Deleting photos by accident can be frustrating. Whether it’s an important memory, a work document, or family photos, losing images can feel like losing a part of your life. The good news is that recovering deleted photos is possible, and it can be done in several simple ways.
In this article, we will guide you through simple steps to recover deleted photos on different devices like smartphones, computers, and cloud storage.
Why Photos Get Deleted
Photos can be deleted accidentally for several reasons:
- Mistakenly pressing the delete button
- Formatting memory cards or drives
- Phone or computer crashes
- Software updates or errors
- Viruses or malware
Understanding why photos get deleted helps prevent future loss and makes recovery easier.
Steps to Recover Deleted Photos on Smartphones
1. Check the “Recently Deleted” Folder
Most smartphones keep deleted photos in a “Recently Deleted” or “Trash” folder for 30 days.
Steps for iPhone:
- Open the Photos app
- Go to Albums → Recently Deleted
- Select the photos you want to recover
- Tap Restore
Steps for Android:
- Open the Google Photos app
- Tap Library → Trash
- Select photos → Restore
Best for: Quick recovery of recently deleted images
2. Restore from Backup
If you regularly back up your phone, you can restore deleted photos from cloud services.
iCloud Backup (iPhone):
- Go to Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Photos
- Check if your photos are available
- Restore them from the iCloud backup
Google Drive or Google Photos (Android):
- Open the app
- Check the backup folder
- Restore photos to your device
Best for: Recovery of older photos not in the trash folder
3. Use Photo Recovery Apps
There are free and paid apps designed to recover deleted photos. Some popular options include:
- DiskDigger (Android) – Scans internal memory and SD cards for deleted images
- Dr.Fone (iOS & Android) – Recovers deleted photos, messages, and files
- EaseUS MobiSaver (iOS & Android) – Simple interface for photo recovery
Tips:
- Stop using your phone immediately after deletion to avoid overwriting data
- Make sure the app is from a trusted developer
Steps to Recover Deleted Photos on Computers
1. Check Recycle Bin or Trash
Deleted photos on computers often go to the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac).
Steps:
- Open Recycle Bin/Trash
- Locate the deleted photos
- Right-click → Restore
Best for: Quick recovery of recently deleted files
2. Use File History or Backup
Windows and Mac have built-in backup options that can help restore deleted photos.
Windows File History:
- Go to Control Panel → File History → Restore personal files
- Select the photos → Restore
Mac Time Machine:
- Connect Time Machine backup drive
- Open Time Machine → Navigate to the date of deletion
- Restore photos
Best for: Recovery of photos deleted a long time ago
3. Use Data Recovery Software
If photos are permanently deleted, specialized software can help:
- Recuva (Windows) – Free tool to recover deleted photos and files
- PhotoRec (Windows & Mac) – Free and effective for deep scanning
- Stellar Data Recovery (Windows & Mac) – Paid software with easy recovery
Tips:
- Avoid saving new files on the same drive to prevent overwriting
- Scan the drive as soon as possible for higher recovery chances
Steps to Recover Photos from SD Cards or USB Drives
Sometimes photos are deleted from cameras, SD cards, or USB drives. Here’s how to recover them:
1. Stop Using the Device
Immediately stop taking new photos or transferring files. Deleted data can be overwritten by new files.
2. Use SD Card Recovery Tools
Popular tools include:
- DiskDigger – Works for SD cards
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard – Scans memory cards and restores photos
- Recoverit – Easy to use for USB drives and SD cards
Tips:
- Use a card reader instead of connecting the camera directly to the computer
- Always save recovered photos to a different drive
Cloud Recovery Options
Cloud services often store deleted files for extra security.
1. Google Photos
- Deleted photos remain in Trash for 60 days
- Restore by selecting photos → Restore
2. iCloud
- Recently deleted photos stay in iCloud for 30 days
- Restore through Photos app or iCloud website
3. OneDrive, Dropbox, or Other Clouds
- Most cloud storage services have a Trash or Deleted Files folder
- Check and restore photos from there
Tips to Prevent Photo Loss in the Future
- Regularly back up photos to cloud storage or external drives
- Use automatic backup features like Google Photos Backup or iCloud Photos
- Avoid downloading unknown apps that may corrupt data
- Be careful when deleting photos or formatting storage
Final Words
Accidentally deleting photos can be stressful, but recovery is often possible. Whether it’s your smartphone, computer, SD card, or cloud storage, there are simple steps to recover deleted photos.
Start by checking your Recently Deleted folder, then move to backups or recovery apps if needed. For older or permanently deleted photos, professional recovery software can help.
By following these steps and practicing regular backups, you can protect your memories and ensure your photos are safe. Losing photos is no longer permanent if you know how to recover them easily.
