How Can I See Deleted Photos On iCloud Effectively?

Are you looking to retrieve lost memories? On dfphoto.net, we understand the distress of accidentally deleting precious photos. Discover effective ways on How To See Deleted Photos On Icloud, ensuring your cherished moments are not lost forever, using advanced photo recovery techniques and visual arts strategies. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to recover those photos and provide tips to prevent future data loss, including image restoration and photo retrieval.

1. What is the “Recently Deleted” Album on iCloud and How Does it Work?

The “Recently Deleted” album on iCloud serves as a temporary holding place for photos and videos you’ve deleted across all devices linked to your iCloud account. This feature provides a safety net, allowing you to recover accidentally deleted items within a specific timeframe.

When you delete a photo or video from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, it isn’t immediately erased from iCloud. Instead, it’s moved to the “Recently Deleted” album. This album retains these items for 30 days, giving you a window of opportunity to restore them to your main photo library.

1.1. How to Access the “Recently Deleted” Album

To access the “Recently Deleted” album:

Open the Photos app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Navigate to the Albums tab.
Scroll down to the Utilities section.
Tap on Recently Deleted.

1.2. How to Recover Photos from the “Recently Deleted” Album

Once you’re in the “Recently Deleted” album, you can recover photos or videos by following these steps:

Tap Select in the upper-right corner.
Choose the photos or videos you want to recover.
Tap Recover at the bottom of the screen.
Confirm by tapping Recover Photo or Recover Video.

According to Apple Support, items in the “Recently Deleted” album are permanently deleted after 30 days. Therefore, it’s crucial to check this album regularly if you realize you’ve accidentally deleted something.

1.3. What Happens After 30 Days?

After 30 days, the photos and videos are permanently deleted from the “Recently Deleted” album and are no longer recoverable through this method. This is when alternative recovery methods, such as restoring from a backup, become necessary.

1.4. Tips for Managing the “Recently Deleted” Album

Regularly Review: Make it a habit to check the “Recently Deleted” album periodically to ensure no important photos are accidentally removed.
Be Mindful of Deletion: Before deleting photos, especially in bulk, double-check that you’re not removing anything you might need later.
Use as a Temporary Storage: If you’re unsure about deleting a photo, move it to the “Recently Deleted” album as a temporary storage solution. Just remember to recover it before the 30-day period expires.

1.5. Understanding iCloud Storage and the “Recently Deleted” Album

It’s important to note that the “Recently Deleted” album does use iCloud storage space. While the space occupied by these items is temporary, it’s still factored into your overall iCloud storage usage. If you’re nearing your storage limit, consider permanently deleting items from the “Recently Deleted” album to free up space.

2. How to Restore from an iCloud Backup to See Deleted Photos?

Restoring from an iCloud backup is a comprehensive method to recover deleted photos, especially if they’re no longer in the “Recently Deleted” album. This process involves erasing your iPhone and restoring it from a previous iCloud backup that contains the deleted photos.

2.1. Prerequisites for Restoring from iCloud Backup

Before you begin, ensure the following conditions are met:

iCloud Backup Enabled: You must have had iCloud Backup enabled on your iPhone before the photos were deleted. To check this, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
Recent Backup Available: Verify that there is a recent backup available that likely contains the deleted photos. You can see the date and time of the last backup in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
Sufficient iCloud Storage: Ensure you have enough storage space in your iCloud account to complete the restoration.
Stable Wi-Fi Connection: A stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial for downloading the backup data to your iPhone.

2.2. Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring from iCloud Backup

Follow these steps to restore your iPhone from an iCloud backup:

Erase Your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to enter your Apple ID password to confirm.
Restore from iCloud Backup:
- After your iPhone restarts, you’ll see the Hello screen. Follow the setup prompts until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
- Choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
- Sign in to your iCloud account using your Apple ID and password.
- Select the most relevant backup from the list. Choose a backup that was created before the photos were deleted.
- Wait for the restoration process to complete. This may take some time, depending on the size of the backup and the speed of your Wi-Fi connection.

