Removing Photos and Cleaning Up Space in Google Photos

Removing Photos and Cleaning Up Space in Google Photos

Step 1: Open Google Photos

1. Open the Google Photos app on your mobile device or visit the Google Photos website  (https://photos.google.com) on your computer.

Step 2: Select Photos to Delete

1. Browse through your photos to find the ones you want to delete.
2. On a mobile device: Tap and hold on a photo to select it. You can then tap on additional photos to select multiple items.
3. On a computer: Click on the checkmark in the top left corner of a photo to select it. You can then click on additional photos to select multiple items.

Step 3: Delete Selected Photos

1. On a mobile device: Tap the trash can icon at the top right corner of the screen.
2. On a computer: Click the trash can icon at the top right corner of the screen.

Step 4: Confirm Deletion

1. A confirmation message will appear asking if you want to move the selected photos to the trash. Tap or click "Move to Trash".

Step 5: Empty Trash

1. Deleted photos are moved to the Trash (or Bin) and will be permanently deleted after 60 days. To free up space immediately, you can manually empty the Trash.
2. On a mobile device: Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top left corner, then tap "Trash".
3. On a computer: Click on "Trash" in the left-hand menu.

Step 6: Permanently Delete Photos

1. On a mobile device: In the Trash, tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner and select "Empty Trash". Confirm by tapping "Delete".
2. On a computer: In the Trash, click on "Empty Trash" at the top right corner. Confirm by clicking "Delete".

Step 7: Free Up Space (Optional)

1. Google Photos has a built-in feature to help you free up space on your device by removing local copies of photos and videos that have already been backed up.
2. On a mobile device: Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top left corner, then tap "Free up space". Follow the on-screen instructions to remove local copies.
3. On a computer: This feature is primarily for mobile devices, so it is not available on the web.

You have successfully removed photos and cleaned up space in Google Photos!