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To delete photos on a Samsung phone, open Gallery, select the pictures, tap Delete, and confirm Move to Trash. The photos usually remain recoverable in Gallery Trash for 30 days under Samsung Canada’s guidance; emptying Trash removes that recovery option. Before doing so, check whether the images are synced or backed up elsewhere.
Delete selected photos in Samsung Gallery
- Open Gallery and choose Pictures or an album.
- Touch and hold a thumbnail to select it. Tap any other photos you want to remove.
- Tap Delete, then confirm Move to Trash.
This is the workflow in Samsung US’s storage guide. The Gallery app moves deleted photos to Trash rather than immediately removing them permanently. Samsung notes that device menus and screens can differ by model and software version.
Restore a photo from Gallery Trash
- Open Gallery and open its menu.
- Choose Trash or, on some versions, Recycle bin.
- Select the photo and tap Restore.
Samsung Canada says Gallery-deleted files stay in Trash for 30 days before automatic permanent deletion. Its instructions were updated March 12, 2026. If you do not see Trash in Gallery’s menu, check the recycle-bin controls in My Files or Device care; available locations depend on the software version. See Samsung Canada’s Gallery Trash guidance and its One UI 6-era guidance for Trash in Samsung apps.
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Permanently delete photos before the retention period ends
- Open Gallery’s Trash or Recycle bin.
- Review the contents and select the items to remove permanently, or choose the option to empty Trash.
- Tap Delete or Empty, then confirm.
After this, the selected items can no longer be restored from that Trash. Check that you have selected the right photos and verified any important backup or synced copy before confirming. Samsung’s One UI 6-related page says the recycle-bin function cannot be turned off on the devices covered by that guidance; this should not be treated as a universal label or setting for every Galaxy model.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Check other recovery locations if a photo is missing
Google Photos
If the photo is not in Samsung Gallery Trash, open Google Photos and check its Trash. Confirm that you are signed in to the Google account used for the photo backup. Samsung India’s recovery guidance, updated August 30, 2024, says items in Google Photos Trash are permanently deleted after 60 days. That is Google Photos’ separate workflow, not an extension of Gallery’s 30-day period. See Samsung India’s deleted-photo recovery guidance.
My Files and other backups
Samsung’s guidance also points to Trash or recycle-bin controls in Samsung apps such as My Files. For copies held by a cloud service, check that service’s app and account. Samsung says Gallery sync has been transitioning to Microsoft OneDrive and recommends periodic backups, but the result of deleting a photo can depend on the apps, accounts, sync settings, and software version involved. The available support guidance does not establish one deletion rule for every combination of Gallery, OneDrive, and Google Photos. Inspect your active sync settings and verify a backup before permanently removing an important image.
Rank #2
- 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.
What deleting photos does—and does not—guarantee
Samsung presents Gallery deletion as a way to free storage, but its guide does not specify how much space a particular photo will release or when the phone’s displayed storage total will update. If storage is your goal, delete only files you no longer need, then check the phone’s storage display afterward rather than assuming a fixed amount of space will be recovered.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
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.
Rank #3
- 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.
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