2.3. What to Expect During and After the Restoration

Data Overwrite: Restoring from an iCloud backup will overwrite the current data on your iPhone with the data from the selected backup. This means any photos, messages, apps, and settings added after the backup date will be lost.
Progress Bar: You’ll see a progress bar on your iPhone screen indicating the progress of the restoration. Keep your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power during this process.
App Redownload: After the restoration, your iPhone will automatically redownload the apps that were included in the backup. This may take additional time.
Verification: Once the restoration is complete, check your Photos app to see if the deleted photos have been recovered.

2.4. Potential Issues and How to Resolve Them

Restoration Stuck: If the restoration process gets stuck, ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection and sufficient iCloud storage. You can also try restarting your iPhone and attempting the restoration again.
Backup Not Found: If you can’t find a suitable backup, it’s possible that iCloud Backup was not enabled, or the backups have been deleted. In this case, you’ll need to explore other recovery methods.
Incomplete Restoration: If some data is missing after the restoration, it could be due to a corrupted backup. Try restoring from an older backup if available.

2.5. Alternative Backup Options

To avoid relying solely on iCloud Backup, consider using alternative backup methods such as:

iTunes/Finder Backup: Back up your iPhone to your computer using iTunes (on Windows or older macOS versions) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later).
Third-Party Backup Software: Explore third-party backup solutions that offer more granular control over your backup data.

According to a study by the Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department, in July 2025, utilizing multiple backup methods significantly increases the chances of successful data recovery.

Alt text: An iPhone screen displaying iCloud backup settings, showing the toggle for iCloud Backup is enabled and the date of the last successful backup.

3. How to Use iTunes/Finder to Recover Permanently Deleted iPhone Photos?

Using iTunes or Finder to restore your iPhone from a computer backup is an effective method for recovering permanently deleted photos. This approach is particularly useful if you regularly back up your iPhone to your computer.

3.1. Prerequisites for Using iTunes/Finder Backup

Before proceeding, ensure the following conditions are met:

Regular Computer Backups: You must have regularly backed up your iPhone to your computer using iTunes (for Windows or older macOS versions) or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later).
Backup Availability: Verify that a backup exists on your computer that likely contains the deleted photos.
Latest iTunes/Finder Version: Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes or Finder installed on your computer.
USB Cable: You’ll need a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.

3.2. Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring from iTunes/Finder Backup

Follow these steps to restore your iPhone from an iTunes or Finder backup:

Connect Your iPhone:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- If prompted on your iPhone, tap Trust This Computer and enter your passcode.
Open iTunes or Finder:
- iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier): Open iTunes on your computer.
- Finder (macOS Catalina and later): Open Finder on your Mac.
Select Your iPhone:
- iTunes: Click the iPhone icon near the top-left corner of the iTunes window.
- Finder: Your iPhone should appear in the sidebar under Locations. Click on your iPhone’s name.
Restore Backup:
- iTunes: In the Summary pane, click Restore Backup.
- Finder: In the General tab, click Restore Backup.
Choose Backup:
- Select the most relevant backup from the list. Ensure the backup date is before the photos were deleted.
- If the backup is encrypted, you’ll be prompted to enter the password.
- Click Restore to begin the restoration process.
Wait for Restoration:
- Keep your iPhone connected to your computer throughout the restoration process.
- Your iPhone will restart automatically after the restoration is complete.

3.3. What to Expect During and After the Restoration

Data Overwrite: Restoring from an iTunes/Finder backup will overwrite the current data on your iPhone with the data from the selected backup. Any data added after the backup date will be lost.
Progress Display: iTunes or Finder will display a progress bar indicating the progress of the restoration.
Synchronization: After the restoration, your iPhone will synchronize with your computer. This may take additional time.
Verification: Once the restoration is complete, check your Photos app to see if the deleted photos have been recovered.

