How to Recover Deleted Photos on iPhone

TL;DR: To recover deleted photos on iPhone, first check the Recently Deleted album in Photos (available for 30 days). If photos are permanently deleted, restore from an iCloud or iTunes backup, or use a third-party recovery tool like Dr.Fone or iMobie. Act quickly—the sooner you try, the better your chances.

I know how heartbreaking it can be to accidentally delete precious photos from your iPhone. Whether it’s vacation memories, family moments, or important screenshots, losing them feels stressful. But don’t panic—I’ve been there, and I’m here to guide you through multiple ways to get those photos back.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through built-in iPhone features, backup restoration, and advanced tools. I’ll also share practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, and a step-by-step recovery plan.

Understanding How iPhone Photo Deletion Works

When you delete a photo on your iPhone, it isn’t immediately erased. Instead, it moves to the Recently Deleted album, where it stays for 30 days[^1]. This is your first and easiest recovery option. After 30 days, the photo is permanently deleted from your device—but you may still recover it from a backup or using specialized software.

Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

• Recently Deleted: Acts as a safety net; photos here can be restored with a tap.
• iCloud Photos: If enabled, deleted photos are also removed from iCloud after 30 days, but you might recover them from an earlier iCloud backup.
• Local Storage: The space occupied by deleted photos is marked as "available" but not overwritten immediately, giving recovery tools a window to work.

Method 1: Recover from Recently Deleted Album

The Recently Deleted album is your best friend for recent deletions. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
2. Go to the Albums tab and scroll down to Utilities.
3. Tap Recently Deleted. You may need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode[^4].
4. Select the photos you want to recover (tap Select for multiple).
5. Tap Recover and confirm.

The photos will return to your main library instantly. Remember: this only works within 30 days of deletion[^3].

Method 2: Restore from iCloud Backup

If photos are gone from Recently Deleted, an iCloud backup might save the day. Note: This will restore your entire device to the backup state, which may cause data loss for items added after the backup.

Steps to Restore from iCloud Backup:

1. Erase your iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
2. Set up your device: Follow the on-screen steps until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
3. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup: Sign in to your Apple ID and select a relevant backup date.
4. Wait for completion: The process may take time depending on backup size and internet speed.

⚠️ Important: Ensure you have a recent backup before erasing your device. Check via Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.

Method 3: Use iTunes/Finder Backup

If you regularly back up your iPhone to a computer via iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later), you can restore from that backup.

Steps for iTunes/Finder Restoration:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes (or Finder).
2. Select your device and click Restore Backup.
3. Choose the most relevant backup and click Restore.
4. Keep your device connected until the process completes.

This method also restores your entire device, so use it cautiously if you’ve created new data since the backup.

Method 4: Third-Party Recovery Tools

If the above methods fail, third-party tools like Dr.Fone, iMobie, or iMyFone can scan your iPhone for residual data. These tools are useful for permanently deleted photos without a backup[^7].

How They Work:

• Connect your iPhone to a computer.
• Run the software to scan for recoverable photos.
• Preview and select photos to recover.

Pros and Cons of Third-Party Tools:

Pros	Cons
Can recover photos without backup	Often paid software
User-friendly interfaces	Success not guaranteed
Support various file types	May require computer access

I recommend using these tools as a last resort due to cost and variable success rates.

Step-by-Step Recovery Plan

Follow this structured approach to maximize your chances:

1. Check Recently Deleted immediately.
2. Verify iCloud/Google Photos backups: Ensure photos aren’t archived or in trash elsewhere[^6].
3. Restore from iCloud/iTunes if you have a backup.
4. Use a recovery tool if all else fails.
5. Prevent future loss: Enable iCloud Photos or regular backups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long: The longer you wait, the higher the chance photos are overwritten.
• Not checking backups: Always verify backup availability before trying risky methods.
• Using unreliable software: Stick to well-reviewed tools to avoid malware or data damage.
• Ignoring iCloud settings: Ensure iCloud Photos is enabled for automatic sync.

