Delete all photos from Google Photo automatically – Step by Step guide

Google Photos is a great platform for storing and organizing images, but over time it can become cluttered with duplicates, screenshots, and unwanted pictures. If you’re looking to delete all photos — or bulk clean thousands of items — doing it manually via the interface can be painfully slow.

The problem?

Google Photos does not include a “Select All” or bulk delete button for large libraries. The default interface forces you to delete photos one screen at a time, making the process extremely time-consuming.

Luckily, there are faster methods.

🚀 The Easiest and Fastest Method

Using the Chrome Extension: Google Photos Bulk Downloader & Deleter

(Install now from the Google Chrome Web Store)
Works on: Windows, macOS, Chromebook, Linux (Chrome/Edge Browser)

This Chrome extension was designed exactly for situations where you need to:

  • Delete hundreds or thousands of photos

  • Download photos before deleting them (optional backup)

  • Clean up albums or search results in bulk

  • Automate the process without manual clicking

🔥 Key Features

Feature FREE Version PRO Version
Bulk Delete ✔ Limited items per session ✔ Unlimited
Bulk Download ✔ Limited items per session ✔ Unlimited
Download + Delete automation ✔ Limited ✔ Unlimited
Works in albums, search filters, and full library ✔ ✔
Automatic scrolling / next photo cycling ✔ ✔

📌 How to Use It

  1. Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store

  2. Open Google Photos in a browser tab.

  3. Navigate to the location where you want to start deleting:

    • Main library

    • An album

    • A filtered search result

    • A specific photo (to start from a middle position)

  4. Click the extension icon.

  5. Choose the mode:

☑ Download only
☑ Delete only
☑ Download + Delete

  1. Click START.

The extension will:

  • Open the first photo

  • Click delete automatically

  • Confirm deletion

  • Move to the next item

  • Repeat until complete

No need to manually touch the keyboard or mouse while it runs.

💡 TIP: If you want to start from a specific photo, simply open that photo before clicking START — the extension continues from that exact point.

🧹 Why This Method Works Better Than Manual Selection

Method Deletes thousands Requires manual clicking Risk of mis-clicking Automatic repeat
Manual selection ❌ ✔✔✔ (slow) High ❌
Google Takeout + reset ✔ ❌ Medium ❌
Chrome extension ✔✔✔ ❌ Low ✔✔

The extension automates the clicks and confirmation steps Google normally forces you to repeat photo-by-photo.

🛑 Before You Delete Everything — Backup Options

If you want a safety copy of your photos before deleting them, you can:

Backup Method Pros Cons
Use the extension’s “Download + Delete” mode Automated, keeps folder structure Only works inside browser
Google Takeout (takeout.google.com) Full export in ZIP files Slow & large ZIP downloads
External software like Synology/Dropbox backup sync Good for long-term mirroring Requires setup

If you’re unsure, backup first — delete later.

🧭 Alternative Ways to Bulk Delete Google Photos

If you don’t want to use an extension, here are other methods:

1️⃣ Google Photos App (Mobile)

On Android/iOS:

  • Tap and hold to select the first image

  • Swipe while holding to select hundreds at once

  • Tap the trash icon

Pros: fast selection gesture
Cons: mobile upload sync may restore deleted items unless disabled

2️⃣ Use Google Photos on Desktop with SHIFT

On photos.google.com:

  1. Click the first image

  2. Hold Shift

  3. Click a photo further down to select everything in between

  4. Press 🗑 Delete

Limitations:

  • Works only per page

  • Google auto-loads only a portion of the library each time

3️⃣ Google Takeout + Account Reset

If your goal is to wipe everything completely:

  1. Download everything from:
    https://takeout.google.com/

  2. Delete all photos

  3. Optional: Disable sync in Google Photos mobile app

  4. Clear device backup settings

This is the best option if you’re migrating away permanently.

🏁 Conclusion

Deleting thousands of photos in Google Photos manually can take hours — or even days. The fastest and most flexible solution today is to automate the cleanup using a browser extension like:

(Install now from the Google Chrome Web Store)
Works on: Windows, macOS, Chromebook, Linux (Chrome/Edge Browser)
Supports: delete only, backup + delete, safe step-by-step automation

Once you’re ready, just open the album or photo you want to start from and press Start — the rest happens automatically.

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