How to get your deleted photos back​？

Fortunately, if you act quickly and methodically, there are several methods available to recover your deleted photos. In this guide, we’ll discuss recovery options for different devices and systems, including desktop computers (Windows and Mac), smartphones (Android and iOS), and even digital cameras. We’ll also cover the importance of backup strategies to prevent future losses.

1. Basics of Photo Deletion and Recovery

When you delete photos from your device, the operating system typically does not erase the data immediately. Instead, it removes the pointer that tells the system where the file is stored, marking that space as “available” for new data. As long as that space isn’t overwritten by new files, your photos remain recoverable using various tools.

1.1 What Happens When You Delete a Photo?

Temporary Removal: Many devices first move deleted photos to a temporary folder (Recycle Bin on Windows, Trash on macOS, or the “Recently Deleted” album on smartphones).

Overwriting Risk: Once new data is written to that area, recovering the original file becomes difficult or even impossible.

Recovery Window: The longer you wait, the higher the risk that the deleted data gets overwritten.

1.2 Why Acting Quickly Is Critical

Minimize Use: Continued use of your device may write new data to the storage, making recovery less likely.

Start with the Basics: Always check temporary storage locations or backup folders before using advanced recovery tools.

2. Recovering Photos from Temporary Folders and Backups

2.1 Check the Recycle Bin or Trash

One of the first places to look is the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (macOS). These folders serve as a safety net, giving you an opportunity to restore files before they are permanently deleted.

For Windows:

Open the Recycle Bin: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

Search for Your Photos: Browse or use the search function to locate your deleted images.

Restore Files: Right-click on each file or select multiple items and click “Restore.” The photos will return to their original folder.

For macOS:

Open the Trash: Click on the Trash icon in the Dock.

Find Your Files: Look through the contents for your deleted photos.

Drag and Drop: Simply drag the photos back to your desktop or use the “Put Back” option by right-clicking.

2.2 Utilize Built-in Smartphone Features

iOS (iPhone/iPad):

Recently Deleted Album: Open the Photos app and navigate to the “Albums” tab. Scroll down to “Recently Deleted.” Here, you’ll see photos stored for 30 days before permanent deletion. Select the photos you want to recover and tap “Recover.”

iCloud Backup: If your photos aren’t in “Recently Deleted,” you may be able to restore an earlier backup via iCloud. However, be cautious restoring a backup might replace data added after the backup was made.

Android:

Google Photos Trash: Open Google Photos and tap on “Library” then “Trash.” Photos and videos in the Trash remain for 60 days before being permanently deleted. Select the desired photos and tap “Restore.”

Other Gallery Apps: Some manufacturers include their own recycling bins or “Recently Deleted” folders within the native gallery app.

2.3 Check Cloud Storage Backups

If you’ve set up automatic backups, your photos might still be safely stored in the cloud. Popular cloud services include:

Google Drive/Google Photos

iCloud

Microsoft OneDrive

Dropbox

Log in to your account via a web browser or dedicated app, navigate to the photo storage area, and check whether your deleted images are available for restoration.

3. Using Data Recovery Software

If your photos aren’t in temporary storage or backups, data recovery software might help. These programs scan your device’s storage for remnants of deleted files. Here’s how to choose and use them effectively.

3.1 Popular Data Recovery Tools

Recuva (Windows): A user-friendly tool that guides you through the recovery process.

PhotoRec (Windows, macOS, Linux): A powerful, open-source tool that works on many file systems.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Windows, macOS): Known for its intuitive interface and robust scanning capabilities.

Disk Drill (Windows, macOS): Offers a clean interface and supports a wide range of file types.

3.2 Steps for Using Recovery Software

Stop Using the Device: Immediately cease using the device from which photos were deleted to prevent overwriting.

Download and Install the Software: Ideally, install the recovery tool on a different drive than where your photos were stored.

Run a Deep Scan: Use the software to perform a deep scan of your storage. This process may take time, but it improves the chances of finding your files.

Preview and Recover: Once the scan is complete, preview the recovered files (if supported) and select the photos you want to restore.

Save Recovered Files: Save them to a separate drive or external storage device to avoid overwriting any remaining recoverable data.

3.3 Tips for Maximizing Success

Use the Free Trial: Many recovery programs offer a free trial version to let you see if your photos are recoverable before you commit to a purchase.

Follow On-Screen Instructions: Most tools provide step-by-step instructions, so follow them carefully.

Consider Professional Help: If the software fails to recover your photos and they’re extremely important, professional data recovery services might be the next best step. Although they can be expensive, these services often have higher success rates with physically damaged or heavily overwritten data.

4. Smartphone-Specific Recovery Techniques

Mobile devices require slightly different approaches due to their operating systems and storage mechanisms.

4.1 Recovering Deleted Photos on iOS Devices

Recently Deleted Folder: As mentioned earlier, always check the “Recently Deleted” album in the Photos app.

iTunes/iCloud Backups: If you have regularly backed up your device to iTunes or iCloud, you can restore your device to a point before the photos were deleted. Be aware that restoring a backup might result in the loss of data created after the backup date.

Third-Party Recovery Tools: Programs like Dr.Fone or PhoneRescue can help recover photos directly from an iOS device. These tools often require connecting your device to a computer and following on-screen prompts.

4.2 Recovering Deleted Photos on Android Devices

Google Photos Trash: As described, Google Photos offers a dedicated Trash folder.

