Learn how to find your photos on Google Photos

Restore recently deleted or archived items

If you are missing photos or videos, check your trash or file.

Check your trash

• If your missing item is in your trash, you can restore it. Learn how to check your trash and restore recently deleted photos or videos.
• If your missing item is not in your trash, it can be permanently deleted.

Learn when items are permanently deleted

If a deleted photo or video is not in the trash, you cannot restore it. You will not be able to restore a photo if: - 

1. You moved it in the trash more than 60 days ago.
2. You moved it to the trash, then emptied your trash.
3. You permanently removed it from your trash.
4. You permanently removed it from the Gallery application on your device without having done so before.

Check your file

If your missing item is archived, you can unarchive it to appear in your Google Photos library.

Learn how to check your archive and unarchive items.

Check your backup

Your missing photo or video may not be backed up in Google Photos. Your backup settings are important to know how and when Google Photos backs up your items.

Review backup settings

1. Open the Google Photos application.
2. At the top, touch Menu and then Settings.
3. Press Backup and sync.
4. Check your settings: - 

Backup and synchronization: make sure that the option "Backup and synchronization" is activated.

Backup account: Be sure to backup your photos and videos to the correct Google account.

Make a backup copy of the device folders: if you want to see photos and videos of other applications or devices in your Google Photos library, be sure to activate the available folders of the device.

When to back up: make sure you know when Google Photos backs up your photos and videos. You can choose to make a backup of the elements on the mobile data.

Tip: If you use an iPhone or iPad, do not leave the Google Photos application while backing up the items.

Find your Files from other applications and devices

Note: These steps are available if you use Google Photos on an Android phone or tablet.

If you are missing photos or videos from other applications or devices, check your device's folders.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos application.
2. At the top, touch Menu then Device folders.
3. If available, open the folders on your device to find the missing item.

If you want items in your device's folder to appear in your Google Photos library, you can make a backup automatically.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos application.
2. At the top, touch Menu and then Settings.
3. Press Backup and Synchronization and then Device Folders.

Important Note: If you delete an item from your device without backing up the folders on your device, the item will not appear in Google Photos.

Avoid losing photos or videos

To avoid missing photos or videos in the future, be sure to: - 

1. You keep your backup enabled or you understand how changing the backup settings affects Google Photos. Get more information about the backup.
2. You do not delete items permanently or lose them in your file. Learn more about trash and archive.
3. Check the folders on your Google Photos device if you make backup copies of photos or videos from other applications. Learn more about how to back up items from other applications or devices.
4. Review the items you just added to quickly find photos and videos in the order they were backed up. Learn how to find recently added items.