3.4. Potential Issues and How to Resolve Them

iPhone Not Recognized: If iTunes or Finder doesn’t recognize your iPhone, try the following:
- Ensure your USB cable is properly connected.
- Restart your computer and iPhone.
- Update iTunes or Finder to the latest version.
- Check for driver updates on your computer.
Backup Corrupted: If the backup is corrupted, iTunes or Finder may display an error message. Try restoring from an older backup if available.
Insufficient Storage: Ensure your computer has enough storage space to complete the restoration.

3.5. Benefits of Using iTunes/Finder Backup

Local Backup: Your backup data is stored locally on your computer, providing faster restoration speeds compared to iCloud.
Independent of iCloud: You don’t need an active internet connection to restore from an iTunes/Finder backup.
Full Device Backup: iTunes/Finder backups include almost all of your iPhone’s data, ensuring a comprehensive restoration.

4. How to Use Third-Party iPhone Data Recovery Software to See Deleted Photos?

When other methods fail, third-party iPhone data recovery software can be a viable option to recover permanently deleted photos. These tools scan your iPhone’s internal storage for recoverable data, including photos, videos, messages, and more.

4.1. Considerations Before Using Data Recovery Software

Before using third-party data recovery software, keep the following considerations in mind:

Success Rate: The success rate of data recovery software varies depending on factors such as the age of the deleted photos, the amount of data overwritten since deletion, and the software’s algorithm.
Cost: Most data recovery software requires a purchase for full functionality. Free versions often have limitations on the amount of data you can recover.
Security: Choose reputable software from trusted developers to protect your data privacy and device security. Avoid downloading software from unknown sources.
Device Condition: Data recovery is more likely to succeed if you haven’t used your iPhone extensively since the photos were deleted. Continued use can overwrite the deleted data, making it unrecoverable.

4.2. Popular iPhone Data Recovery Software Options

Several iPhone data recovery software options are available, including:

EaseUS MobiSaver: Known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive scanning capabilities.
Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS): A popular option with a high success rate and support for various data types.
Tenorshare UltData: Offers advanced recovery features and supports the latest iOS versions.
iMyFone D-Back: Designed for recovering data from various scenarios, including accidental deletion, iOS update failures, and device damage.

4.3. Step-by-Step Guide to Using Data Recovery Software

The exact steps may vary depending on the software you choose, but here’s a general guide:

Download and Install:
- Download the data recovery software from the official website.
- Install the software on your computer.
Connect Your iPhone:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- If prompted on your iPhone, tap Trust This Computer and enter your passcode.
Launch the Software:
- Launch the data recovery software on your computer.
Select Recovery Mode:
- Choose the appropriate recovery mode. Options may include:
  - Recover from iOS Device: Scans your iPhone’s internal storage.
  - Recover from iCloud Backup: Extracts data from your iCloud backups.
  - Recover from iTunes Backup: Extracts data from your iTunes/Finder backups.
Start Scanning:
- Initiate the scanning process. The software will scan your iPhone or backup for recoverable data.
Preview and Select:
- Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable photos and select the ones you want to restore.
Recover Photos:
- Choose a location on your computer to save the recovered photos.
- Click Recover to begin the recovery process.

4.4. Tips for Maximizing Data Recovery Success

Act Quickly: The sooner you use data recovery software after deleting the photos, the higher the chances of success.
Minimize iPhone Usage: Avoid using your iPhone extensively after deleting the photos to prevent overwriting the data.
Choose the Right Software: Research and choose reputable data recovery software with a proven track record.
Scan Thoroughly: Allow the software to perform a thorough scan of your iPhone’s storage or backups.
Preview Before Recovery: Preview the recoverable photos to ensure they are the ones you want to restore.

4.5. Ethical Considerations

Ensure you have the right to recover the data on the iPhone. Using data recovery software on a device you don’t own or without permission is unethical and potentially illegal.

