Google Photos now keeps trashed photos and videos for 30 days before permanent deletion, down from 60 days for backed-up items.
Android Authority reported the change on 7 September 2026, saying Google had updated its Photos support docs earlier in the month and that Android users are starting to see in-app notices.
What the Google Photos trash window is now
Google’s restore Help and delete Help pages now say items in trash are permanently deleted after 30 days. That wording appears on the Android, iPhone and iPad, and computer versions of those articles. Both pages also state that the article matches the current retention policy in the latest Google Photos app.
Previously, Android Authority noted, backed-up media sat in trash for 60 days while non-backed-up items already cleared after 30. The new Help text lists a single 30-day window for backed-up and non-backed-up deletions on Android.
Android notices and earlier code signs
Android Authority says users on Android are beginning to get notified inside the Photos app. Its story includes an in-app screenshot credited to Ryan McNeal.
The same outlet flagged the shift in late August after finding string text in Google Photos v7.90 that the trash period was changing from 60 days to 30. That teardown said the change was not yet live at the time.
tbreak has covered other Google Photos product work recently; this story is only about the shorter trash grace period.
What to do next
If you still need something you moved to trash, restore it from Collections → Trash (or Trash on the web) before the 30-day mark. Emptying trash or choosing permanent delete still removes recovery, according to Google’s Help. After 30 days, Google says permanently deleted items cannot be restored.
Check Trash in Google Photos and restore anything you still want within 30 days; Google’s restore Help lists the current policy.
How long does Google Photos keep items in trash now?
Google’s Photos Help pages for restore and delete now say items in trash are permanently deleted after 30 days. Android Authority reported that this replaces the previous 60-day window for backed-up media.
Does the 30-day Google Photos trash rule apply on iPhone and the web?
Google’s restore Help uses the same 30-day wording on Android, iPhone and iPad, and computer versions. Android Authority has reported in-app notices rolling out to Android users; it has not claimed matching iOS or web notice rollouts in its 7 September story.
Can I recover a photo after Google Photos empties trash?
Google’s Help says permanently deleted items cannot be restored, including after the retention window or after you empty trash or choose permanent delete. Android delete Help also notes that permanently deleted content cannot be recovered with Google Takeout.
When did Google change the Google Photos trash window?
Android Authority reported on 7 September 2026 that support docs had been updated earlier that month and that Android in-app notices were starting to appear. An Android Authority teardown on 26 August 2026 had already found preparatory code in Google Photos v7.90. No single account-wide flip date is published in those sources.
