How to Recover Deleted Photos from Your Phone

We’ve all been there — one accidental tap and your favorite photo disappears. The good news? In many cases, deleted photos can be recovered. Whether you’re using an Android or iPhone, here’s the step-by-step guide on how to recover deleted photos from your phone.

Check the Trash or Recently Deleted Folder

Most phones don’t permanently delete photos right away.

iPhone:

Open the Photos app.
Scroll to Albums > tap Recently Deleted.
Select the photos you want and tap Recover.

Deleted photos stay there for 30 days before permanent deletion.

Android (Google Photos):

Open Google Photos.
Tap Library > Trash.
Select your photos and tap Restore.

Again, you typically have 30–60 days to act.

Use Cloud Backup Services

If you use cloud sync, your images may still be safe.

Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox, and OneDrive often sync automatically.
Log in to their web or app versions to check backups.

Even if the image was deleted on your phone, it might remain in the cloud.

Explore File Recovery Apps

For older deletions, free recovery tools may help:

Android:

DiskDigger (free version can recover photos without root)
Dumpster (works like a recycle bin)

DiskDigger on Google Play

iPhone:

Apple locks down file access, so your best bet is iCloud or using desktop recovery tools like:

iMobie PhoneRescue
Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS)

Note: These usually require a PC/Mac and may offer limited free recovery.

Use File Managers for SD Cards

If your photos were on an SD card:

Connect it to a computer using a card reader.
Use software like Recuva or PhotoRec to scan and restore images.

This doesn’t work for internal storage but is effective for removable cards.

Prevent It from Happening Again

Avoid future disasters with these practices:

Enable automatic backup to Google Photos or iCloud.
Use an app like Microsoft OneDrive for redundancy.
Regularly transfer important photos to a secure external drive or cloud folder.

Your Memories Aren’t Gone Yet

Losing photos can feel like losing a part of your life — but recovery is often easier than you think. Whether you use a recycle bin, cloud backup, or third-party recovery tools, you’ve got more options than ever.