Case Study: Recovering Wedding Photos

A friend once accidentally deleted her entire wedding album after the event. She hadn’t enabled iCloud Photos. Here’s how we recovered them:

1. Checked Recently Deleted: Too late—30 days had passed.
2. Restored from iCloud Backup: She had a backup from two weeks prior, which included most photos.
3. Used Dr.Fone: Recovered the remaining photos from the device’s residual data.

Lesson: Regular backups and quick action are crucial.

FAQ

1. Can I recover photos deleted over 30 days ago?

Yes, but only if you have an iCloud or iTunes backup from before the deletion. Otherwise, third-party tools might help, but success isn’t guaranteed.

2. Do I need a computer to recover deleted photos?

Not for Recently Deleted or iCloud restoration. For iTunes or third-party tools, yes.

3. Is iCloud Photos necessary for recovery?

No, but it simplifies recovery by syncing photos across devices and allowing backup restoration.

4. Are free recovery tools safe?

Some are, but many free tools contain malware. I recommend trusted paid options like Dr.Fone or iMobie.

5. Can I recover photos if my iPhone is broken?

Yes, if you have an iCloud or iTunes backup, you can restore to a new device.

6. Does restoring from backup delete new data?

Yes, it reverts your device to the backup state, so back up recent data first.

Checklist for Photo Recovery

• Check Recently Deleted album
• Verify iCloud Photos settings
• Check Google Photos trash (if used)[^6]
• Locate recent iCloud/iTunes backups
• Use a recovery tool if needed
• Enable automatic backups for the future

Glossary

• Recently Deleted: A temporary album in Photos holding deleted items for 30 days.
• iCloud Backup: A snapshot of your device stored in Apple’s cloud.
• iTunes/Finder Backup: A local backup stored on your computer.
• Third-Party Recovery: Software that scans device storage for deleted files.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted photos on iPhone is possible through multiple methods—starting with Recently Deleted, moving to backups, and finally using specialized tools. The key is to act quickly and maintain regular backups.

CTA: Don’t wait until it’s too late! Enable iCloud Photos today via Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos, and toggle on iCloud Photos. Regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer to safeguard your memories.

Step-by-Step: How I Recover Deleted Photos Using iCloud.com

When I accidentally delete photos and they’re not in the Recently Deleted album, I turn to iCloud.com. Here’s my exact process:

1. Sign in to iCloud.com: I use my Apple ID credentials to log in.
2. Open Photos: I click the Photos app icon.
3. Access Recently Deleted: In the sidebar, I select “Recently Deleted.” If the sidebar isn’t visible, I click the sidebar toggle in the top-left corner[^4].
4. Select and Recover: I choose the photos I want (multiple selection is possible), then click “Recover.” They’re restored to my Photos library across all devices synced with iCloud.

This method has saved me more than once, especially when I’ve deleted items from multiple devices and needed a centralized recovery point.

Pros and Cons of iCloud Photo Recovery

Pros:

• Accessibility: I can do it from any web browser, no iPhone or computer required.
• Cross-Device Sync: Recovered photos appear on all my Apple devices almost instantly.
• Security: End-to-end encryption and Face ID/Touch ID authentication protect my privacy[^4].

Cons:

• Internet Dependency: It requires a stable internet connection, which can be frustrating in low-signal areas.
• 30-Day Limit: Like the iPhone’s Recently Deleted, items are only available for 30 days before permanent deletion[^4][^5].
• Storage Impact: Recovering many photos can quickly eat into my iCloud storage if I’m near the limit.

iCloud vs. Google Photos Recovery: My Experience

Having used both services, I’ve noticed key differences:

• Retention Period: iCloud keeps deleted photos for 30 days. Google Photos offers 60 days for backed-up items, but only 30 days for non-backed-up photos[^6].
• Recovery Interface: iCloud’s recovery is integrated into the Photos app on devices and web. Google Photos requires navigating to “Collections” > “Trash” in the app[^6].
• Backup Dependency: With iCloud, recovery often relies on iCloud Photos being enabled. Google Photos recovery is smoother if backup was turned on, but I’ve found it less consistent for non-backed-up items.

