To remove Google Photos completely, you'll need to understand the difference between deleting photos within Google Photos and deleting the Google Photos app itself. Here's how to do both:
1. Deleting Photos and Videos from Google Photos
This process removes the selected items from your Google Photos account. Keep in mind that items deleted from Google Photos will also be removed from other synced devices and Google services.
Here's how to permanently delete photos/videos:
- Open the Google Photos App: On your Android or iOS device, launch the Google Photos app. Make sure you're signed in with the correct Google account.
- Select Photos/Videos:
- Tap and hold on the photos or videos you want to delete. A checkmark will appear on each selected item.
- Alternatively, you can open a specific photo or video and tap the trash can icon.
- Move to Trash/Bin: Tap the "Delete" or trash can icon . This moves the selected items to the Trash/Bin. Important: They are not permanently deleted yet.
- Empty the Trash/Bin:
- At the bottom of the app, tap Library (or Collections depending on your app version), then Trash (or Bin).
- Tap the three dots (menu) at the top right, and then choose Empty trash.
- Alternatively, you can select individual items in the trash and choose to delete them permanently.
- Confirm Deletion: A confirmation message will appear. Tap Delete permanently to finalize the removal of the photos and videos. This action is irreversible.
Important Notes:
- Deleted items remain in the Trash/Bin for 60 days before being automatically and permanently deleted.
- If you have "Backup and sync" enabled, deleting a photo from Google Photos also deletes it from any other device where Google Photos is signed in with the same account.
- If you delete a photo or video that's backed up to Google Photos, it will also be deleted from Google Drive if the two services are linked.
2. Uninstalling the Google Photos App
This removes the Google Photos application from your device, but does not delete your photos and videos from your Google account. Your backed-up photos and videos will still be accessible through a web browser at photos.google.com or on other devices where you have the Google Photos app installed and are logged in.
Android:
- Locate the Google Photos App: Find the Google Photos icon on your home screen or in your app drawer.
- Uninstall:
- Tap and hold the icon.
- Drag the icon to the "Uninstall" option (usually at the top of the screen), or select "Uninstall" from the menu that appears.
- Confirm the uninstallation.
- Alternatively, you can go to Settings > Apps > Google Photos > Uninstall.
iOS (iPhone/iPad):
- Locate the Google Photos App: Find the Google Photos icon on your home screen.
- Uninstall:
- Tap and hold the Google Photos icon until it jiggles.
- Tap the "x" that appears on the icon.
- Confirm that you want to delete the app.
Removing Google Photos app from your device will only remove the app. All the images and videos you have stored will still be there.
