How can recover permanently deleted photos​？

Recovering permanently deleted photos may seem like a daunting task, but thanks to advanced data recovery techniques, it is often possible to restore lost images.

1. Photo Deletion: Temporary vs. Permanent

Before diving into the recovery methods, it is crucial to understand how files are deleted from digital devices. When you delete a photo, it typically goes into a “trash” or “recycle bin” folder, where it can be easily restored. However, if you empty this folder or bypass it by using the “Shift+Delete” command (on Windows) or “Cmd+Delete” (on macOS), the file is marked as “permanently deleted.”

How Permanent is “Permanent Deletion”?

When a photo is permanently deleted, it is not immediately erased from your storage device. Instead, the system marks the space where the file was stored as available for new data to overwrite. Until new data is written to that location, it is often possible to recover the file with the right tools.

2. Methods for Recovering Permanently Deleted Photos

2.1 Check Backups and Cloud Storage

The first thing to check when trying to recover deleted photos is your backup sources.

a. Cloud Storage Services (Google Photos, iCloud, OneDrive)

Many people use cloud services to automatically back up their photos. If you’ve enabled automatic cloud backup, you can easily restore your images.

Google Photos:

Open Google Photos (either via the app or browser).

Check the “Trash” section for recently deleted photos.

If the photos are not in the Trash, navigate to the main library or albums where they might be backed up.

iCloud Photos:

Log in to iCloud.com or check the Photos app on an Apple device.

Check the “Recently Deleted” album.

Restore the photo from the album if it is still within the 30-day recovery window.

Microsoft OneDrive:

Open OneDrive either through the app or browser.

Navigate to the “Recycle Bin” section for recently deleted files.

Restore the image from the bin.

b. External Backups (Hard Drives, External SSDs, etc.)

If you regularly back up your devices, you might find your lost photos on an external hard drive or SSD. Explore your backup storage or use a dedicated backup manager to restore the missing files.

2.2 Using Photo Recovery Software

If you cannot find the photos in the cloud or backup storage, specialized software may be able to retrieve them. Numerous software options are available for both Windows and macOS.

a. Top Photo Recovery Software Options

Panda Assistant is a powerful and user-friendly data recovery software designed to help individuals and businesses retrieve lost, deleted, or inaccessible files from various storage devices. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted important documents, formatted a drive, or experienced a system crash, Panda Assistant is equipped to recover data from hard drives, USB drives, SD cards, and more. It provides a comprehensive solution for users facing data loss across multiple platforms, making it a versatile tool in the realm of data recovery.

The software is designed to be accessible to users of all skill levels, offering a step by step process that simplifies the recovery journey. With just a few clicks, users can select the device to scan, choose between quick or deep scan modes, and preview the recoverable files before initiating the recovery. This easy to navigate interface ensures that even non-technical users can efficiently recover lost data without needing extensive technical expertise.

b. Steps to Recover Photos Using Recovery Software

Each of these software solutions follows a similar recovery process. Here is a step-by-step guide to recover deleted photos:

Download and Install the Software: Install the recovery tool of your choice on a separate storage drive (to avoid overwriting the deleted photos).

Scan the Device: Select the drive or device from which the photos were deleted, then run a full scan. The software will search for recoverable files, including those marked for deletion but not yet overwritten.

Review and Select Files: After the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. Locate your photos, preview them, and select the ones you want to restore.

Recover and Save Files: Choose a new storage location (do not save the files on the original device to prevent overwriting) and restore the photos.

2.3 Recovering Photos from Memory Cards (SD Cards, MicroSD Cards)

Memory cards are commonly used in cameras and smartphones to store photos. If the photos are deleted from a memory card, there are specialized tools for SD card recovery, such as:

SanDisk RescuePRO: Specifically designed for recovering lost files from SanDisk memory cards, RescuePRO can recover photos, videos, and other files.

CardRecovery: A leading tool for memory card recovery, CardRecovery can restore deleted photos from damaged or formatted SD cards.

Steps to Recover Photos from SD Cards:

Remove the Memory Card from your device and insert it into your computer using a card reader.

Launch the Recovery Software and select the memory card as the target drive.

Run the Scan to detect recoverable files.

Preview and restore your lost photos.

2.4 Contacting Professional Data Recovery Services

If recovery software fails or the device is physically damaged, professional data recovery services might be your best option.

a. When to Use Professional Services

Physical Damage: If your storage device has suffered water damage, physical shock, or any other physical malfunction, experts can disassemble the drive in a cleanroom environment and recover the data.

Severe Corruption: In cases of severe logical damage, where the file system or partition structure is compromised, professional tools can be more effective than consumer-grade software.

b. Finding a Reliable Service

Look for reputable companies like Ontrack, DriveSavers, or Gillware that specialize in photo recovery.

Ensure the service offers a no-recovery, no-fee policy to avoid unnecessary costs.

c. The Data Recovery Process

Initial Assessment: The service will analyze the device to determine the cause of data loss.

Recovery Attempt: Using advanced recovery techniques, they will attempt to restore the lost photos.

Delivery: The recovered data will be provided to you on a new storage medium, such as a USB drive.

3. Preventing Future Photo Loss

After successfully recovering your deleted photos, it’s important to take steps to ensure that you don’t lose them again.

3.1 Automated Cloud Backups

Cloud services like Google Photos, iCloud, and OneDrive offer automatic backup features. Enable these options on all your devices to ensure that your photos are continuously saved and can be restored even if the device is damaged or lost.

3.2 Regular External Backups

In addition to cloud backups, maintain a habit of regularly backing up your photos to an external hard drive or SSD. Tools like Time Machine for macOS and File History for Windows make this process easy.

3.3 Use Multiple Storage Locations

Distribute your photos across several storage solutions (local, cloud, and external drives) to minimize the risk of total data loss.

3.4 Be Cautious with Deletion

When deleting photos, double-check that you are removing the correct files. Avoid using “permanent delete” shortcuts (like Shift+Delete) unless you are absolutely certain the file is no longer needed.

3.5 Use Reliable Storage Media

Cheap or faulty memory cards, hard drives, or USB drives are prone to failure. Invest in high-quality storage solutions from reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Western Digital to avoid corruption or physical damage.

4. What to Avoid During Photo Recovery

Certain actions can significantly reduce the chances of successful photo recovery:

Stop Using the Device: If you realize photos are missing, immediately stop using the storage device. Continuing to use the device can result in new data overwriting the space occupied by the deleted photos, making recovery impossible.

Avoid Installing Software on the Affected Device: Installing new software on the device from which you want to recover photos may overwrite deleted files. Always install recovery tools on a separate storage medium.

Don’t Attempt DIY Repairs on Physically Damaged Drives: Trying to fix a physically damaged drive without professional tools can cause further damage, making recovery impossible even for experts.