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To delete photos on a Samsung phone, open Gallery, select the images, tap Delete, and confirm Move to Trash. They go to Gallery’s Trash first, where Samsung says they remain for 30 days before automatic permanent deletion. You can restore them during that period or empty Trash sooner—but check the selected photos and any synced copies before doing so.
Delete selected photos in Samsung Gallery
- Open Gallery and choose Pictures or an album.
- Touch and hold a thumbnail to select it. Tap other thumbnails to select more photos.
- Tap Delete, then confirm Move to Trash.
These are the steps in Samsung’s US storage guide. Deleting through Gallery moves the selected items to Trash rather than immediately removing them permanently. Samsung’s screens and labels can vary by device and software version. Samsung US: Free up storage space on your Samsung phone or tablet
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Restore a photo from Gallery Trash
- Open Gallery and open its Menu.
- Choose Trash or, on some versions, Recycle bin.
- Select the photo and tap Restore.
Samsung Canada says Gallery-deleted files are kept in Trash for 30 days before permanent deletion. Its support guidance was updated March 12, 2026. If you do not see Trash in Gallery, check the recycle-bin controls in My Files or Device care; navigation depends on the software version. Samsung Canada: Use the trash feature of the Gallery app
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Permanently delete photos before the retention period ends
- Open Gallery’s Trash or Recycle bin.
- Select the photos you want to remove permanently.
- Choose Delete or Empty, then confirm.
Samsung’s storage guide also describes emptying Trash from its menu. Once removed from that Trash, those items no longer have that Gallery recovery option. Samsung says the recycle-bin function cannot be turned off for the One UI 6-era behavior described on its support page; availability and labels can differ by device and software version. Samsung Canada: Delete and restore files using the Trash feature in Samsung apps
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Know which Trash to check
Samsung Gallery Trash and Google Photos Trash are separate recovery locations with different retention guidance. If a photo is missing from Gallery Trash, open Google Photos and check Trash using the Google account that was used for backup. Samsung India’s recovery page, updated August 30, 2024, says items in Google Photos Trash are permanently deleted after 60 days.
| Recovery location | Retention stated in Samsung support guidance | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Gallery Trash | 30 days before automatic permanent deletion, according to Samsung Canada Support (updated March 12, 2026). | Gallery menu, then Trash or Recycle bin. |
| Google Photos Trash | 60 days before permanent deletion, according to Samsung India Support (updated August 30, 2024). | Google Photos Trash, signed in to the account used for backup. |
These periods apply to the respective service guidance, not as one universal rule for every Galaxy phone or photo. Samsung India: How can I recover deleted photo in Galaxy devices
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Check sync and backup before permanent deletion
Do not assume that deleting a photo affects only one local copy. Samsung’s recovery guidance describes Gallery sync moving to Microsoft OneDrive and discusses Google Photos recovery, but the deletion result can depend on your active services, accounts, and software version. Check Gallery’s sync settings and the relevant cloud service, and verify a backup before permanently deleting important images. Samsung also recommends periodic backups.
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- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
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- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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