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Google Photos will reduce the time users have to recover deleted photos and videos from 60 days to 30 days. The change will apply to items deleted on or after December 5, 2026. After the new 30-day window ends, the company will permanently remove the content from the Bin.
At present, Google Photos keeps backed-up photos and videos in the Bin for 60 days after deletion. This gives users two months to spot an accidental deletion and restore the file. The upcoming policy will halve that grace period.
The new rule will affect only media that users delete on or after December 5. Photos and videos already sitting in the Bin before that date will continue to follow the existing 60-day retention period.
Once the revised policy takes effect, users will need to act faster. They will have one month to open the Bin, select the deleted item, and tap Restore. After 30 days, Google Photos will erase the file permanently and users will not be able to recover it through the Bin.
The change reduces the safety net for users who delete files by mistake. Many people discover lost photos only weeks later, especially when they clean up storage or switch devices. A shorter recovery window increases the risk of permanent loss.
Users should therefore review their Bin regularly and restore anything important without delay. They should also maintain an independent backup for irreplaceable images and videos, rather than relying solely on Google Photos.
Google Photos users can protect their media by following a few simple steps. First, check the Bin for any files they may have deleted by accident. Second, restore important items immediately instead of waiting. Third, enable and verify backups for photos and videos they cannot afford to lose.
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