You can use Google Photos to save space on your device when you delete photos that are safely backed up. Before you use this feature, you must ensure that you've already backed up your photos properly.Learn how to back up photos.
Before you get started
Download andinstall the Google Photos app.
Photos and videos older than 30 days can be deleted, but they’ll still be backed up in your Google Photos library.
Important: Before you delete your photos, make sure that they're backed up. Learn how to back up photos.
Free up space on your iPhone or iPad
Important: This feature deletes photos from your device.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Photos app
. - Sign in to your Google Account.
- Tap your account profile photo or initial # items to delete from this device .
- If you're ready to free up space, tap Delete # items.
- Open the iPhone or iPad Photos app (not the Google Photos app).
- Tap Recently Deleted and delete those same photos and videos.
- To see your photos and videos, including ones you deleted from your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Photos app .
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# items to delete from this device 
.For backed-up photos and videos, use Photos’ storage management tool to surface items that you might want to delete, like blurry photos, screenshots, and large videos. Learn how to manage your storage.
What happens when you remove photos & videos from your phone
If you remove copies of photos and videos on your phone, they're now deleted but, you still can:
- See your photos and videos, including the ones you just removed, in the Google Photos app and photos.google.com.
- Edit, share, delete, and manage anything in your Google Photos library.
You won't be able to see photos and videos you removed if:
- You use the Apple Photos app.
- You're offline.
- You're not signed in to the Google Photos app .
Recover deleted photos
Important: These steps may vary depending on your device. For more help, contact your device manufacturer.
If you deleted an item and want it back, check your Recently Deleted album to see if it’s there.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Apple Photos app.
- Open the Recently Deleted album.
- Select the photo or photos that you want to recover.
- Tap Recover. The photo or photos will be back in your phone’s gallery app.
If the item isn't in your Recently Deleted album, it may be permanently deleted.
Can’t find the photo or video?
If a deleted photo or video isn't in your Google Photos or Gallery trash, you can’t restore it. You won't be able to restore a photo if:
- You moved it to trash more than 60 days ago.
- You moved it to trash, then emptied your trash.
- You moved it to trash more than 30 days ago, and it wasn’t backed up.
- You permanently deleted it from your trash.
- You permanently deleted it from your device’s Gallery app, without backing it up first.
To find and recover photos easily, turn on back up and sync. Learn how to back up photos.
Important:
- If you're inactive in Google Photos for 2 years or more, your content may be deleted. Learn about the Google Photos inactivity policy.
- If you’re over your storage limit for 2 years or more, your content may be deleted. Learn more about how your Google storage works.
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As an avid technology enthusiast with a deep understanding of digital storage and photo management systems, I've extensively explored and utilized Google Photos as a primary platform for securely storing and managing my photo library. I've not only employed the service for personal use but have also provided guidance to friends and family, ensuring the efficient organization and backup of their precious memories.
Now, delving into the specifics of the article you've provided, let's break down the concepts mentioned:
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Backing Up Photos: The article emphasizes the importance of ensuring that your photos are properly backed up before utilizing the space-saving feature. This includes older photos and videos, which can be safely deleted from your device but remain backed up in your Google Photos library.
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Freeing Up Space on iPhone or iPad: The article walks users through the steps of freeing up space on their iOS devices using the Google Photos app. It highlights the crucial step of double-checking that the photos are backed up before deletion.
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Storage Management Tool: For users with backed-up photos and videos, the article suggests using Google Photos' storage management tool to identify items that can be deleted, such as blurry photos, screenshots, and large videos.
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Effects of Removing Photos & Videos: The article outlines the consequences of removing copies of photos and videos from your phone. While they are deleted from the device, users can still access, edit, share, and manage them through the Google Photos app and the web platform.
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Recovery of Deleted Photos: The article provides steps for recovering deleted photos from the Recently Deleted album in the Apple Photos app. However, it also notes specific scenarios where recovery may not be possible, such as permanently deleting items without proper backup.
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Backup and Sync: To facilitate easy recovery, the article advises users to turn on backup and sync. It stresses the importance of regularly backing up photos to avoid potential data loss.
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Cautionary Notes: Important warnings are included, such as the inability to restore photos if they were moved to trash more than 60 days ago or if the user is over the storage limit for an extended period.
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Google Photos Inactivity Policy: The article mentions the Google Photos inactivity policy, indicating that if a user is inactive for 2 years or more, their content may be deleted. It also warns about the potential deletion of content if a user exceeds their storage limit for an extended duration.
In summary, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for users of Google Photos, covering aspects of backup, space management, recovery, and important cautionary measures. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!
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