Local Backups: Some Android devices automatically back up photos to local storage or proprietary cloud services provided by manufacturers like Samsung or LG.

Android Recovery Apps: There are apps available on the Play Store that claim to recover deleted photos; however, their effectiveness can vary. Often, these apps require rooting your device, which comes with risks and may void your warranty. Use these apps only if you’re comfortable with the process and understand the risks involved.

4.3 Best Practices for Mobile Devices

Enable Automatic Backups: Always enable features like Google Photos Backup or iCloud Photo Library.

Regularly Transfer Photos: Move your photos to a computer or external drive periodically to create additional backups.

Minimize Usage After Deletion: As with computers, avoid using your mobile device once you realize photos have been deleted to prevent new data from overwriting the space.

5. Advanced Recovery Techniques

For cases where your deleted photos are not easily retrievable with basic methods, consider these advanced techniques.

5.1 Dealing with Overwritten Data

Partial Recovery: Sometimes, only parts of the image file may be recoverable, leading to corrupted images. Specialized recovery tools sometimes offer a “repair” function to attempt to reconstruct damaged files.

Forensic Software: In extreme cases, digital forensic software can sometimes recover data that standard recovery tools miss. This approach is typically used by professionals and might require expert help.

5.2 Recovering Data from Damaged or Formatted Drives

Formatted Drives: If your drive has been accidentally formatted, do not write any new data to it. Use recovery software that supports formatted disk recovery.

Physical Damage: If the storage device has suffered physical damage, professional data recovery services are your best bet. These services have cleanroom facilities and specialized equipment to recover data from damaged drives.

RAID Arrays: For users with RAID setups, specialized RAID recovery software can help recover photos from an array. This process can be complex, so consider professional help if you’re unfamiliar with RAID configurations.

5.3 Utilizing Command-Line Tools

For tech-savvy users, command-line tools like PhotoRec (which runs in a terminal window) can offer more control over the recovery process. Although these tools might seem daunting at first, many guides and tutorials are available online to help you navigate their options and parameters.

5.4 The Role of File Systems

Understanding your file system (NTFS, FAT32. exFAT, HFS+, APFS, etc.) can also be beneficial. Some recovery tools allow you to specify the file system type, which can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the recovery process. Refer to your software’s documentation for detailed instructions tailored to your device’s file system.

6. What to Do Immediately After Deleting Photos

Time is of the essence when it comes to data recovery. Follow these immediate steps to maximize your chances of recovery:

Stop Using the Device: Shut down or at least stop saving new data immediately to prevent the deleted photos from being overwritten.

Disconnect from the Internet: This can help prevent automatic syncs that might remove your photos from cloud backups.

Remove the Storage Device: If possible, remove the storage device (e.g., SD card or external hard drive) and connect it to another computer for recovery purposes.

Assess the Situation: Determine whether the photos are still in temporary storage (Recycle Bin, Trash, Recently Deleted) or if you need to use recovery software.

Make a Disk Image: If you’re comfortable with advanced techniques, consider creating a disk image of the affected drive. A disk image is a bit-for-bit copy of the drive’s data, which you can work on without risking further damage to the original data.

By following these steps, you can preserve the integrity of your deleted files and improve the odds of a successful recovery.

7. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learning from common pitfalls can be just as valuable as knowing the correct procedures. Here are some frequent mistakes people make when attempting to recover deleted photos:

7.1 Continuing to Use the Device

Risk: Every time you use your device after deletion, there’s a chance new data will overwrite the space where your photos were stored.

Solution: Immediately stop using the device until you have recovered your photos or have set up the recovery process on another system.

7.2 Installing Recovery Software on the Affected Drive

Risk: Installing software on the same drive can overwrite your lost photos.

Solution: Install recovery software on a different drive or computer, then run it on the affected drive.

7.3 Relying on a Single Method

Risk: Sometimes, one recovery method might not retrieve all of your photos.

Solution: Try multiple methods sequentially. Start with built-in features, then move on to recovery software, and if necessary, consult professional services.

7.4 Ignoring File System Details

Risk: Not understanding whether your device uses NTFS, exFAT, or another file system can lead to inefficient scanning or incomplete recovery.

Solution: Familiarize yourself with your device’s file system and choose recovery tools that support it.

8. Preventing Future Data Loss

While recovering lost photos is possible, prevention is always preferable. Consider these strategies to safeguard your precious memories:

8.1 Regular Backups

Cloud Backups: Enable automatic backups using services like Google Photos, iCloud, or OneDrive. These services usually keep deleted photos for a period (e.g., 30 or 60 days) even after deletion.

Physical Backups: Invest in an external hard drive and set up regular backups. Software like Windows File History or macOS Time Machine makes this process easy.

8.2 Use Multiple Storage Solutions

Redundancy: Store your photos in at least two places (for example, on your computer and in the cloud). This redundancy ensures that if one source fails, you have another copy.

Sync Services: Use synchronization services that mirror your files across devices. However, be cautious syncing errors might lead to unwanted deletions, so always keep a backup that isn’t directly synced.

8.3 Practice Cautious File Management

Double-Check Deletions: Before deleting, verify that you’re removing the correct files.

Organize Your Files: Keep your photos organized into folders and albums. This organization not only helps you locate files faster but also reduces the likelihood of accidental deletion.

Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the best practices for file management on your device’s operating system.