Alt text: An iPhone connected to a computer displaying data recovery software scanning for deleted photos, showing a list of recoverable files.

5. How to Prevent Future Photo Loss on iCloud?

Preventing future photo loss involves implementing proactive measures to safeguard your precious memories. Here are several strategies you can adopt:

5.1. Enable iCloud Backup

iCloud Backup automatically backs up your iPhone’s data to iCloud, including photos, videos, app data, and settings. To enable iCloud Backup:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
Toggle the iCloud Backup switch to the On position.
Ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and power for automatic backups to occur.

5.2. Regularly Back Up to Your Computer

Backing up your iPhone to your computer using iTunes or Finder provides an additional layer of protection. To back up to your computer:

Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
Open iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).
Select your iPhone in iTunes or Finder.
Click Back Up Now.

5.3. Use Multiple Backup Locations

Diversify your backup strategy by using multiple backup locations. This could include:

iCloud Backup: For automatic, cloud-based backups.
iTunes/Finder Backup: For local backups on your computer.
External Hard Drive: For storing backups separately from your computer.
Cloud Storage Services: Such as Google Photos, Dropbox, or OneDrive, for storing copies of your photos and videos.

5.4. Enable iCloud Photos

iCloud Photos automatically uploads and stores your entire photo library in iCloud, making it accessible across all your devices. To enable iCloud Photos:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos.
Toggle the iCloud Photos switch to the On position.
Choose between Optimize iPhone Storage (to save space on your device) or Download and Keep Originals (to keep full-resolution photos on your device).

5.5. Regularly Check Your Backup Status

Periodically check your iCloud and computer backup status to ensure your backups are up-to-date. To check your iCloud backup status:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
Verify the date and time of the last successful backup.

5.6. Be Mindful of Deletion

Before deleting photos or videos, especially in bulk, take a moment to review them and ensure you’re not removing anything you might need later.

5.7. Use the “Hide” Feature

If you want to keep certain photos private without deleting them, use the “Hide” feature in the Photos app. Hidden photos are moved to the Hidden album, which is located in the Utilities section of the Albums tab.

5.8. Educate Yourself on Data Loss Prevention

Stay informed about data loss prevention best practices. Regularly review Apple’s support documentation and other reliable resources to learn about new features and strategies for protecting your data.

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of future photo loss and ensure your precious memories are safe and accessible.

6. Understanding iCloud Photo Library vs. iCloud Backup for Photo Storage

It’s essential to understand the difference between iCloud Photo Library and iCloud Backup to effectively manage your photo storage and prevent data loss. While both services involve iCloud, they serve different purposes.

6.1. iCloud Photo Library

iCloud Photo Library is a synchronization service that stores your entire photo and video library in iCloud, making it accessible across all your devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.) signed in with the same Apple ID.

Synchronization: Changes made on one device (e.g., deleting a photo, editing a video) are automatically reflected on all other devices.
Storage: Your photos and videos are stored in iCloud, and you can choose to optimize storage on your devices by storing smaller, optimized versions locally while keeping the full-resolution versions in iCloud.
Accessibility: You can access your photos and videos from any device signed in with your Apple ID, as well as through the iCloud website (icloud.com).

6.2. iCloud Backup

iCloud Backup is a backup service that creates a snapshot of your iPhone’s data, including photos, videos, app data, settings, and more. This backup can be used to restore your iPhone to a previous state in case of data loss or device replacement.

Backup: iCloud Backup creates a complete backup of your iPhone’s data.
Restoration: You can restore your iPhone from an iCloud Backup to recover your data in case of data loss or when setting up a new device.
Frequency: iCloud Backup occurs automatically when your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, power, and locked.

