How to recover Google Drive deleted photos is a common concern for many users who accidentally delete important images. Whether it’s due to a mistake, system error, or unintentional deletion, losing cherished memories can be distressing. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to recover deleted photos from Google Drive and help you restore your precious memories.
Google Drive is a convenient cloud storage service that allows users to store, share, and access their files from any device. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter deleted photos that you wish to recover. The good news is that Google Drive has built-in features to help you retrieve deleted photos. Let’s explore the methods to recover Google Drive deleted photos in detail.
1. Check the trash folder
The first step in recovering deleted photos from Google Drive is to check the trash folder. When you delete a photo, it is moved to the trash folder, where it remains for a certain period before being permanently deleted. Here’s how to access and recover photos from the trash folder:
a. Log in to your Google Drive account on a web browser.
b. Click on the “Trash” folder on the left-hand side menu.
c. You will see a list of deleted files and folders. Scroll through the list and locate the deleted photos.
d. To recover a photo, right-click on it and select “Restore.” The photo will be moved back to its original location in Google Drive.
Please note that the trash folder has a retention period, which varies depending on your Google Drive plan. After the retention period expires, the deleted photos will be permanently deleted.
2. Use Google Drive’s version history
Google Drive keeps a version history of your files, which means that you can restore previous versions of your deleted photos. This feature is particularly useful if you have made multiple edits to the photo and want to revert to an earlier version. Here’s how to use the version history to recover deleted photos:
a. Open the Google Drive website and navigate to the folder containing the deleted photo.
b. Right-click on the photo and select “Manage versions.”
c. A new window will open, showing a list of available versions of the photo.
d. Click on the desired version to preview it.
e. To restore the selected version, click on “Restore this version” and confirm the action.
Keep in mind that the version history feature is only available for files that have been modified within the past 30 days.
3. Utilize third-party data recovery tools
If the above methods do not work, you can try using third-party data recovery tools to recover deleted photos from Google Drive. These tools can scan your Google Drive account and attempt to recover deleted files, including photos. However, it’s important to choose a reputable and reliable tool to avoid potential security risks.
Here are some popular third-party data recovery tools for Google Drive:
a. Recuva: A free data recovery tool that can recover deleted photos from various storage devices, including Google Drive.
b. Disk Drill: A comprehensive data recovery tool that offers a free version with limited features.
c. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: A user-friendly data recovery tool that supports Google Drive and other cloud storage services.
Before using a third-party tool, make sure to back up your Google Drive account to avoid any potential data loss during the recovery process.
4. Contact Google Drive support
If all else fails, you can contact Google Drive support for assistance. The support team may be able to help you recover deleted photos that have been permanently deleted or are beyond the retention period. To contact Google Drive support, follow these steps:
a. Log in to your Google Drive account on a web browser.
b. Click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to access the settings menu.
c. Select “Help & support” from the menu.
d. Click on “Contact support” to submit a support request.
When contacting support, provide detailed information about the deleted photos, such as the date of deletion and the location of the original file. This will help the support team in identifying the issue and assisting you with the recovery process.
In conclusion, recovering deleted photos from Google Drive is possible with the right methods and tools. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of successfully restoring your cherished memories. Remember to regularly back up your Google Drive account to prevent future data loss.
