How to Recover Deleted Photos on an iPhone or iPad

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

How-To Recover Deleted Photos on an iPhone

Recovering deleted photos on an iOS device, such as an iPhone or iPad, is possible in some cases, especially if you have a backup. Here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to recover deleted photos for iOS:

Method 1: Check the Recently Deleted Album

Step 1: Open the Photos App

Open the "Photos" app on your iOS device.

Step 2: Access the Recently Deleted Album

Tap on "Albums" at the bottom of the screen.

Scroll down and find the "Recently Deleted" album.

Step 3: Restore Deleted Photos

Open the "Recently Deleted" album.

You will see the photos you deleted within the last 30 days.

Tap on "Select" in the top-right corner.

Select the photos you want to recover.

Tap "Recover" in the bottom-right corner to restore them to your photo library.

Method 2: Use iCloud Photos (If Enabled)

Step 1: Access iCloud Photos

Go to "Settings" on your iOS device.

Tap on your name at the top of the screen to access your Apple ID settings.

Tap "iCloud."

Scroll down and make sure "Photos" is turned on.

Step 2: Check Recently Deleted Photos

Open the "Photos" app.

Go to the "Albums" tab.

Scroll down and select "Recently Deleted."

Tap "Select" and choose the photos you want to recover.

Tap "Recover" to restore them to your photo library.

Method 3: Restore from an iTunes Backup

Step 1: Connect to a Computer

Connect your iOS device to a computer that you regularly use for syncing with iTunes.

Step 2: Open iTunes (macOS Catalina and Earlier)

Open iTunes on your computer. (Note: In macOS Catalina and later, use Finder instead of iTunes.)

Step 3: Select Your Device

In iTunes (or Finder), select your iOS device when it appears.

Step 4: Restore from a Backup

Click on the "Restore Backup" button.

Choose the most relevant backup that contains the photos you want to recover.

Click "Restore" and wait for the process to complete.

Method 4: Use a Third-Party Data Recovery Tool

Step 1: Choose a Data Recovery Tool

Download and install a reputable iOS data recovery tool on your computer, such as Dr.Fone, iMobie PhoneRescue, or Tenorshare UltData.

Step 2: Connect Your iOS Device

Launch the data recovery tool and connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 3: Start the Scanning Process

Follow the on-screen instructions in the data recovery tool to initiate a scan of your device.

The tool will search for deleted photos and display the results.

Step 4: Preview and Recover

After the scan is complete, preview the deleted photos to confirm their integrity.

Select the photos you want to recover.

Click the "Recover" button to save the photos to your computer.

These methods should help you recover deleted photos on your iOS device. Remember to act promptly, as the chances of successful recovery are higher when you haven't overwritten the deleted data. Additionally, consider regularly backing up your iOS device using iCloud or iTunes to prevent data loss in the future.

Contact Support.Com

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

1. Introduction

It can be a very frustrating or even heartbreaking experience to lose your images. Missing photos and videos can be lost forever from your iPhone, iPod or iPad. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to protect those precious memories.

Tools You'll Need:

• A paperclip
• iPhone charging cable
• Access to a computer with iTunes installed
• Any other non-consumable tools needed
• Comment out tools section if no tools are necessary

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Supplies You'll Need:

• Zip ties
• Any other consumable supplies
• Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

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Before You Begin:

• You must have access to a computer with iTunes installed.
• You must have that thing for the other thing so you can do the thing.

You must have this thing before you whatever.

• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Each individual prereq should have its own box like this. Not all will contain multiple links.
• Comment out prerequisites section if no prereqs are necessary

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2. Recover Files and Photos from iCloud

If the file you are looking for was stored in an iCloud-backed folder, you can restore them through the iCloud web interface.

1. Open your preferred web browser, and visit icloud.com.
   

1. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
   

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select Restore Files under Advanced at the bottom.
   

1. Look through the list of files. If you see your missing file, place a check mark next to it, then select Restore File.
   

It can take a few moments for your computer to download and restore the file. Please be patient.

3. Recover Recently Deleted Photos

Your Photos App keeps your recently deleted images and videos for 30 days. You can recover them as long as it is within that 30 day time period.

1. Open the Photos App.
   

1. Select Albums.
   

1. Scroll down and select the Recently Deleted album.
   

1. If you see an item you were looking for select it.
   

1. Select Recover at the bottom.
   

1. Select Recover Photo.
   

4. Look for Photos in the Hidden Album

In the Photos App you can hide photos you don't want to show up regularly in the app. You may have hidden one and now want it back. We can show you how to unhide it.

1. Open the Photos App.
   

1. Select Albums.
   

1. Select the Hidden album.
   

1. If you see the item you are looking for, select it.
   

1. Select the Menu icon at the bottom.
   

1. Select Unhide.
   

5. If My Files Couldn't Be Saved

Unfortunately, it does not appear that the missing files in question are able to be recovered using traditional means. At this time, the only option for recovering your lost files involves contacting a data recovery firm.

Professional data recovery firms can salvage and repair data that has been otherwise lost forever. Of course, in some situations, data recovery won't always be possible. Sometimes a system can be too corrupted or damaged to retrieve missing data. The methods used to recover lost data depend on how the data was lost in the first place. One of the major factors involved in data recovery is cost. Costs involved for data recovery services can carry a tremendous range (hundreds to thousands of dollars) and will vary based on a large number of factors involved with your data loss case.

Contacting a data recovery firm is completely optional. Some find that data recovery services are not the best fit based upon what information was lost. That being said, only you can know what your data is worth to you. Reaching out to a data recovery firm in your area to determine whether or not your data can be saved and what it may cost to do so will help determine if this option is a good fit for you.

If you intend to pursue professional data recovery services, it is extremely important you stop using your device. Shut it down and do not turn it back on until you have spoken with the professional data recovery service you have chosen.

Continuing to use your device in any way can destroy the data permanently, without any chance or hope of recovery.