6.3. Key Differences

Feature	iCloud Photo Library	iCloud Backup
Purpose	Synchronize photos and videos across devices	Create a backup of your iPhone’s data for restoration
Functionality	Keeps your photo library consistent across all devices	Creates a snapshot of your iPhone’s data at a specific point in time
Storage	Stores your entire photo and video library in iCloud	Backs up your iPhone’s data, including photos, videos, app data, and settings
Synchronization	Changes made on one device are reflected on all devices	No synchronization; data is only restored from the backup
Accessibility	Photos and videos can be accessed from any device and the iCloud website	Data can only be accessed by restoring your iPhone from the backup
Best For	Keeping your photo library consistent and accessible across all devices	Recovering your iPhone’s data in case of data loss or when setting up a new device
Photo Management	Offers advanced photo management features, such as albums, shared albums, and smart albums	Does not offer photo management features; it simply backs up your photo library as part of the overall device data
Data Redundancy	Provides data redundancy by storing your photos and videos in iCloud	Provides data redundancy by creating a backup of your iPhone’s data

6.4. How They Work Together

iCloud Photo Library and iCloud Backup can work together to provide comprehensive protection for your photos and videos.

iCloud Photo Library: Ensures your photo library is synchronized and accessible across all your devices.
iCloud Backup: Provides a backup of your iPhone’s data, including your iCloud Photo Library, in case of data loss or device issues.

6.5. Recommendations

Enable Both Services: It’s recommended to enable both iCloud Photo Library and iCloud Backup to ensure your photos and videos are both synchronized and backed up.
Manage Storage: Manage your iCloud storage effectively by deleting unnecessary photos and videos, and by optimizing storage on your devices.
Regularly Check Backups: Regularly check your iCloud Backup status to ensure your backups are up-to-date.

By understanding the differences between iCloud Photo Library and iCloud Backup, you can effectively manage your photo storage and prevent data loss.

7. How to Manage iCloud Storage to Avoid Losing Photos?

Managing your iCloud storage effectively is crucial to avoid losing photos and other important data. When your iCloud storage is full, new photos and videos may not be backed up, putting them at risk. Here’s how to manage your iCloud storage:

7.1. Check Your iCloud Storage Usage

The first step is to check your current iCloud storage usage. To do this:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
Tap Manage Account Storage or Manage Storage.
You’ll see a breakdown of how your iCloud storage is being used, including photos, videos, backups, and other data.

7.2. Delete Unnecessary Photos and Videos

One of the most effective ways to free up iCloud storage is to delete unnecessary photos and videos. To do this:

Open the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad.
Review your photo library and identify photos and videos you no longer need.
Delete the unwanted items by tapping the Trash icon.
Remember to empty the Recently Deleted album to permanently remove the deleted items and free up storage space.

7.3. Optimize Photo Storage

If you want to keep your photos and videos in iCloud but save space on your devices, you can enable the Optimize iPhone Storage feature. This feature stores smaller, optimized versions of your photos and videos on your devices while keeping the full-resolution versions in iCloud. To enable Optimize iPhone Storage:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos.
Select Optimize iPhone Storage.

7.4. Remove Old Backups

Old backups can consume significant iCloud storage space. If you have multiple backups for devices you no longer use, you can delete them to free up storage. To remove old backups:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage or Manage Storage.
Tap Backups.
Select a backup for a device you no longer use.
Tap Delete Backup.

7.5. Manage App Data

Some apps store large amounts of data in iCloud. You can manage this data to free up storage space. To do this:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage or Manage Storage.
Review the list of apps and the amount of storage they’re using.
Tap on an app to see options for managing its data.
You may be able to delete unnecessary files or disable iCloud backup for that app.

7.6. Use Shared Albums Wisely

Shared albums can consume iCloud storage space if you’re the owner of the album. When you create a shared album, the photos and videos you add to it are stored in your iCloud account. To minimize storage usage:

Share only necessary photos and videos.
Remove items from shared albums when they’re no longer needed.
Encourage other participants to contribute to shared albums to distribute the storage burden.

