Deleting photos from device only?

[Ivan Berger]

Once my photos are backed up to Google Photos, how can i delete them from my phone without deleting them from the cloud?

I have a Google Pixel 6a, with Android 13

 

[svim]

If you look in the Settings menu in your Google Photos app, there's a 'Free up device storage' option that will do what you're asking. But I'd give it some thought though. Is your photo library stored on your Pixel really taking up a significant amount of storage space?

Keep in mind that when you intentionally have your photos deleted from your phone, your photos are essentially not backed up anymore. Your photos will be stored in your online Google account, and no longer on your phone. Google's server farms are very reliable and stable but the issue you should never ignore is if something happens with how you access your Google account (i.e. some a**hole hacks and takes over your account, or you're in a location with spotty or no WiFi nor mobile data/cellular), Or in other words, whenever you can't access your online Google account, you can't access all your photos.

 

[ocnbrze]

in google photos, top right corner should be your avatar and your google account info. if you press it you should get a popup. under your google account should mention backup about either to backup or that a backup has been performed. if you select that and then select the 3 dots on the top right corner then select backup settings. make sure that "back up and sync" are toggled on. this will make backups automatic as soon as the phone is connected to wifi. this way you do not have to worry about your photos or videos. it is done automatic.

you can then delete whatever, just make sure that a back up has been performed first.