Accidentally deleting photos can be frustrating, especially when those pictures hold sentimental or important value. Thankfully, Apple provides several ways to recover deleted photos on an iPhone. Whether you’ve just deleted them or they’ve been gone for a while, there are methods you can use to retrieve them.
This article will explore all the techniques for recovering deleted photos, from using the Recently Deleted folder to leveraging iCloud and third-party recovery tools.
Understanding the iPhone’s Photo Recovery System
Apple designed iPhones to make photo recovery as easy as possible.
Here’s an overview of how it works:
1. Recently Deleted Folder: When you delete a photo, it doesn’t vanish immediately. Instead, it’s moved to the Recently Deleted folder, where it stays for 30 days before being permanently erased.
2. iCloud Backup: If you use iCloud to back up your photos, you might be able to retrieve lost images from a recent backup.
3. Third-Party Tools: In cases where the photos have been permanently deleted, specialized recovery software may help retrieve them.
By following the steps below, you can increase your chances of recovering lost photos effectively.
Recover Photos from the Recently Deleted Folder
The first place to check for deleted photos is the Recently Deleted folder. Photos and videos remain here for 30 days after deletion.
Steps to Recover Photos from Recently Deleted
1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down to the Albums tab.
3. Tap Recently Deleted under the Utilities section.
4. Review the photos or videos listed.
5. Select the items you want to recover by tapping Select in the top right corner.
6. Tap Recover to restore the selected photos back to your photo library.
Note: If the 30-day window has passed, the photos will be permanently deleted from this folder.
Check iCloud Photos
If you’ve enabled iCloud Photos, your photos are automatically synced to the cloud. Even if you delete a photo on one device, it might still exist on another device or in the cloud.
Steps to Recover Photos Using iCloud
1. Open a web browser and go to iCloud.com.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID.
3. Click on the Photos app.
4. Navigate to the Recently Deleted album in iCloud Photos.
5. Select the photos you want to recover and click Recover.
Important Notes
Ensure that iCloud Photos is enabled on your iPhone by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos.
If you’re using Optimize iPhone Storage, high-resolution versions of your photos are stored in iCloud, which might make recovery easier.
Restore Photos from an iCloud Backup
If your photos aren’t in the Recently Deleted folder or iCloud Photos, you may still be able to recover them by restoring an iCloud backup. This method will restore your iPhone to a previous state, potentially bringing back deleted photos.
Steps to Restore from iCloud Backup
1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Go to General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Follow the setup process until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
4. Select Restore from iCloud Backup and sign in with your Apple ID.
5. Choose a backup that contains the photos you want to recover.
Caution: Restoring an iCloud backup will erase your current data and replace it with the data from the selected backup. Make sure to back up your current data before proceeding.
Recover Photos Using iTunes or Finder Backup
If you’ve backed up your iPhone to a computer using iTunes (on Windows or older macOS) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later), you can use these backups to restore deleted photos.
Steps to Restore from iTunes or Finder Backup
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning cable.
2. Open iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).
3. Select your iPhone when it appears.
4. Click Restore Backup and choose a backup that likely contains your deleted photos.
5. Wait for the restoration process to complete.
Caution: Like iCloud backups, this method will replace your current data with the data from the selected backup.
Use Third-Party Recovery Tools
If the above methods don’t work and the photos have been permanently deleted, you can try using third-party recovery software. These tools scan your iPhone’s storage for traces of deleted files, including photos.
Popular Third-Party Recovery Tools
1. Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS)
- Features: Recovers photos, messages, and other data from iPhones.
- How to Use: Connect your iPhone, scan for deleted files, and recover photos.
2. iMobie PhoneRescue
- Features: Supports photo recovery from iPhones, iCloud, and iTunes backups.
- How to Use: Install the software, connect your device, and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Tenorshare UltData
- Features: Recovers permanently deleted photos without a backup.
- How to Use: Download the software, connect your iPhone, and initiate a deep scan.
Steps to Recover Using Third-Party Tools
1. Download and install the software on your computer
2. Connect your iPhone to the computer using a lightning cable.
3. Follow the software’s instructions to scan your iPhone for deleted photos.
4. Preview and select the photos you want to recover.
5. Save the recovered photos to your computer or device.
Note: Most recovery tools offer free trials, but you may need to purchase a license for full functionality.
Check Shared Albums and Messages
Deleted photos might still exist in shared albums or messages.
Check Shared Albums
1. Open the Photos app.
2. Go to the Albums tab and look under Shared Albums.
3. Browse through shared albums to see if the deleted photo is still there.
Check Messages and Social Media
Photos shared via iMessage, WhatsApp, or social media apps might still be accessible through those platforms.
Contact Apple Support
If all else fails, contacting Apple Support may be an option. While Apple doesn’t guarantee data recovery, their experts can guide you through additional troubleshooting steps or confirm whether recovery is possible.
Preventing Future Photo Loss
To avoid losing important photos in the future, consider these preventive measures:
1. Enable iCloud Photos
Turn on iCloud Photos in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos.
2. Regular Backups
Regularly back up your iPhone using iCloud, iTunes, or Finder.
3. Use Third-Party Storage
Use apps like Google Photos or Dropbox to store copies of your photos.
4. Organize and Archive
Regularly organize and archive your photos to an external drive or cloud storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can permanently deleted photos be recovered?
It depends. If the photos were overwritten by new data, recovery might not be possible. However, third-party tools can sometimes retrieve permanently deleted files.
2. How long do photos stay in the Recently Deleted folder?
Photos remain in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days before being permanently deleted.
3. Can I recover photos without a backup?
Yes, you can try using third-party recovery tools to scan for deleted files directly on your iPhone.
4. Are recovery tools safe to use?
Reputable recovery tools like Dr.Fone, PhoneRescue, and Tenorshare UltData are generally safe. Always download software from official websites to avoid malware.
5. Can I recover photos after resetting my iPhone?
If you’ve backed up your iPhone before resetting it, you can restore the backup to recover photos.
Conclusion
Accidentally deleting photos on an iPhone doesn’t have to be a disaster. By using the methods outlined above, you can recover lost images in most situations. From the Recently Deleted folder to iCloud and third-party tools, there are plenty of options to explore.
To ensure your memories are safe in the future, enable iCloud Photos, back up your device regularly, and consider using additional cloud storage services. By taking these precautions, you’ll minimize the chances of losing important photos again.