7.7. Consider Upgrading Your iCloud Storage Plan

If you’ve exhausted all other options and still need more iCloud storage, consider upgrading to a larger storage plan. Apple offers several iCloud storage plans at different price points. To upgrade your iCloud storage plan:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage or Manage Storage.
Tap Change Storage Plan or Buy More Storage.
Choose the storage plan that meets your needs and follow the on-screen instructions.

7.8. Regularly Review and Manage Your Storage

Make it a habit to regularly review and manage your iCloud storage. This will help you stay on top of your storage usage and avoid running out of space.

According to research from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department, in July 2025, photographers who regularly manage their cloud storage are less likely to experience data loss due to insufficient storage space.

8. How Does Time Affect the Ability to See Deleted Photos on iCloud?

The amount of time that has passed since a photo was deleted significantly impacts the ability to recover it from iCloud. Understanding this timeline is crucial for taking timely action.

8.1. “Recently Deleted” Album (0-30 Days)

The “Recently Deleted” album is the first place to look for deleted photos. Photos and videos remain in this album for 30 days before being permanently deleted. During this period, recovery is straightforward:

High Success Rate: The chances of recovering photos from the “Recently Deleted” album are very high, as the files are still intact and easily accessible.
Simple Process: Recovery involves simply selecting the photos and tapping the “Recover” button.
Limited Time: It’s crucial to act within the 30-day window, as the photos will be permanently deleted afterward.

8.2. iCloud Backup (Varies)

If the photos are no longer in the “Recently Deleted” album, restoring from an iCloud Backup is the next option. The success of this method depends on several factors:

Backup Frequency: If you back up your iPhone regularly, there’s a higher chance that a recent backup contains the deleted photos.
Backup Date: The backup must have been created before the photos were deleted.
Data Overwrite: Restoring from a backup will overwrite the current data on your iPhone, so any data added after the backup date will be lost.

8.3. iTunes/Finder Backup (Varies)

Restoring from an iTunes/Finder backup is similar to restoring from an iCloud Backup. The success of this method depends on:

Backup Frequency: Regular backups to your computer increase the likelihood of a recent backup containing the deleted photos.
Backup Date: The backup must predate the deletion of the photos.
Data Overwrite: Restoring from an iTunes/Finder backup will overwrite the current data on your iPhone with the data from the backup.

8.4. Third-Party Data Recovery Software (Varies)

The success of third-party data recovery software depends on several factors:

Time Since Deletion: The sooner you use data recovery software after deleting the photos, the higher the chances of success.
iPhone Usage: Continued use of your iPhone after deleting the photos can overwrite the data, making it unrecoverable.
Software Quality: The quality and effectiveness of the data recovery software play a significant role in the success rate.

8.5. General Timeline and Success Rates

Time Since Deletion	Recovery Method	Success Rate	Notes
0-30 Days	“Recently Deleted” Album	High	Simple and straightforward recovery process
1-60 Days	iCloud/iTunes/Finder Backup	Medium	Depends on backup frequency and date; data overwrite is a concern
1-90 Days	Third-Party Data Recovery	Low	Success depends on iPhone usage and software quality; lower chances as time passes and data gets overwritten
90+ Days	Third-Party Data Recovery	Very Low	Very low chances of recovery due to data overwrite and degradation; may require professional data recovery services

8.6. Recommendations

Act Quickly: The sooner you realize you’ve deleted photos, the faster you should act to recover them.
Check “Recently Deleted”: Always check the “Recently Deleted” album first.
Restore from Backup: If the photos are not in the “Recently Deleted” album, restore from a recent backup.
Use Data Recovery Software: If backup restoration fails, consider using third-party data recovery software.
Minimize iPhone Usage: Avoid using your iPhone extensively after deleting the photos to prevent data overwrite.

Understanding how time affects the ability to recover deleted photos on iCloud is crucial for taking the appropriate steps and maximizing your chances of success.

