# Google Photos data retention policy update

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/google-photos-data-retention-policy-update
> Updated: 2026-09-08T06:00:18.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Google has implemented a policy change to Google Photos that unifies the retention periods for deleted media. Previously, backed-up files remained in the trash for 60 days, while non-backed-up items were deleted after 30 days.

Under the new policy, the recovery window for all deleted backed-up photos and videos has been reduced to 30 days. This change aligns Google Photos with the existing 30-day limits used for local device files, Gmail, and Google Drive. The update is being rolled out via Android and iOS apps, with users receiving in-app notifications.

The policy is now operational for all users, including those on Android devices. Google is communicating the update through in-app notifications and updated support documentation. Once the 30-day period expires, deleted content is permanently removed and cannot be recovered. Additionally, users who manually empty their trash will still face immediate, irreversible deletion.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Google Photos reduces deleted media retention to 30 days

Google has reduced the retention period for deleted photos and videos in Google Photos from 60 days to 30 days, standardizing the timeframe for both cloud-synced and locally stored content.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-photos-reduces-deleted-media-recovery-time-to-30-days

### 2026-08-26: Google Photos may shorten trash bin retention to 30 days

Google is testing a change to Google Photos that would unify the trash bin retention period to 30 days for all deleted files, halving the current 60-day window for backed-up content.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-photos-may-shorten-trash-bin-retention-to-30-days

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Cite as: Google Photos data retention policy update. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/google-photos-data-retention-policy-update