Have you ever accidentally deleted a precious photo from your Instagram account and felt that pang of regret? Many users have faced this exact problem, wondering how to recover deleted photos on Instagram. At dfphoto.net, we provide you with a comprehensive guide with essential tips to help you recover those lost memories.
In this article, we’ll explore various methods and techniques that will enable you to recover your deleted Instagram photos, ensuring your precious moments are not truly lost. So, keep reading to discover the best practices for restoring your Instagram feed to its former glory, including file recovery software and data recovery.
1. Is It Possible to Recover Deleted Instagram Photos?
Yes, it is possible to recover deleted Instagram photos.
Instagram is used not only for personal use but also for marketing and advertising various services and products. But what if you accidentally delete Instagram Photos or, for some reason, the photos on your accounts get lost? You might try to recover photos via the app itself, but there is no recycle bin in the app.
Luckily, several Instagram recovery tools and photo recovery software will help you get your pictures back. With a straightforward recovery process, this software is a viable option to recover deleted files and restore your photos quickly. Here’s how you can retrieve deleted Instagram photos.
2. How Can I Recover Deleted Instagram Photos Using Dr.Fone?
One of the most effective methods to recover deleted photos from Instagram is by using Wondershare Dr.Fone.
Step 1. Download and Install
First, you need to download and install Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. Then, launch it.
Dr.Fone Launch
Step 2. Connect the Mobile Device
From the Toolbox section, choose Data Recovery to proceed. Then, follow the instruction to select the appropriate phone system and connect your mobile device to your computer accordingly.
Select Phone System
Step 3. Start Data Recovery
Select the specific file types you wish to recover and click the Start Scan button to initiate the device scanning process.
Start Phone Scanning
Step 4. Preview and Recover
Once the scanning process completes, select the files and click Restore to Device or Recover to Computer to save them.
Preview and Recover Data
3. How Do I Recover Deleted Instagram Pictures on an Android Phone?
Here are a few methods you can try on your Android phone.
3.1. Restore From the Recently Deleted Folder
Yes, you can retrieve deleted Instagram posts by checking your “Recently Deleted” folder. It is where Instagram keeps your deleted photos and videos for a short period. You can either restore them or permanently delete them from here. Now, let’s take a closer look at how to do this step by step and recover your photos.
Step 1: Tap your IG profile. Then tap on the three-line icon in the top right corner and pick Your Activity.
Click "Your Activity"
Step 2: Choose Recently Deleted. If you haven’t recently deleted any pictures or videos, you might not see this option.
Click Recently Deleted
Step 3: Access the photos or videos you want to recover and tap on More at the top right. From there, click Restore or Restore to Profile to bring back the content or Delete to remove it forever.
Restore Option
Restore Post Option
3.2. Check Your Android File Manager
Instead of searching online for how to recover deleted Instagram photos, check your Android phone’s gallery. When you upload a photo to Instagram from an Android, it makes a copy in your gallery’s Instagram folder. Your Photos app has different albums, and the Instagram folder keeps a backup of your photos.
If you lost Instagram photos on an Android device, you might recover them using the File Manager:
- Open My Files and go to Pictures.
- Look for the Instagram folder and choose it. If you find the lost photos, select and restore them.
Check your phone
3.3. Use Instagram Archive
Instagram’s Archive feature lets you hide certain photos, videos, or reels so only you can see them. Your phone’s storage might hide your Instagram post, but you can get it back from the Archive on Instagram:
Step 1: Open Instagram and tap your Profile Picture.
Tap Profile Picture
Step 2: Tap the menu icon, then choose Archive.
Choose Archive
Step 3: Find the photos, videos, stories, or reels you hid in the Archive. Press the three dots to choose Show on Profile to return them to your feed.
Show On Profile Option
4. How Do I Recover Deleted IG Pictures on an iPhone?
If you want to recover Instagram photos you deleted on your iPhone, it’s important to know how to do it. This guide will show you different methods to recover those deleted IG pictures, whether you accidentally removed a special memory or need to get an important post back.
Recovering deleted Instagram pictures on an iPhone can be challenging, but here are several methods you can try:
4.1. Use Instagram’s “Recently Deleted” Feature
One of the most straightforward methods is using Instagram’s built-in “Recently Deleted” feature. This helpful tool lets you directly retrieve deleted photos and videos within the Instagram app. Let’s explore how to maximize this feature and recover your IG pictures.
- Access the Instagram app on your iPhone. Next, tap on your IG profile icon in the bottom right corner.
- Access the menu by tapping the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
- Select Settings and tap Account.
- Tap Recently Deleted.
