How to recover deleted screenshots​？

Accidentally deleting important screenshots can be frustrating, especially if they contain valuable information or memorable moments. Fortunately, deleted screenshots are often not permanently gone and can be recovered with the right methods and tools.

1. Deletion Process

Before diving into recovery methods, it’s important to understand how deletion works:

Soft Deletion: When you delete a screenshot, it often goes to a temporary folder like the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). From there, it can be restored easily.

Hard Deletion: If the screenshots have been removed from the Recycle Bin or Trash, or permanently deleted, they are not completely erased from your device. The data still exists but is marked as free space and can be overwritten by new files.

This is why immediate action is important when you notice your screenshots are missing.

2. Basic Recovery Methods

2.1 Check the Recycle Bin or Trash

Windows:

Open the Recycle Bin from your desktop.

Look for your deleted screenshots by name or date.

If found, right-click on the file and select Restore. The screenshots will be returned to their original location.

Mac:

Open the Trash from the dock.

Search for the deleted screenshots.

Right-click and select Put Back to restore them to their original folder.

2.2 Check Your Device’s Gallery or Photos App

If you’ve deleted screenshots on a smartphone or tablet:

Android:

Open the Gallery or Photos app.

Go to the Recently Deleted album (this option may vary based on your phone model).

Search for the deleted screenshots and select Restore.

iPhone/iPad:

Open the Photos app.

Scroll down and open the Recently Deleted album.

Select the screenshots you want to recover and tap Restore.

2.3 Use File History or Time Machine

If you have backup systems in place:

Windows File History:

Go to the folder where the screenshots were saved.

Right-click in the folder and choose Restore previous versions.

If File History is enabled, you can select the version of the folder from before the deletion and restore your screenshots.

Mac Time Machine:

Open Time Machine by clicking the Time Machine icon in the menu bar.

Navigate to the folder where the screenshots were stored.

Browse through the backups and find a version that contains the screenshots.

Click Restore to recover them.

3. Advanced Recovery Methods

If the screenshots are not in the Recycle Bin, Trash, or Recently Deleted folders, and you don’t have a backup, you’ll need to use more advanced methods.

3.1 Use Data Recovery Software

Data recovery software scans the device’s storage for traces of deleted files and allows you to restore them. Several programs can help recover deleted screenshots, whether on a computer, phone, or external storage.

Top Data Recovery Software Options:

Recuva (Windows):

Free and easy-to-use software that can recover files from your hard drive, USB drive, memory cards, etc.

Download and install Recuva.

Select the type of file you want to recover (e.g., Pictures) and specify the location where the screenshots were saved.

Click Scan and browse through the results to recover your screenshots.

Disk Drill (Windows & Mac):

A powerful tool that works on multiple file systems and devices.

Download and install Disk Drill.

Select the storage device from which you want to recover screenshots.

Use the Quick Scan or Deep Scan features to find deleted screenshots.

After scanning, select the screenshots you want to recover and click Recover.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Windows & Mac):

Another reliable data recovery tool with a free version for recovering up to 2GB of data.

Download and install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

Choose the location where the screenshots were stored and click Scan.

Preview and recover the screenshots you need.

PhotoRec (Windows, Mac, Linux):

Open-source, command-line software that specializes in recovering media files like screenshots.

Download and run PhotoRec.

Follow the prompts to select the storage device and file types to recover.

Preview the recovered screenshots after the scan.

3.2 Recover Screenshots from Cloud Backup

If you use cloud services like Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox, or OneDrive, your screenshots may be backed up automatically.

Google Photos (Android and iOS):

Open the Google Photos app.

Search for the deleted screenshots.

If found, tap Download or Restore.

iCloud (iPhone/iPad):

Go to iCloud.com on a web browser.

Sign in with your Apple ID and navigate to Photos.

Look for the deleted screenshots in the Recently Deleted folder.

Restore them to your device.

Dropbox/OneDrive (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS):

Open the app or visit the website.

Search for the screenshots.

If found, download or restore them.

3.3 Use Android Data Recovery Software

If your screenshots were on an Android device and not recoverable through basic methods, you can use specialized Android data recovery software:

Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (Android):

Connect your Android device to your computer.

Launch the Dr.Fone software and select Recover.

Choose Photos as the file type and follow the prompts to scan your device for deleted screenshots.

Once the scan is complete, preview and recover the screenshots.

FonePaw Android Data Recovery:

Connect your Android device to the computer.

Launch FonePaw and follow the steps to scan your device.

Recover deleted screenshots after the scan.

4. Preventing Future Screenshot Loss

Once you’ve recovered your screenshots, it’s important to take steps to prevent future data loss.

4.1 Regular Backups

Automatic Backup:

Enable automatic backups for your device. For example, use Google Photos on Android or iCloud Photos on iOS to automatically back up your images.

Set up automatic backups for your computer using services like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive.

Manual Backup:

Periodically save your important files, including screenshots, to an external hard drive or USB flash drive.

Consider using an external hard drive with built-in backup software, such as those offered by Seagate or Western Digital.

4.2 Organize Screenshots

By organizing your screenshots, you can reduce the chances of accidentally deleting them:

Create specific folders for your screenshots by category or date.

Archive older screenshots to an external drive or cloud storage to keep your main device clean.

4.3 Use a File Manager App

If you’re prone to accidental deletions, using a file manager app with a built-in Recycle Bin feature can act as an extra safeguard for your deleted files.

5. What to Do If You Can’t Recover Your Screenshots

In some cases, your screenshots may be permanently lost if they’ve been overwritten by new data. Here’s what to consider:

5.1 Seek Professional Data Recovery Services

If the screenshots are particularly important, professional data recovery services can help retrieve them from damaged or formatted devices. Companies like DriveSavers or Ontrack specialize in recovering lost files from all types of devices.

5.2 Minimize Use of the Affected Device

To maximize the chances of recovery, stop using the device where the screenshots were stored. Continued use increases the likelihood of overwriting the deleted data.

Taking prompt action and using reliable tools are key to successful recovery. If all else fails, professional data recovery services can be your last resort. Whether you’re recovering from a smartphone, tablet, or computer, the chances of retrieving your deleted screenshots are high with the right approach.