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If a video is missing from Google Photos, first check that you’re viewing the Google Account where it was backed up. It may instead be stored only on your device, still waiting to upload, filed in Archive or Locked Folder, or in Trash. Work through the checks below in order to find out where it is—and whether it can still be recovered.
1. Make sure you’re in the right Google Account
Google Photos libraries are tied to Google Accounts. In the app, tap your profile picture to check the selected account; on a computer, check the account shown at photos.google.com. If you use more than one account, switch to the one that may have received the video. Google lists viewing a different account as a reason photos or videos can appear to be missing. See its Android, computer, and iPhone and iPad guidance.
2. Find out whether the video was backed up
A video that never finished backing up may exist only on the original device, not in the cloud library you see on another device. Google says missing videos may not have been backed up to Google Photos. In the app’s settings, open Backup and check that backup is on, the correct backup account is selected, and the upload is complete rather than paused or still in progress. Google’s Android backup guidance explains how to check backup settings. On iPhone or iPad, Google advises not quitting Photos while it is backing up.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIf you still have the original device, look for the video in its gallery or file manager. If it is there, reconnect to a reliable network and allow Photos to finish backing it up. If it is not there and was never backed up, Google Photos cannot show a cloud copy that does not exist.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
3. On Android, check folders used by other apps
Videos downloaded or created in messaging, social, editing, or other apps may be saved in a device folder that is not included in backup. These folder checks apply to Android:
- In Google Photos, open Collections > On this device and inspect the folders where the app may have saved the video.
- To back up a folder, open Photos settings > Backup > Back up device folders and enable the relevant folder.
Google warns that if a video is deleted from the device before its folder has been backed up, it will not appear in Google Photos. See Find items from other apps & devices for details.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
4. Search with another term, date, or upload order
Search can miss a video if the term or date you expect does not match the information associated with it. Try a broader or different search term, and check the likely date range. A timestamp difference can place a video somewhere other than the date you remember recording or receiving it.
Also check Recently added to locate items by when they were added to the library. If a search still finds nothing, Google suggests trying again in three to five days because indexing can take time; that interval is guidance, not a guarantee. Its Android and computer missing-media help covers search and date checks.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
5. Look in Archive and Locked Folder
A video moved out of the main library view may still be in Google Photos. Open Collections > Archive and look for it there. On mobile, check Locked Folder too if you may have moved the video into it. Google includes these locations in its missing-item guidance for Android and iPhone and iPad.
6. Check Trash before it is permanently deleted
If you deleted the video, open Google Photos Trash and see whether it is still there. Google says items remain in Trash for 30 days before permanent deletion; the reviewed help page does not state when that policy was published. If the video is available, select it and choose the restore option. Follow Google’s restore instructions.
Rank #4
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Once permanently deleted, an item cannot be restored through Google Photos. Google Takeout exports data that is currently available; it does not recover permanently deleted content. If another gallery app deleted the video before Google Photos backed it up, check that app’s Trash, if it has one. Google describes recovery limits in its missing-media help.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →7. Check account storage if an upload is failing
Storage is worth checking when a video has not uploaded—not when it is merely hidden in a different account, Archive, or another view. Google Account storage is shared across Photos, Drive, and Gmail. If it is full, backup may be affected; Google says you can clear space or buy more storage. Changing storage does not recover a video that has already been permanently deleted. See Google’s Android backup help.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- All-in-One Design: 1TB external hard drive, multi-port hub and SD/TF card reader combine to provide ample storage and comprehensive connectivity in a single device for seamless multi-device connectivity to enhance your productivity.
- Multiple Interface Support: The product has a built-in 1TB hard disk and supports USB-C, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, SD card slot and TF card slot, which meets the needs of daily work. The product connects to the computer via data cable to realize multi-device interoperability.
- Dual Socket Data Connection Cable: Equipped with USB 3.2 and USB-C dual socket data connection cable, suitable for more models.
- Wide compatibility: Supports Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS （iPhone 15 and Later） and other operating systems. Support Desktops, Laptops, SmartPhones, Tablets, TVs and other devices.
- Note: This is only compatible with Apple devices that have a USB‑C port (including iPhone 15 and later, as well as all iPads with USB‑C). Using a Lightning to USB‑C adapter will not resolve the compatibility issue.
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