Losing important photos is one of the most frustrating experiences, especially when it seems like they are gone forever. The “Recently Deleted” folder provides a brief window of hope, as it allows users to recover deleted photos, but once this folder is emptied, the task of recovering these images becomes more challenging.
Typically, photos remain in this folder for about 30 days, after which they are automatically and permanently deleted from the device. However, once a user manually deletes images from this folder or once the 30-day window expires, the photos are no longer accessible through regular means.

Step-by-Step Recovery After “Recently Deleted” Folder is Cleared
If you’ve deleted your photos from the “Recently Deleted” folder, don’t panic just yet. While it is more difficult to recover deleted photos at this stage, it is not necessarily impossible. There are several methods you can try, from using cloud backups to professional data recovery tools.
Method 1: Check Cloud Services for Backups
If you use cloud storage services such as iCloud, Google Photos, or OneDrive, there’s a possibility that your photos were backed up before they were deleted. Many people set up automatic syncing for their photos, which means your images may still exist on the cloud even if they have been deleted from the device itself.
For iPhone Users: iCloud Backup
Check iCloud Photos:
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos.
If iCloud Photos is enabled, your photos may still be stored in iCloud. You can visit iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID to see if the deleted photos are still available.
Restore from iCloud Backup:
If your photos are not visible in iCloud Photos but you have a backup from before the images were deleted, you can restore your device from an iCloud backup.
Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
After erasing, select “Restore from iCloud Backup” during the setup process and choose the backup that contains the photos.
Using iTunes Backup (for older iPhones):
If you have a local backup on your computer using iTunes, you can restore your device from that backup. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
Select your device and choose “Restore Backup.” Make sure to select a backup from a date before the photos were deleted.
For Android Users: Google Photos
Check Google Photos:
Open the Google Photos app.
Go to Library > Trash and see if your photos are still there.
If they are, you can restore them by selecting the photos and choosing the option to “Restore.”
Check Google Drive:
If you have Google Drive backup enabled, your photos might be stored there. Visit drive.google.com and check your backups for any saved images.
Method 2: Use Data Recovery Software
Panda Assistant stands out not only for its recovery capabilities but also for its emphasis on data security. During the recovery process, the software ensures that no further damage is done to the original files, allowing for safe and effective recovery. It also offers options for users to securely erase data if necessary, providing an added layer of security for sensitive information.
For those who are concerned about the cost, Panda Assistant provides a free trial version that allows users to preview the recoverable files, ensuring that they can assess the software’s effectiveness before making a purchase.
Method 3: Try File Recovery Apps (Android)
If you’re using an Android phone and haven’t been able to retrieve your photos from the cloud or using a computer, you might try using a file recovery app directly on the device. These apps can sometimes access the file system and retrieve deleted photos from areas that normal users can’t access.
Best File Recovery Apps for Android:
PhotoRec: This open-source software works on Android devices as well as many other operating systems. It is designed to recover files from various types of storage devices.
Undeleter: Another good app for recovering deleted photos on Android, Undeleter can scan both internal memory and SD cards.
Method 4: Check External Storage (SD Cards)
If you were using an SD card to store your photos, it’s possible that the deleted files can still be recovered. The method for recovery will depend on whether your SD card is formatted or not. Here’s what you can do:
Check the SD Card:
If you haven’t removed the SD card from your device, you can attempt to recover photos using your computer. Simply insert the SD card into your computer and run a data recovery tool such as Recuva or Disk Drill.
Use Data Recovery Tools for SD Cards:
Tools like Recuva (Windows), Disk Drill (Mac), and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard support SD card recovery. Insert the SD card into your computer using a card reader, and let the software scan the card for deleted files.
The software will scan for recoverable images and give you an option to restore them to your computer.
Method 5: Consult Professional Data Recovery Services
If all the above methods fail and the photos are extremely important, you may want to consider professional data recovery services. These services are often able to recover data from devices that have experienced physical damage or complex corruption.
When to Seek Professional Help:
If your phone is physically damaged (e.g., water damage, broken screen).
If the storage device (internal or external) is not functioning correctly.
If software recovery tools haven’t been successful.
Professional data recovery companies often have access to specialized equipment and tools that can recover data in cases where typical methods fail. However, keep in mind that this service can be expensive, and success is not always guaranteed.
Prevent Future Photo Loss: Backup Regularly
To avoid the frustration of lost photos in the future, it’s crucial to back up your photos regularly. Set up automatic backups to cloud services like Google Photos, iCloud, or OneDrive. Additionally, consider backing up your photos to external hard drives or local storage. By creating a routine of backing up your photos, you can prevent significant data loss, even if you accidentally delete them from your device.
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Panda Assistant is built on the latest data recovery algorithms, ensuring that no file is too damaged, too lost, or too corrupted to be recovered.
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We believe that data recovery shouldn’t be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve designed Panda Assistant to be as easy to use as it is powerful. With a few clicks, you can initiate a scan, preview recoverable files, and restore your data all within a matter of minutes.
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