Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAndroid has no single system-wide Trash. To permanently remove something you already deleted, empty the Trash inside the app that handled the deletion: Google Photos, Files by Google, Google Drive, or, for leftover copies, your phone’s Gallery app. Emptying is permanent in every case, so review the contents before you confirm.
Find the app that holds the deleted item
Before you act, work out which app deleted the item. Menu names and labels can differ by language, region, app version, and phone maker. Trash may also appear as Bin in some interfaces.
| Where the item was deleted | Trash location in the documented path | Automatic retention in Trash | Recoverable after emptying? | Other effects to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Photos (backed-up photos and videos) | Collections, then Trash | 30 days | No. Google says emptied items cannot be restored | Can remove the same items from devices with Google Photos and backup turned on |
| Files by Google | Menu, then Trash | 30 days | No. Deleting from Trash is permanent | Trash is documented for Android R (Android 11) and rolling out in phases to other versions |
| Google Drive | Menu, then Trash | 30 days | No. Files are deleted permanently | Trashed files count toward Google Account storage until permanently deleted |
| Device Gallery app or memory card | Varies by manufacturer | Not stated by Google’s guidance | Not stated by Google’s guidance | Google advises using the device Gallery app to delete leftover memory-card copies |
Google Photos
Use these steps when the photo or video was deleted in Google Photos:
- Open Google Photos and sign in to the Google Account that owns the items.
- Tap Collections, then tap Trash.
- Tap More, then tap Empty Trash.
- Tap Delete permanently to confirm.
Google’s Photos help documentation states: “When you empty your trash, you permanently delete any photos and videos in your trash, and they can’t be restored.” Items that are backed up otherwise stay in Trash for 30 days before automatic deletion.
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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.
Because deletion syncs, the same items can also disappear from other devices that have Google Photos installed and backup turned on. Some local copies may be affected on Android 11 or later. If a copy survives on the phone or a memory card, handle it as described in the Gallery section below.
Files by Google
Files by Google keeps its own Trash for deleted files. The steps are:
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- 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.
- Open the Files by Google app.
- Tap Menu, then tap Trash.
- Select the files you want to remove for good.
- Tap Delete, then confirm.
Files left in Trash are deleted automatically after 30 days. If you do not see a Trash entry in the menu, your Android version may not yet have the feature. It is documented for Android R and is rolling out in phases to other versions, so availability varies.
Do not confuse Trash with Clean and then Junk files. Google says clearing junk files permanently deletes them directly, without moving them to Trash, so there is nothing to empty afterward.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Google Drive
To empty Drive Trash, open the Drive app, tap Menu, then Trash, then More, and tap Empty trash. Read the list carefully, then confirm. Files in Trash are otherwise deleted forever after 30 days.
Ownership changes what you can do. If you do not own a shared file, you cannot remove it from Drive Trash. If you own it, collaborators keep access while the file sits in Trash, and permanent deletion removes their access too. Check who owns a file before you empty Trash if others depend on it.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- 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.
Google One storage manager
Google One’s storage manager offers cleanup organized by service, including Google Photos, Google Drive, Gmail, and Trash. You select items, review them, and choose a deletion action. The result depends on the service. Photos items move to Trash and are permanently deleted after 30 days, while the Drive and Gmail cleanup described by Google may delete items permanently without recovery. Treat this as an optional consolidated cleanup tool, not as a separate Android Trash.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Gallery apps and memory cards
If an item is not in the Google app where you deleted it, check your phone’s Gallery app and any removable SD card. Google advises using the device Gallery app to delete leftover memory-card copies. Menu names and steps vary by manufacturer, so follow the labels your phone shows rather than a fixed path.
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Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
What emptying Trash does and does not free up
Emptying Trash does not guarantee more space on your phone. Drive Trash affects Google Account storage. Google Photos may report recovered cloud storage. Local copies on the device or a memory card are a separate matter and may need the Gallery app to remove.
- Check storage in the app you used, not only in Android’s storage settings.
- Remember that emptying Trash cannot be undone, so confirm the contents first.
In short, empty Trash in the app that deleted the item, and handle any remaining local copies separately.
Quick Recap
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