[Feature] Improve Trash Visibility for External Library Items Deleted Due to Missing Files

[tomhnatt]

I have searched the existing feature requests, both open and closed, to make sure this is not a duplicate request.

• Yes

The feature

Problem

When using External Libraries in Immich, items are moved to the Trash not only when a user intentionally deletes them, but also when Immich can no longer find the underlying file on disk.

A common example is when reorganizing folders within an External Library. If a photo is moved from one folder to another, the old entry is placed in the Trash.

The current behavior is technically correct, but from a user perspective it can be confusing. When browsing the Trash, both intentionally deleted items in Immich and items that are only moved (ord deleted externaly) appear identical.

It is possible to determine the reason by opening an item and reading the message:

"This external library asset no longer exists on disk and has been moved to the trash..."

However, this information is only visible after opening the asset, and on mobile it is not accessible.

Proposed Solution

Add a visible deletion reason indicator directly in the Trash view.

Possible implementations:

• Show a small icon or badge on thumbnail/list items indicating why the asset is in the Trash.
• Different icons for:
• • User-deleted assets
• • External library assets missing from disk
• • Other deletion reasons (if applicable)
• Display the reason in the asset tooltip/details preview.

Additionally, add filtering options in the Trash:

• Show all items
• Show only user-deleted items
• Show only external library items missing from disk

Or even better: Make Immich recognize the new image location in the External Liberary, and not treat it as a deleted item.

Benefits

• Reduces confusion and accidental restores.
• Makes Trash management much easier, especially for users of External Libraries.
• Helps distinguish between genuinely deleted assets and assets that are only (temporarily) unavailable due to file moves or library reorganization.
• Improves the mobile experience where the current explanatory message is not easily visible.

Real-World Scenario

I frequently reorganize folders in an External Library. When files are moved between folders, the old entries appear in the Trash. When reviewing the Trash later, I often think the photos were accidentally deleted and restore them, even though the files still exist in Immich.

A simple visual indicator and filtering by deletion reason would make the Trash significantly more intuitive and prevent unnecessary user actions.

Platform

• Server
• Web
• Mobile