Remove duplicate photos from Google Photos on a Chromebook

You can remove duplicate photos from Google Photos on a Chromebook, because the clean-up happens in the Google Photos web app in Chrome, and ChromeOS runs desktop Chrome. The free route is to compare copies by hand at photos.google.com and move the extras to the trash. If you have hundreds, a Chrome extension such as Doppelgone can do the finding for you, and runs on ChromeOS the same way it does on Windows or Mac.

Why a Chromebook ends up with doubles

Chromebooks usually add copies through backup routes. Google's Chromebook help describes backing up from an SD card or USB device by installing the Google Photos Android app from the Play Store, then choosing a folder to back up. If you've done that and also uploaded the same photos from your phone, you'll have two copies of some of them. The fewer routes you use, the fewer doubles.

Option 1: Clean up by hand (free)

1. Open Chrome and go to photos.google.com.
2. Scroll to a month where you know you uploaded twice, or search for a place or event.
3. Look for photos with the same scene and time. Open two side by side if you're unsure which is sharper.
4. Select the extra ones. Google's help says to select the items, then click Move to trash.
5. If you slip, click Undo at the bottom of the screen right away.

It's fine for dozens of photos and tedious for thousands.

Option 2: Use the Storage tool to find big items

Google's Manage your storage page on the computer site lists recommended categories, such as large photos and videos, and lets you select items and move them to the trash. It won't find duplicates, but it's a free way to get space back quickly if storage is why you're here. See Google Photos storage full.

Option 3: Doppelgone on your Chromebook

The Chrome extension works on desktop Chrome, including ChromeOS.

1. Add the extension from the Chrome Web Store.
2. Open photos.google.com and start a scan.
3. It finds exact copies, lookalikes and burst shots. In each set it keeps the best shot (eyes open, sharp, well lit) and says why.
4. Review the sets. If you prefer another photo in a set, click it to keep that one too.
5. Approve the clean-up. Nothing is removed until you do.

Photos never leave your device: they're analysed on the Chromebook. Removed photos wait in the Google Photos trash for 30 days, and there's a one-click undo. Favourites, videos and photos shared with you are never touched.

After you clean up

Photos in the Google Photos trash still count towards your storage until the trash is emptied. Once you're happy with the result, empty it. More in Google Photos trash explained.

To stop the doubles coming back, choose one backup route for the Chromebook's photos, and check which device folders your phone backs up. See why Google Photos has duplicates.

Frequently asked questions

Does Google Photos have a duplicate remover on a Chromebook?

Not one that Google's help pages describe. You can delete by hand from photos.google.com, or use an extension to find the copies.

Does the Doppelgone extension work on ChromeOS?

Yes. It runs in desktop Chrome, and ChromeOS runs desktop Chrome. Add it from the Chrome Web Store and open photos.google.com.

Do I need the Android app on my Chromebook?

No. The extension works on the web version of Google Photos. Google's Chromebook help mentions the Android app only for backing up from an SD card or USB device.

Is it safe to delete the extra copies?

Removed photos wait in the Google Photos trash for 30 days, with one-click undo in Doppelgone. Review each set first.

Does it remove duplicate videos?

No. Videos are never touched, so check those by hand.

What does it cost?

The free plan has unlimited scans and 200 clean-ups. Pro is one payment of $9.99, no subscription, for unlimited clean-ups on up to 3 libraries.

What to do next

Start with a manual look at one busy month. If it's more than you want to sort by hand, run a free scan with the extension and see the count. The full manual walkthrough is in how to delete duplicate photos in Google Photos, and the download page lists every app.

Google Photos, Chrome and Chromebook are trademarks of Google LLC. Doppelgone is not affiliated with Google.