- You’ll find photos and videos you deleted within the last 30 days. Select the photos you want to recover, then tap Restore to put them back in your profile.
Restore recently deleted photos on iPhone
4.2. Check the “Recently Deleted” Folder in the Photos App
If you’ve deleted photos linked to Instagram from your iPhone’s Photos app, you can get them back by visiting the “Recently Deleted” folder in Photos. This folder keeps deleted items for 40 days. So, if the pictures you want to get back were deleted less than 40 days ago and you haven’t cleared the folder, you can retrieve them from Photos. This method also works if you’ve permanently deleted photos on your iPhone.
Here’s how to recover deleted Instagram photos:
- Access the Photos application on your iPhone.
- Tap Albums and select Recently Deleted.
Click Recently Deleted Folder
- Tap Select and pick the items you want to recover.
- Finally, tap Recover and Recover Photos to return them.
Recover Phone Photos
4.3. Check iCloud Backup
If you’ve turned on iCloud backup for your photos and your deleted Instagram pictures are in the iCloud backup, you can bring them back to your computer.
To recover deleted Instagram photos from iCloud backup:
- Go to iCloud.com and log in with your Apple ID, which you used for the backup.
- Click on Photos and locate the deleted Instagram pictures. Download the photos you want to your computer.
Restore photos via iCloud backup
4.4. Use iTunes Backup
Similarly, if you’ve backed up your iPhone with iTunes, you can easily restore your deleted Instagram photos from the iTunes backup file.
Here’s how:
- Make sure you have the latest iTunes version on your computer. Then, connect your iPhone to the computer.
- Go to the Summary tab once your iPhone appears in the iTunes window. Then, choose Restore Backup. Select the iTunes backup that has the deleted Instagram photos.
- Click the Restore button to transfer the photos to your iPhone.
Restore photos via iTunes backup
5. How Do I Recover Deleted IG Pictures Using A Computer?
If the above methods don’t work, you might consider trying another approach. The top choice for returning your lost or deleted Instagram photos is to use a special tool called Wondershare Recoverit.
5.1. Recoverit Data Recovery
This is one of the best photo recovery software.
- It can recover corrupted/deleted files from the computer, USB hard drive, memory card effectively, safely, and completely.
- It supports restoring corrupted files and loss due to virus attack, program crashes, or computer loses power.
- Recover any data and file types with a high success rate and without any quality loss.
- Supported OS: Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista and Mac OS X 10.10 or later.
Follow the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose Location
When you want to get back lost iPhone photos, the first thing to do is choose where you think you lost it.
Once you open the program, you’ll see the main screen with Hard Drives and Locations on the left side. You can click on your iPhone in the Hard Disk Drives section here.
After that, click Start to start searching in the place you picked.
Select iPhone to Start Recovery
Step 2: Search the Deleted iPhone Photos
Recoverit will begin searching right away. In the old versions, it used to take a few minutes or sometimes even hours if you had many big files. But now, Recoverit has sped up the process a lot, saving you time.
Search Deleted iPhone Photos
While it’s scanning, you can keep an eye on the progress on the screen and check the results anytime you want.
Step 3: Preview and Recover iPhone Photos
Recoverit lets you check what you can get back before actually getting it. If you’re a pro user, you can preview files as much as you want. But even using the free version, you still get a 10-second sneak peek.
Preview iPhone Photos
Once you’ve chosen the iPhone photos you want, click Recover to get them back.
Recover iPhone Photos
Note: Do not save the recovered photos to the device from which it got lost before.
6. How Can I Prevent Photo Loss on Instagram?
Preventing photo loss on Instagram is crucial for preserving your memories and content. Here are proactive steps and tips to minimize the risk of losing your valuable photos:
- Regular Backups: Regularly back up your Instagram photos to a secure location such as a computer, external hard drive, or cloud storage service. This ensures you have copies of your photos even if they’re deleted from Instagram.
- Use Cloud Storage: Cloud storage services like Google Photos, Dropbox, or iCloud automatically sync your photos across devices. Enable automatic backup to ensure your Instagram photos are continuously backed up to the cloud.
- Download Original Photos: Whenever you post a photo on Instagram, consider downloading the original file to your device. This gives you a high-resolution copy that’s independent of the Instagram platform.
- Instagram Archive Feature: Instead of deleting photos you want to remove from your profile temporarily, use Instagram’s Archive feature. Archived photos are hidden from your followers but remain accessible to you, allowing you to restore them if needed.
- Double-Check Before Deleting: Before deleting any photo on Instagram, take a moment to double-check that you indeed want to remove it. Accidental deletions can be avoided by being cautious and confirming your actions.
