Recovering deleted photos on your iPhone can be stressful, but it’s often possible. This guide outlines the steps to view and recover deleted photos, explaining where they go and how long they remain accessible.
Where Do Deleted iPhone Photos Go?
When you delete a photo on your iPhone, it isn’t immediately erased from the device. Instead, it’s moved to the Recently Deleted album. Think of this as a safety net, giving you a chance to change your mind.
How to View Deleted Photos on iPhone
To see your deleted photos, follow these simple steps:
- Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down to the Utilities section.
- Tap on the Recently Deleted album.
How Long Do Deleted Photos Stay on iPhone?
Deleted photos remain in the Recently Deleted album for 30 days. A countdown beneath each photo indicates how many days are left before it’s permanently deleted. After 30 days, or if you manually delete them from the Recently Deleted album, the photos are permanently erased.
Recovering Deleted Photos from the Recently Deleted Album
If you find the photo you’re looking for in the Recently Deleted album, recovery is straightforward:
- Open the Recently Deleted album.
- Select the photo(s) you want to recover.
- Tap Recover in the bottom right corner. The photos will be restored to their original albums.
What If the Photos Are Not in Recently Deleted?
If your photos are not in the Recently Deleted album, they might be permanently gone. However, you have a few remaining options:
- iCloud Backup: If you have iCloud Photos enabled, your photos might be backed up to iCloud. You could try restoring your iPhone from an iCloud backup to a point before the photos were deleted. Note that this will replace all data on your phone with the backup data.
- Computer Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to your computer using iTunes or Finder, you might be able to restore your photos from a backup.
- Third-Party Data Recovery Software: Some third-party data recovery software claims to recover permanently deleted photos. However, success is not guaranteed, and it’s essential to choose reputable software from trusted sources. Proceed with caution and research thoroughly before using such software.
Preventing Future Photo Loss
The best way to avoid losing precious photos is to proactively back up your iPhone regularly. Enable iCloud Photos or regularly back up your device to your computer.
Conclusion
Viewing and recovering deleted photos on an iPhone is often possible thanks to the Recently Deleted album. Remember the 30-day grace period and consider regular backups to safeguard your photos and memories. If your photos are not in the Recently Deleted folder and you don’t have a backup, recovery options are limited and might not be successful.
