.

If you subscribed to Google One and enabled device backup:

  • Open Google One → Go to the Backup section.
  • Check your most recent device backups — your photos might still be part of the last backup made before deletion.
Google Photos Archive and Albums

Sometimes, photos aren’t deleted — they’re just hidden from view:

Check your Archive:

  • Open Google Photos → Go to Library → Tap Archive.
  • Browse through to see if your missing photos were accidentally archived.

Check your Albums:

  • Still in Google Photos, tap on Albums.
  • Look through albums, including ones that Google automatically creates (like “People & Pets” or “Places”) — your photos might still be tucked away there.

Method 2. Using Data Recovery Software

If Google can’t restore your deleted photos, don’t worry — third-party recovery tools might be able to help by scanning your storage device directly for lost files.

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
How They Work and When They Might Help

These recovery programs scan the storage drive — whether it’s your PC’s hard drive, your phone’s internal storage, an SD card, or an external USB drive — looking for files that were deleted but not yet overwritten.

  • If your photos were saved locally on your device or external storage, there’s a chance these tools can recover them.
  • They tend to work better on physical storage devices rather than files only stored in cloud services like Google Photos.
Risks and Limitations of Third-Party Recovery
  • Recovery success largely depends on whether the deleted data has been overwritten by new files. The sooner you try recovery after deletion, the better your chances.
  • Some free versions of recovery software have limitations on how much data you can recover or which file types are supported.
  • Be cautious when downloading recovery tools — avoid unknown or suspicious software, as some could contain malware or compromise your data security.

Method 3. Contacting Google Support

If you’ve checked all backups and still can’t find your photos, your last option might be to reach out directly to Google Support. While recovery isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth trying — especially if the deletion was recent or accidental.

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How to Request Data Recovery from Google Support
  • Here’s how you can contact Google and ask for help:
  • 1️⃣ Visit the Google Photos Help Center.
  • 2️⃣ Click Contact Us at the bottom or side of the page.
  • 3️⃣ Select the issue related to lost or deleted photos.
  • 4️⃣ Clearly explain your situation:
  • When were the photos deleted?
  • Was there any unusual account activity (e.g., unauthorized access)?
  • Mention any steps you’ve already tried (e.g., checked Trash, backups).
    5️⃣ Request that Google perform a manual check to see if any temporary backups or cached versions still exist.
Success Chances and What to Expect
  • Google doesn’t promise recovery for permanently deleted files, but in some cases — especially if the deletion was very recent — they may still be able to help.
  • Recovery chances are higher if the deletion resulted from a system error or unauthorized activity (like a hacked account).
  • Be prepared for the possibility that Google might not be able to recover the files, but they can provide guidance on next steps and account security.

Method 4. Checking Linked Devices and Cloud Services

If you’ve used multiple devices or cloud services to access Google Photos, don’t give up yet — your lost photos might still exist somewhere else. Let’s take a closer look at where you can check.

Recovering from Synced Devices (Phones, Tablets, Laptops)
  • Check all your devices: Open the gallery, file manager, or photo apps on your phone, tablet, or laptop. The photos might still be saved locally on a device where Google Photos sync was disabled or incomplete.
  • If you had Google Photos sync turned off on a device, the photos may have stayed on that device even after deletion from the cloud.
  • Consider using a reliable file recovery tool (like WinfrGUI, Recuva, or DiskDigger) to scan your device’s storage for recoverable deleted images.
Checking OneDrive, Dropbox, or Other Cloud Storage
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  • If you’ve ever backed up your photos to OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, or another service, log in and check:
  • Browse your folders where photos may have been saved.
  • Look in the service’s Recycle Bin or Trash — many cloud platforms keep deleted files for 30 to 60 days.
  • If you enabled automatic backups, review your backup history or file versions; your lost photos might still be there.

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.

Troubleshooting FAQs

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

Q1. 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.

Q2. 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.

Q3. How can I avoid data loss in Google Photos?

To reduce the risk of data loss:

  • Regularly back up your photos to other cloud services or external drives
  • Enable two-step verification to protect your account
  • Check Trash regularly before the 60-day auto-delete
  • Verify that files have synced properly
Q4. Is there any way to recover photos after emptying the Trash?

Once the Trash (Bin) is emptied, Google permanently removes the files from its servers. Recovery via the app is no longer possible. At that point, your best options are:

  • Check other cloud or local backups
  • Contact Google Support immediately
  • Try third-party recovery tools on your original device
Q5. Can Google Support recover photos deleted by mistake?

In rare cases, yes — especially if the deletion was very recent or due to a technical issue. Contact Google Support as soon as possible for help.

Q6. Do deleted Google Photos stay on my device

If your device is not set to sync automatically, deleted Google Photos might still exist locally on your phone or computer. Check your device gallery, file manager, or local backups.

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.

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