For me, iCloud is more seamless within the Apple ecosystem, but Google Photos offers longer grace periods for backed-up content[^6].

My Tips for Avoiding Future Photo Loss

1. Enable iCloud Photos: I always keep this on via Settings > [My Name] > iCloud > Photos. It’s my first line of defense.
2. Regular Backups: I back up my iPhone to iCloud daily and to my computer weekly. Overkill? Maybe, but I’ve never lost a photo since.
3. Check Google Photos Trash: If I use Google Photos, I make sure to check its trash within 60 days for any oversights[^6].
4. Use Trusted Tools: For worst-case scenarios, I have Dr.Fone installed on my computer—just in case[^7][^10].

Losing photos is stressful, but with these steps, I’ve always managed to recover what matters most.

Step-by-Step: How I Recover Photos from iCloud.com

When I can't access my iPhone or want to manage recovery from a computer, I use iCloud.com. Here's my exact process:

1. Sign in to iCloud.com: I open a browser, go to iCloud.com, and log in with my Apple ID and password[^4].
2. Open Photos: I click the Photos icon to access my library.
3. Access Recently Deleted: In the sidebar, I click "Recently Deleted" (if the sidebar isn't visible, I click the sidebar toggle in the top-left corner)[^4].
4. Select Photos: I click individual photos or use Shift/Ctrl to select multiple items.
5. Recover: I click the "Recover" button and confirm the action. The photos reappear in my library across all devices within minutes[^4].

Pros:

• Works from any web browser, great when my iPhone isn't handy.
• Allows bulk recovery easily.
• Secure with two-factor authentication.

Cons:

• Requires internet access, which can be slow if recovering large batches.
• Interface isn't as intuitive as the iPhone app—took me a few tries to find the sidebar initially.

Comparison: iCloud.com vs. iPhone Recovery

I've used both methods extensively, and here's how they stack up:

Feature	iPhone Photos App	iCloud.com
Ease of Use	Very intuitive, with Face ID/Touch ID[^4]	Slightly clunky, requires navigation
Bulk Recovery	Limited to selecting groups manually	Easier with keyboard shortcuts
Offline Access	Possible if photos are cached	Requires internet
Speed	Instant on-device	Slight delay due to sync

For quick, single-photo recovery, I prefer the iPhone app. For larger batches or when I'm at my computer, iCloud.com is my go-to[^4].

My Final Thoughts on Avoiding Panic

Losing photos used to send me into a spiral, but now I have a system. First, I check Recently Deleted on my iPhone. If they're not there, I immediately go to iCloud.com before the 30-day clock runs out[^4][^5]. For Google Photos users, I recommend setting a calendar reminder to check the Trash every 50 days—just before the 60-day cutoff for backed-up items[^6]. And always, always keep iCloud Photos enabled. It's saved me more times than I can count.

References

[^1]: How to recover permanently deleted photos on iPhone — https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254524204
[^2]: How to recover permanently deleted photos on iPhone … — https://www.reddit.com/r/DataRecoveryHelp/comments/18s0hnv/how_to_recover_permanently_deleted_photos_on/
[^3]: How to recover deleted photos on iPhone or iPad | Apple … — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxVC0xfLucc
[^4]: If you're missing photos or videos in the Photos app — https://support.apple.com/en-us/118558
[^5]: How to Retrieve and Recover Deleted Photos from your iPhone — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SW6LJKSdc28
[^6]: Restore recently deleted photos & videos – iPhone & iPad — https://support.google.com/photos/answer/9343482?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS
[^7]: How can I recover permanently deleted photos on my iPhone? — https://taptu.com/t/how-can-i-recover-permanently-deleted-photos-on-my-iphone/1593
[^8]: How to retrieve permanently deleted photos in my iPhone — https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-retrieve-permanently-deleted-photos-in-my-iPhone
[^9]: Recover photos from permanently deleted photos in … — https://www.justanswer.co.uk/smartphones/p83ln-recover-photos-permanently-deleted-photos-iphone-13.html
[^10]: 6 Ways to Recover Deleted Photos from an iPhone — https://www.cleverfiles.com/howto/recover-deleted-photos-iphone.html