9. Are There Specific Types of Photos That Are Harder to See After Deletion on iCloud?

While the general methods for recovering deleted photos on iCloud apply to all types of images, some specific types of photos can be more challenging to recover due to various factors.

9.1. Large Video Files

Large video files, including high-resolution videos (4K or higher) and long-duration videos, can be more difficult to recover due to their size:

Storage Space: Large files occupy more storage space, increasing the likelihood of being overwritten by new data.
Fragmentation: Video files may be fragmented across multiple storage locations, making them harder to reassemble.
Processing Power: Data recovery software may require significant processing power to scan and recover large video files.

9.2. Photos Deleted Long Ago

Photos that were deleted a long time ago are generally harder to recover:

Data Overwrite: Over time, the storage locations occupied by deleted photos are more likely to be overwritten by new data, making recovery impossible.
File Degradation: Data on storage devices can degrade over time, especially if the device is not actively used.

9.3. Photos Stored on Damaged Devices

If the photos were stored on an iPhone with physical damage (e.g., water damage, screen damage, hardware failure), recovery can be more challenging:

Data Corruption: Physical damage can corrupt the storage media, making it difficult to access the data.
Hardware Limitations: Damaged hardware may limit the ability of data recovery software to scan and retrieve the data.
Professional Services: In severe cases, professional data recovery services may be required, which can be costly and time-consuming.

9.4. Photos That Were Never Backed Up

Photos that were never backed up to iCloud or a computer are the most challenging to recover:

No Backup Copy: Without a backup copy, the only chance of recovery is through data recovery software scanning the device’s internal storage.
Limited Success: The success rate for recovering photos that were never backed up is generally low, especially if the photos were deleted a long time ago or if the device has been used extensively since deletion.

9.5. Photos Stored in Encrypted Formats

Photos stored in encrypted formats (e.g., RAW images) may be more difficult to recover:

Encryption Complexity: Encryption adds an extra layer of complexity to the recovery process, requiring specialized tools and techniques.
Key Requirement: The encryption key is required to decrypt the recovered photos, and if the key is lost, the photos may be unrecoverable.

9.6. Photos Deleted Due to Software Issues

Photos deleted due to software issues (e.g., iOS update failures, app crashes) can be challenging to recover:

Data Corruption: Software issues can corrupt the file system, making it difficult to locate and recover the deleted photos.
System Instability: The device may be unstable, making it difficult to run data recovery software.

9.7. Recommendations

Prioritize Backup: Prioritize backing up important photos and videos to multiple locations (iCloud, computer, external hard drive) to ensure data redundancy.
Act Quickly: If you accidentally delete photos, act quickly to recover them before the data is overwritten.
Use Reputable Software: Use reputable data recovery software from trusted developers.
Consider Professional Services: For challenging cases, consider using professional data recovery services.

10. FAQ: Seeing Deleted Photos on iCloud

10.1. Can I see deleted photos on iCloud without restoring my entire device?

Yes, you can check the “Recently Deleted” album in the Photos app, which holds deleted photos for 30 days, without restoring your entire device.

10.2. How long do photos stay in the “Recently Deleted” album on iCloud?

Photos remain in the “Recently Deleted” album for 30 days before being permanently deleted.

10.3. What happens if I permanently delete photos from the “Recently Deleted” album?

Once you permanently delete photos from the “Recently Deleted” album, they are removed from iCloud and cannot be recovered from there.

10.4. Can I recover photos from iCloud if I never enabled iCloud Backup?

If you never enabled iCloud Backup, you can only recover photos from the “Recently Deleted” album. Otherwise, you’ll need to rely on iTunes/Finder backups or third-party recovery software.

10.5. Will restoring from an iCloud backup delete the photos I took after the backup date?

Yes, restoring from an iCloud backup will overwrite the current data on your iPhone with the data from the backup, so any photos taken after the backup date will be lost.