How to Recover Deleted Photos: A Simple Guide
Losing photos can be stressful. Maybe you tapped the wrong button, or your phone or computer stopped working the right way. Whatever happened, you want those pictures back. The good news is that most deleted photos are not gone forever. There are ways to recover them, and it is usually easier than you think.
In this guide, I will show you simple steps to get your photos back from Windows computers, iPhones, Android phones, and cloud services like Google Photos and iCloud. I will also explain tools you can use when photos seem permanently deleted.
Why Deleted Photos Are Often Not Gone
When you delete a photo, it usually does not disappear immediately. Devices often move the picture to a temporary folder instead of erasing it right away.
For example:
- On Windows, deleted files go to the Recycle Bin.
- On iPhones, deleted photos are stored in the Recently Deleted album for 30 days.
- On Google Photos, deleted images stay in the Trash or Bin for 30 to 60 days.
- Many Android phones have a Trash or Recycle Bin in the Gallery app.
This means there is a good chance your photo can be recovered if you check quickly.
Step 1: Check the Trash or Recently Deleted Folder
The first and easiest place to look is the trash folder.
On Windows Computers
- Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
- Look for the deleted photo.
- Right-click it and choose Restore.
The photo will return to the folder it was in before deletion.
On iPhones and iPads
- Open the Photos app.
- Tap Albums.
- Scroll down to Recently Deleted.
- Tap Select, choose your photo, and tap Recover.
The photo will move back to your main photo library.
On Android Phones
Using Google Photos:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap Library and then Trash or Bin.
- Press and hold the photo you want to recover.
- Tap Restore.
Using Samsung Gallery:
- Open the Gallery app.
- Tap the menu (three dots) and select Recycle Bin.
- Choose the photo and tap Restore.
Other phone brands may have similar apps and folders for deleted photos.
Step 2: Check Cloud Backups
If your photo is not in the trash, the next step is to check cloud backups. Many phones automatically save copies of your pictures online.
Google Photos Backup
- Open Google Photos.
- Use the Search feature and type words related to the photo, like “birthday” or “dog.”
- Check the Archive section too.
iCloud Backup
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in.
- Open Photos and check your library and Recently Deleted folder.
- If you use backups on your computer through iTunes or Finder, you may find old photos there as well.
Other Cloud Services
Photos might also be stored in apps like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Amazon Photos. Check each app to see if your photo is saved there.
Step 3: Check SD Cards or Other Storage
If your phone, camera, or drone uses an SD card, your photo might still be on it.
- Remove the SD card from the device.
- Insert it into a computer using a card reader.
- Open the card and look for your photo in the folders.
Even if the photo doesn’t appear, it might still be recoverable using special recovery tools.
Step 4: Use Photo Recovery Tools
If your photo is not in the trash or backup, recovery tools can help. These tools scan the device for data that hasn’t been overwritten yet.
Popular Recovery Tools
- Disk Drill
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
- Recuva (Windows only)
- Tenorshare UltData
- Recoverit
These tools can scan hard drives, SD cards, USB drives, and other storage for photos.
Tips for Using Recovery Tools
- Stop using the device as soon as possible to avoid overwriting the deleted photo.
- Install the recovery software on a different drive or device.
- Save recovered photos to a new location, not the original one.
Recovery for Android
Android phones have extra security, but apps like DiskDigger, Dr.Fone, and UltData for Android can scan internal storage when allowed. Some require connecting the phone to a computer.
Recovery for iPhone
iPhone security is strict, so recovery tools usually work with iCloud backups or iTunes/Finder backups. Apps like PhoneRescue or Dr.Fone can search these backups for deleted photos.
Step 5: Check Social Media and Messaging Apps
Sometimes, you shared the photo online or in a chat before deleting it. You may still find a copy in:
- Snapchat (Memories)
- Messenger
- Telegram
These apps often save photos in chat folders or archives.
Step 6: Ask Friends or Family
If you sent the photo to someone, they might still have a copy. This can be one of the fastest ways to recover a missing picture.
Step 7: Look in Old Backups or Devices
You might have saved your photos in the past and forgotten about it. Check:
- Old phones or tablets
- Old laptops
- USB drives
- External hard drives
- SD cards from old cameras or phones
Many people find lost photos years later this way.
How to Protect Your Photos in the Future
Preventing photo loss is easier than recovering lost photos. Here are some simple habits:
- Turn on Cloud Backup: Use Google Photos, iCloud, OneDrive, or Amazon Photos to save your pictures automatically.
- Keep a Local Backup: Save photos to a USB drive or external hard drive once a month.
- Organize Your Photos: Make folders by year, event, or place. It makes photos easier to find later.
- Check Before Deleting: Always make sure the photo is backed up before removing it from your device.
Final Words
Losing photos can be stressful, but most of the time, you can get them back. Start with the trash or cloud backups. If that doesn’t work, recovery tools are an option. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of bringing back your memories.
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