Glossary · Recently deleted vs permanently deleted
What is the difference between 'Recently deleted' and permanently deleted?
Short answer
A photo in 'Recently deleted' or the trash has been marked for removal but still exists, takes up space and can be restored. It becomes permanently deleted when the holding period ends or you empty the folder yourself. Only then is the storage freed, and only then is recovery, for ordinary purposes, no longer possible.
Last updated
How long do apps keep deleted photos?
| App | Name of the folder | Holding period |
|---|---|---|
| Google Photos, backed up | Trash / Bin | 30 days |
| Google Photos, not backed up (Android 11+) | Trash / Bin | 30 days |
| Samsung Gallery | Recycle bin | 30 days |
| iPhone Photos | Recently Deleted | About 30 days |
On Android 11 and later, the system itself supports a trash state. MediaStore marks the item as trashed and sets an expiry date, after which the system removes it. Apps can use this so deleted photos stay recoverable even outside Google Photos. Gallery apps that show the system trash list these items with a countdown; others hide them, which is why a photo can seem gone while still taking space.
Why hasn't my storage gone up after deleting?
Because trashed items still occupy the same space. Deleting 2 GB of photos and checking Settings > Storage straight away usually shows little change, since the files have only been moved into a holding state. Emptying the trash, or waiting out the period, releases the space. If the phone needs room right now, emptying is the quickest route, but only after a final check of what is inside.
The same applies to the cloud. Google counts items in the Google Photos trash against your quota until they are removed from it.
How do I permanently delete photos?
- Delete the photos as usual, so they move to the trash.
- Open the trash: in Google Photos, Collections > Bin; in Samsung Gallery, Menu > Recycle bin.
- Choose Empty, or select items and pick Delete permanently.
- Confirm. The system dialog warns that this cannot be reversed.
Before emptying a large batch, scroll through it once. The trash is the safety net, and it only works if you look before cutting it.
How should a cleaner app handle deletion?
Responsibly, by never skipping the trash. GalleryJury, an Android photo cleaner coming soon to Google Play, asks for your OK on every batch and then moves the chosen photos into the phone's trash first, so a wrong call can be restored before the period runs out. Read more in Android trash and on the privacy and safety page.
Frequently asked questions
Can permanently deleted photos be recovered?
Not by normal means. Recovery tools sometimes find fragments on older devices, but modern phones encrypt storage, which makes this very unlikely. Check backups instead.
Does deleting a photo on my phone also delete the cloud copy?
With Google Photos sync on, deleting from either side moves the item to the trash on both. Deleting only the phone copy is possible with Google Photos' 'Free up space' tool.
Can I change how long the trash keeps photos?
Most apps use a fixed period that cannot be changed. You can always empty the trash sooner, or restore items before the period ends, but you cannot make them stay longer.
Sources
- Google Photos Help: Delete and restore photos and videos (checked 31 October 2026)
- Android Developers: MediaStore.MediaColumns (IS_TRASHED, DATE_EXPIRES) (checked 31 October 2026)
- Google One Help: How your Google storage works (checked 31 October 2026)
Related
More in Photo cleanup terms
GalleryJury is coming soon to Android
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