Got a bunch of duplicate photos cluttering up your Google Photos? No worries, it’s not as tough as you might think to clean things up. Just follow the simple steps outlined below, and you’ll have a tidy photo library in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial to Delete Duplicate Photos in Google Photos
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s get a quick overview of what we’re about to do. We’ll be going through your Google Photos, finding those pesky duplicates, and getting rid of them to free up space and declutter your photo library.
Step 1: Open Google Photos
Head over to the Google Photos website or open the app on your mobile device.
Opening Google Photos is your first step because, well, that’s where all your photos are stored! Whether you’re using a computer or a smartphone, the process is pretty much the same.
Step 2: Search for duplicates
Use the search bar to find duplicates by typing in specific keywords or dates.
When you search for duplicates, you can start by looking for photos taken on the same day, which often results in duplicates. Use specific keywords that might bring up similar photos, like “beach” or “birthday.”
Step 3: Manually select the duplicate photos
Click on the photos you want to delete, selecting each duplicate manually.
This step requires a bit of patience and an eagle eye. You’ll need to go through your photos and pick out the duplicates one by one. Be careful not to delete any unique photos you want to keep!
Step 4: Click on the trash icon
After selecting the duplicates, hit the trash icon to remove them from your library.
Once you’ve selected all the duplicates, all it takes is a simple click on the trash icon, and voila! Your duplicates are gone, and your photo library is neat and tidy.
Step 5: Confirm the deletion
A pop-up will ask you to confirm the deletion of the selected photos. Click “Yes” to proceed.
This is your last chance to make sure you’re not deleting anything important. Take a quick look over the photos you’ve selected, then confirm the deletion to send those duplicates packing.
After you’ve completed these steps, all the selected duplicate photos will be removed from your Google Photos library. Remember, it’s always good to double-check before confirming the deletion, so you don’t accidentally lose any cherished memories.
Tips to Delete Duplicate Photos in Google Photos
- Tip 1: Consistently review and organize your photos to prevent a buildup of duplicates.
- Tip 2: Use the “Sort” feature to arrange photos by date, which can make spotting duplicates easier.
- Tip 3: Be cautious when deleting; it’s better to double-check before confirming the deletion.
- Tip 4: Consider using third-party apps or software that specialize in finding and deleting duplicate photos.
- Tip 5: After deleting duplicates, remember to clear out the trash in Google Photos to free up storage space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover deleted photos from Google Photos?
Yes, deleted photos remain in the trash for 60 days before being permanently deleted.
Is there a limit to how many photos I can delete at once?
No, you can select and delete as many photos as you want, but it might be more manageable to do it in smaller batches.
Do I need to use a computer to delete duplicates, or can I do it on my phone?
You can delete duplicate photos using either a computer or the mobile app.
Will deleting duplicate photos from Google Photos delete them from my phone as well?
If your phone is set to sync with Google Photos, then yes, deleting them from Google Photos will remove them from your device.
Is there a way to automatically find and delete duplicates in Google Photos?
Currently, Google Photos does not have an automated feature to detect and delete duplicates, so it has to be done manually.
Summary
- Open Google Photos.
- Search for duplicates.
- Manually select the duplicate photos.
- Click on the trash icon.
- Confirm the deletion.
Conclusion
There you have it, fellow photo organizers! With a bit of time and effort, you can say goodbye to those annoying duplicate photos in Google Photos. Remember, keeping your photo library free of duplicates not only saves storage space but also makes browsing through your memories a much smoother experience. So don’t let the clutter get you down—take control and start deleting! Happy organizing, and may your photo library be as unique as each captured moment.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.