Full Breakdown
Google Photos Cuts Trash Retention to 30 Days
9/8/2026, 9:45:45 PM
Policy Change Overview
On September 7, 2026, Android Authority reported that Google Photos now permanently deletes items in the Trash after 30 days, reducing the previous 60-day grace period for backed-up photos and videos. The same 30-day limit now applies to both backed-up and locally stored media.
Background and Context
Earlier in September, Google updated its Photos support documentation to reflect the new retention window. Android Authority noted that the company’s Help pages for “restore” and “delete” now state that items in the Trash are permanently deleted after 30 days, and that this wording appears on Android, iPhone, iPad, and desktop versions of the help articles, as confirmed by tbreak.
How to Restore Items Before Deletion
Google’s Help pages instruct users to open Google Photos on a phone or at photos.google.com, navigate to Collections -> Trash, select any items they wish to keep, and use the Restore option before the 30-day deadline. Emptying the Trash or choosing “permanent delete” removes the possibility of recovery, and Google Takeout cannot retrieve items once they are permanently deleted.
Impact on Users
The halving of the retention period shortens the window for users to reconsider deletions. Android Authority’s commentary described the change as a “service downgrade,” noting that while 30 days still provides a reasonable buffer, the reduction may increase the risk of unintentionally losing cherished memories.
Official Information & Responses
Google’s current Help documentation is the primary source of the policy details. No additional public statements from Google executives were identified in the reporting. The updated help text serves as the official notice that, after 30 days, trashed photos and videos are irretrievable.
