Trash / Recycle Bin (Android)
Also known as: Android recycle bin, Google Photos Bin, Files app Trash
Android has no single system-wide recycle bin; instead, individual apps keep their own. Google Photos holds deleted items in its Bin for about 60 days, and the Files by Google Trash holds them for about 30 days before erasing them.
- No single Android-wide recycle bin — apps keep their own
- Google Photos Bin: ~60 days
- Files by Google Trash: ~30 days
Why deleting doesn’t free space at once
When you delete a photo or file, the app usually moves it to a holding area rather than erasing it, as a safety net. The space is not reclaimed until that area is emptied or its timer runs out.
Google Photos calls this the Bin and keeps items roughly 60 days. Files by Google calls it Trash and keeps items roughly 30 days. Emptying one does not empty the other.
Reclaiming the space now
To free space immediately, empty each bin yourself: in Google Photos open Library > Bin and choose Empty Bin; in Files by Google open the menu and select Trash, then delete. Some manufacturer galleries (such as Samsung) add their own Recycle bin with separate timers.