Google Photos is a popular application available on both iOS and Android devices that offers a range of useful functionalities. One of the key features of Google Photos is its Backup and Sync functionality, which allows users to easily back up all their device’s photos to the cloud. This not only saves storage space on the device but also enables users to access their media files from anywhere on any device.
However, many users are often unsure about how to delete photos from Google Photos without deleting them from their phones. In this article, we will explore two effective methods that will help you tackle this situation flawlessly!
Method 1: Delete Photos from Google Photos on Your Computer
Deleting photos from Google Photos on your computer is a convenient method that requires a PC or laptop in addition to your smartphone. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to delete photos from Google Photos without deleting them from your phone using this method:
- Sign in to Google Photos on your computer: On your computer, open the Google Photos website and sign in with the Google Account that contains all your photos.
- Disable Backup and Sync: Click on the “Menu” option indicated by three horizontal lines and select “Settings.” Disable the “Back Up & Sync” function on all devices that are saving images to Google Photos. This ensures that photos are not re-uploaded to Google Photos after deletion.
- Select the photos to delete: Find the images you want to delete and hover over them. Check the little tick icon on the top left corner of the media files to select them. You can choose more than one image at a time.
- Move photos to Trash: Click on the “Trash Bin” icon at the top right corner of the webpage. This will move all the selected photos to the Trash Bin.
- Permanent deletion: After 60 days, the photos will be deleted permanently from the Trash Bin.
Method 2: Delete Photos from Google Photos on Your Phone
Deleting photos from Google Photos on your phone is another convenient method that is suitable for both iOS and Android users. Here’s how you can delete photos from Google Photos without deleting them from your phone using this method:
- Deny access to storage: Navigate to Settings > Apps > Google Photos > Storage on your phone. Deny access to storage for the Google Photos app.
- Select the photos to delete: Scroll through the photos on Google Photos and long-press the photo you want to delete until it is selected. You can choose more than one photo at a time.
- Move photos to Trash: Tap on the “Trash” icon at the top right corner of the screen. This will move all the selected photos to the Trash. The photos will be stored in the Trash for 60 days in case you wish to restore them.
- Permanently delete photos: To delete all the photos permanently from the Trash, go to the “Menu” icon again. Here, you can choose to delete each photo individually or use the “Delete All” function to delete all the images at once.
By following these methods, you can easily delete photos from Google Photos without deleting them from your phone. It’s important to note that the photos will be permanently deleted after 60 days in both methods.
Does Deleting Photos from Google Photos Delete Them from the Phone?
One common question that arises when deleting photos from Google Photos is whether they will be deleted from the phone as well. The answer to this question depends on the specific scenario and the settings of the Backup and Sync feature on your device. Let’s take a closer look at different cases:
Case 1: Delete Photos on Phone with Backup and Sync Enabled
When the Backup and Sync feature is enabled, deleting synced photos from the Google Photos app will result in their deletion from everywhere, including the Google Photos app, Android Gallery, and File Manager applications.
Case 2: Delete Photos on Phone with Backup and Sync Disabled
If you delete a synced photo while the Backup and Sync feature is turned off, the photo will still be deleted from your phone’s storage. However, if you had recently disabled the Backup and Sync feature, the deleted photo may still be visible on another shared device. Enabling the feature again on the same device will delete the photo from all shared devices.
Case 3: Delete Photos on Website with Backup and Sync Disabled
You can delete photos on the Google Photos website with the Backup and Sync feature disabled on your phone. The photos will be instantly deleted from other synced devices. However, as the Backup and Sync feature is disabled on your phone, the deleted photo will continue to reside on your phone and will be visible in the File Manager app and Gallery. If you later enable the Backup and Sync feature on your phone, the image will reappear on the Google Photos website because its original file is still on your phone.
It’s important to be aware of these scenarios and the settings of the Backup and Sync feature to ensure that you delete photos from Google Photos without deleting them from your phone as intended.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deleting photos from Google Photos without deleting them from your phone is possible with the right methods. By following the two methods outlined in this article, you can easily delete photos from Google Photos while keeping them on your phone. Whether you choose to delete photos from Google Photos on your computer or on your phone, make sure to understand the implications and settings of the Backup and Sync feature to avoid any unintended deletions.
Remember, Google Photos is an excellent tool for backing up and accessing your photos from anywhere, but it’s crucial to be mindful of the actions you take to ensure that your photos are managed according to your preferences.
