You might be familiar with desktop computers’ trash systems; however, Android doesn’t offer such a type of universal recycle bin that stores deleted files. What the majority of Android apps do is they manage their own trash, which you will then have to individually empty to free up the phone’s storage.
This article will cover how to empty the trash for Google Photos and Files by Google, these are two of the popular gallery as well as file manager apps for Android OS. Say you are using a different app, you can check the “Recently Deleted” folder, “Trash,” or similar places to locate and remove the deleted files.
How to Clear the Trash in Google Photos?
- If you wish to clear the deleted photos and videos, first, launch the Google Photos app on your Android device.
- In the app’s bottom bar, tap on “Library.”
- In the “Library” screen, tap on “Trash” at the top.
- After the “Trash” page opens, tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
- As the three-dot menu appears, choose “Empty Trash.”
- In the prompt, tap on “Allow” to confirm this choice.
- NOTE – If you are okay with the fact that you’ll be permanently losing all the items in your trash, then proceed, because you can’t recover them once they’re gone.
- Google Photos will proceed to permanently delete everything from your trash.
How to Empty the Trash in Files by Google?
- If you are using Files by Google as the file manager and you wish to clear the trash, first you need to launch the Files by Google app on your Android phone.
- After the app launches, tap the three horizontal lines, in the top-left.
- After the menu opens, tap on “Trash.”
- While you are on the “Trash” page, you will be able to see the deleted files. Now, select all the files by tapping on “All Items,” then, tap on “Delete.”
- A prompt will appear, tap on “Delete.”
- NOTE – If you are okay with the fact that you’ll be permanently losing all the items in your trash, then proceed, because you can’t recover them once they’re gone.
- And voila! Files by Google will then delete all the trash files for good.
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