How to recover deleted photos after deleting from recently deleted
Have you ever accidentally deleted photos, only to realize they were gone forever? It’s a heart-sinking feeling, especially when you thought they were safely tucked away in the “Recently Deleted” folder. I’ve been there, and trust me, it’s not fun. So, how do you recover deleted photos after deleting them from “Recently Deleted”? Let’s explore this question together and find out how you can get back those precious moments.
If you’ve found yourself in this situation, don’t panic just yet. It’s not the end of the world, and there are a few things you can do to recover those photos. I’ll walk you through my own experience of recovering deleted photos and share a few tips and tricks that worked for me.
Why Do Photos Disappear After Deleting from Recently Deleted?
Before we dive into the recovery process, it’s important to understand why photos disappear after they’re deleted from the “Recently Deleted” folder. The “Recently Deleted” folder is like a safety net for your photos, giving you a window of 30 days to recover them. But once they are removed from there, your chances of getting them back start to shrink.
I learned this the hard way after I mistakenly thought the folder was a permanent backup. After the 30-day window, the photos were wiped off my phone and computer. That was when I realized there’s a deeper process involved if you want to recover deleted photos after deleting them from “Recently Deleted.”
How to Recover Deleted Photos After Deleting from Recently Deleted on iPhone
As an iPhone user, I always assumed I could rely on Apple’s “Recently Deleted” folder to save the day. However, I once lost photos even after they were deleted from that folder. Luckily, iPhones come with a few other tricks up their sleeves. Here’s what worked for me:
1. Use iCloud Backup to Restore Photos
If you’ve set up iCloud Backup, you’re in luck. iCloud can serve as a life-saver in these situations. When I realized my photos were gone, I quickly checked my iCloud Backup to see if I had backed up the lost photos. Fortunately, I had.
To recover your photos from iCloud:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Your Name > iCloud > Photos.
- Enable iCloud Photos if it’s not already on.
- Go to the Photos app, and your lost photos should appear in the iCloud library.
If you haven’t been using iCloud backup, don’t worry! There are other ways to recover your deleted photos.
2. Check iTunes Backup on Your Computer
I’ve also used iTunes to restore my photos after realizing they were missing. If you’ve been syncing your iPhone with iTunes, there’s a chance that a recent backup might contain the photos. Here’s how to restore from an iTunes backup:
- Connect your iPhone to the computer where you usually back it up.
- Open iTunes (or Finder on newer Macs).
- Select your device.
- Click Restore Backup and choose a backup that contains the photos.
Note: This method may overwrite the data currently on your phone, so make sure you back up your current data first.
How to Recover Deleted Photos on Android
I also use an Android phone, and the process for recovering deleted photos differs slightly. Here’s how I managed to recover deleted photos after deleting them from the “Recently Deleted” folder on my Android device:
1. Use Google Photos to Restore Your Deleted Photos
If you’ve been using Google Photos, there’s a good chance your photos were backed up automatically. I have Google Photos set to back up my pictures, and when I lost a few, I was able to recover them without much hassle. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Google Photos app on your Android phone.
- Tap on Library and then Trash.
- You’ll see photos that were deleted in the last 30 days.
- Select the photos you want to restore and tap Restore.
Even if the photos are no longer in the trash, the app might still have a backup available if you’ve been syncing regularly.
2. Check Your Google Drive Backup
Google Drive also offers an option to back up data, including photos. If your photos were backed up, you could retrieve them from there. I found that Google Drive didn’t always back up everything, but it worked for some of my pictures. Here’s how you can check:
- Open Google Drive on your Android device.
- Go to Backups and select your device backup.
- Look for the Photos section to see if they’re saved there.
If the photos are backed up, you can download them again.
3. Use Third-Party Photo Recovery Apps
I’ve heard a lot of people turn to third-party recovery apps when they can’t retrieve their photos through Google services. Apps like DiskDigger or Dr. Fone have helped me recover deleted photos in the past. These apps work by scanning your device for traces of deleted files, though their success varies depending on how much time has passed since deletion.
How to Recover Deleted Photos After Deleting from Recently Deleted Folder Using a PC or Mac
If you prefer using a computer, there are a few things you can do to recover your lost photos. Both Mac and PC users have options to explore.
1. Use Data Recovery Software
There’s software out there designed to help recover deleted files from phones and other devices. One tool I used successfully is Recuva, a popular and user-friendly data recovery program. Here’s how you can use it to recover your deleted photos:
- Install Recuva on your computer.
- Connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable.
- Open Recuva and choose the type of files you want to recover (in this case, photos).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan and recover deleted photos.
Make sure you act fast because the more you use your device, the harder it becomes to recover deleted files.
2. Use iTunes/Finder (for iPhone users)
For iPhone users who prefer using a computer, iTunes or Finder backup can be another way to restore photos. Follow the same steps I mentioned earlier for restoring from iTunes, but on your computer. If your photos were included in the backup, they’ll be restored.
What Should You Do to Prevent Future Photo Loss?
After losing some valuable photos, I took a few steps to ensure I never went through this heart-wrenching experience again. Here are a few tips:
- Enable Cloud Backups: Use Google Photos, iCloud, or any other cloud-based backup service to automatically save your photos.
- Regular Backups: Back up your phone data to a computer or an external hard drive regularly.
- Double-Check “Recently Deleted” Folder: Make sure to check the “Recently Deleted” folder immediately if you accidentally delete a photo, as you only have 30 days to recover it.
- Third-Party Apps: Use third-party apps like Dr. Fone for additional backup options.
When to Seek Professional Help
In some rare cases, photos may be permanently lost due to severe file corruption or damage to the storage device. If you’ve tried all the methods above and are still unable to recover your photos, it might be time to consult a professional data recovery service. These services can sometimes recover lost data even after it’s been deleted from “Recently Deleted,” though they can be pricey.
Conclusion: How to Recover Deleted Photos After Deleting from Recently Deleted
When I lost some important photos, I realized that it’s not always the end when something is deleted from the “Recently Deleted” folder. From using cloud services like Google Photos to recovery software, I discovered that there are multiple ways to get back lost memories. It’s essential to act fast and explore different recovery options.
The next time you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t panic! With the right tools and methods, you might be able to bring those photos back. Have you ever gone through this experience?