Losing precious photos can be devastating. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover deleted photos, depending on where they were stored and how long ago they were deleted. This guide will walk you through the steps to access deleted photos on various devices and platforms.
Recovering Deleted Photos from iCloud
iCloud Photos provides a safety net for deleted photos by storing them in a “Recently Deleted” album for 30 days. To retrieve them:
- Access Photos on iCloud.com.
- Locate and click the “Recently Deleted” album in the sidebar (click the sidebar icon if it’s hidden).
- Select the photos you wish to recover and click “Recover.”
A screenshot of the iCloud Photos interface with the Recently Deleted album highlighted.
Retrieving Deleted Photos on iPhone
Similar to iCloud, iPhones also retain deleted photos in a “Recently Deleted” album for 30 days. Follow these steps to recover them:
- Open the Photos app and tap the “Albums” tab.
- Scroll down to “Utilities” and tap “Recently Deleted.”
- Use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock the album (if prompted).
- Tap “Select,” choose the photos you want to recover, and tap “Recover.” Alternatively, tap “Recover All” to restore everything.
- Confirm by tapping “Recover Photo.”
Restoring Deleted Photos on Mac
Mac computers offer the same 30-day grace period for deleted photos via the “Recently Deleted” album within the Photos app.
- Open the Photos application.
- In the sidebar, click on “Recently Deleted.” You might need to unlock it with Touch ID or your password.
- Select the photos you want to restore and click “Recover.” The album will disappear once emptied.
Alternative Recovery Methods: Time Machine
If your photos were deleted more than 30 days ago, you might still be able to recover them using Time Machine backups, provided you have it enabled. Refer to Apple’s guide on restoring a Photos library from Time Machine for detailed instructions.
Conclusion
Retrieving deleted photos is often possible thanks to features like the “Recently Deleted” album and Time Machine backups. Remember that these methods have time limitations, so acting quickly is crucial. If these options fail, consider using third-party photo recovery software, but be aware that success is not guaranteed. Regularly backing up your photos is the best way to prevent permanent loss.
