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To remove photos from your phone while keeping their backed-up copies in Google Photos, first confirm the backup is complete in the right Google Account, then use Google Photos’ Free up space on this device feature. Don’t use the regular delete button: it can remove photos from synced devices as well.
Before deleting anything, confirm the backup
Open Google Photos and make sure you’re signed in to the Google Account where you want the photos saved. Confirm that the items have finished backing up; you can check an individual photo’s backup status in its details. If a photo is deleted from another gallery before Google Photos has backed it up, Google warns that the file may be gone before it reaches the library.
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For instructions that may vary by device, see Google Photos Help for Android or Google Photos Help for iPhone and iPad.
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Remove backed-up photos from an Android phone
- Open Google Photos and sign in to the account containing the backup.
- Confirm that the photos and videos you want to remove from the phone have finished backing up.
- Tap your profile picture or initial, then tap Free up space on this device.
- Review the amount of space shown, then confirm Free up [x] from device.
- Check that the photos remain visible in Google Photos or at photos.google.com.
Google says photos and videos less than 30 days old may remain on the device after this cleanup. Once local copies are removed, those items may no longer show in the phone’s built-in gallery, may be unavailable offline, and may not be accessible in Google Photos when you’re signed out.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Remove backed-up photos from an iPhone or iPad
- Open Google Photos, sign in to the correct account, and confirm that backup is complete.
- Tap your profile picture or initial, then tap Free up space on this device.
- Review the eligible items, tap Delete [x] items from this device, and confirm.
- Open Apple’s Photos app, go to Recently Deleted, and delete those same items there to reclaim their storage.
- Return to Google Photos to view the backed-up copies.
Google’s iPhone and iPad workflow can remove backed-up photos and videos older than 30 days from the device. Afterward, they may not appear in Apple Photos, be available offline, or be accessible in Google Photos while you’re signed out.
Choose the action that matches the copy you want to keep
| Goal | Where to act | What remains |
|---|---|---|
| Free phone space but keep backed-up photos in Google Photos | Use Free up space on this device in the Google Photos app | The backed-up library copy remains in Google Photos; the eligible local copy is removed. |
| Remove photos from Google Photos but keep device copies | Turn off backup on every device where copies should remain, then delete the selected items at photos.google.com | Local copies are intended to remain, but backup must stay off on those devices. Google’s backup guidance for iPhone and iPad describes this separate workflow. |
These actions are not interchangeable. Google says deleting items through its app can delete the same items from the device and from synced devices where backup is on. For device-space cleanup, use the device cleanup feature rather than the ordinary delete action. Google’s delete photos and videos guidance explains the effects of deletion.
Rank #2
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
If you already deleted the wrong photos
Check Google Photos’ trash promptly. Google says deleted photos and videos remain there for 30 days before permanent deletion; items permanently deleted from trash cannot be restored through it. If the missing copy was in the phone’s gallery, check that app’s trash or Recently Deleted area too. Recovery options vary by phone and gallery.
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Phone storage and Google Account storage are different
Google says an account includes up to 15 GB shared across Gmail, Drive, and Google Photos. That is cloud account capacity, not free space on the phone. If your problem is full device storage, buying more Google Account storage does not remove local photo files; use the device cleanup steps above. See Google’s activity and storage information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Important】: Default format of the usb flash drive 128gb is exFAT as this is the format recognized by the smartphones and tablets. These 128gb thumb drives are only compatible with C-Port enabled mobile phones & computers only. While formatting the usb flash drive dual type c usb 3.0 OTG keep a check on the drive format
- 【Easy to Use】: Directly plug the 2-in-1 USB flash drive and play, no need to install any software. The jump drive is easy to be recognized by computer, laptop, notebook, PC, car audio, speaker, smart TV, vidoe projector etc
- 【Fast Speed】: High-speed USB 3.0 flash drive for fast data transfer, backwards compatible with USB 2.0 easy to complete the storage and transport functions. USB 3.0 and Class A chip help you transfer a 4G movie from the thumb drive to your smartphone in about 40 seconds, and reverse transfer in 2 mins to save memory for your smartphone with Type C port.Save your time
- 【Good Compatibility】: Dual connectors USB type C + USB 3.0. Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible withUSB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backwards USB1.1. Support videos formats: AVI, M4V, MKV, MOV, M P4, MPG, RM, RMVB, TS, WMV, FLV, 3GP; AUDIOS: FLAC, APE, AAC, AIF, M4A, MP3, WAV
- 【OTG Function】:Support nearly all mobile phones which support OTG function,and very easy to operate
Rank #4
- 2 in 1: USB C + USB 3.0, 32GB usb c flash drive has dual ports, usb 3.0 port is applied to all devices which have usb 3.0 interface and usb c port is widely used in all Android smartphones with OTG function
- High Speed USB 3.0: Read speed up to 90 MB/s, Write speed up to 30 MB/s, the speed of USB 3.0 interface is faster than USB 2.0, save time to wait, increases work productivity. Note: Speed will be limited if you use the USB key in the USB 2.0 interface
- Large Compatibility: The USB 3.0 Connector is compatible with USB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backward USB 1.1 devices, such as Laptop, Desktop, Car Audio, Tablet, TV, Speakers, Projector. USB-C port is compatible with all Android Smartphones
- Expand Storage: Good performance in storing, transferring and sharing digital data with families, friends, colleagues, customers. It can expand the capacity of smartphone, you can watch movies or share pictures when you go on vacation with your family
- Note: Make sure your smartphone is equipped with OTG function and need to open OTG function in Settings when you plug memory stick, then you can transfer easily data bewteen different devices
Rank #3
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
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