- Use Third-Party Backup Apps: Explore third-party apps specifically designed for backing up Instagram content. These apps automate the backup process and provide additional features like scheduled backups and selective restoration.
7. What Are Some Common Causes of Photo Loss on Instagram?
Understanding the common causes of photo loss on Instagram can help you take preventive measures to protect your precious memories. Here are some typical reasons why photos may disappear from your Instagram account:
| Cause | Description | Prevention Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Accidental Deletion | Users may unintentionally delete photos while managing their Instagram accounts. | Double-check before deleting, use the archive feature for temporary removal. |
| Account Hacking | Unauthorized access to your Instagram account can lead to photo deletion by malicious actors. | Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly review account activity. |
| Software Bugs | Bugs or glitches within the Instagram app or platform can sometimes result in photo loss. | Keep the app updated, report issues to Instagram support, and back up your photos regularly. |
| Policy Violations | Instagram may remove photos that violate its community guidelines, such as those containing inappropriate content or spam. | Review and adhere to Instagram’s community guidelines, and avoid posting content that may be considered offensive or prohibited. |
| Device Issues | Hardware malfunctions or software problems on your device can result in the loss of photos stored locally and synced with Instagram. | Regularly back up your device, ensure your device is functioning correctly, and use reliable cloud storage for photo backups. |
| App Updates | Occasionally, Instagram app updates may cause compatibility issues or unexpected changes that could lead to photo loss. | Stay informed about app updates, read release notes, and back up your photos before updating. |
| Syncing Problems | Syncing errors between your device and Instagram servers can sometimes result in photos not being properly uploaded or saved, leading to perceived photo loss. | Ensure a stable internet connection when uploading photos, check sync settings, and clear app cache if issues persist. |
| Third-Party App Issues | Using unauthorized third-party apps or services that interact with Instagram can pose security risks and potentially result in photo loss. | Avoid using unverified third-party apps, grant permissions cautiously, and monitor app activity for suspicious behavior. |
8. FAQ: How To Recover Deleted Instagram Posts From Years Ago?
Recovering deleted Instagram posts from years ago can be challenging, but here are some methods to consider:
8.1. Instagram Archive
Instagram provides an Archive feature where you can hide posts instead of deleting them. Using this feature, you can retrieve deleted Instagram posts by checking your Archive. It’s like a private storage space for hidden posts, making it easier to bring back old content without too much trouble.
8.2. Cloud Backups
If you’ve been diligent about backing up your device to iCloud (for iOS users) or Google Photos (for Android users), you may discover your old Instagram photos in these backups. These cloud services often save copies of your photos, including those you’ve posted on Instagram. While it’s not guaranteed, it’s worth checking these backups for potentially lost content.
8.3. Contact Instagram Support
When all else fails, reaching out to Instagram’s official support channels is a good option. You can contact them through the app or their website, explaining your situation and the need to recover deleted posts from years ago. While not guaranteed, Instagram support may assist you if there’s a legitimate reason for retrieving old content, such as technical issues or accidental deletions. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible when contacting them.
9. FAQ: How to Delete Instagram Pictures?
Here are the steps that you can follow to delete the pictures:
- Open the Instagram app. Click on the profile icon at the bottom right part of the screen, as it will bring up the photos in your feed.
- Go on the photo that you’d like to delete.
- Now, tap on the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Confirm to delete and remove the photo from Instagram.
10. More Questions About Instagram Photo Recovery
Here are some frequently asked questions about Instagram photo recovery:
10.1. Where Does Instagram Store Photos?
Instagram primarily stores photos on its servers. When you upload a photo to Instagram, it is stored in their cloud infrastructure, ensuring accessibility across different devices and platforms. According to research from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department, in July 2025, most social media platforms rely on redundant storage systems to prevent data loss.
10.2. Can Deleted Instagram Accounts Be Recovered?
Yes, deleted Instagram accounts can be recovered within a specific timeframe. Instagram provides a window of 30 days during which you can reactivate your account. After this period, the account and all associated data, including photos, are permanently deleted.
10.3. How Long Does Instagram Keep Deleted Photos?
Instagram keeps deleted photos in the “Recently Deleted” folder for 30 days. This feature allows users to recover photos they accidentally deleted within that timeframe. After 30 days, the photos are permanently removed from Instagram’s servers.
10.4. Is There an Instagram Recycle Bin?
No, Instagram does not have a traditional recycle bin like those found on computers. Instead, it offers the “Recently Deleted” folder, which serves as a temporary holding place for deleted photos and videos. This folder allows users to recover content within 30 days of deletion.
10.5. Can I Recover Deleted Photos Without Backup?
Yes, you can attempt to recover deleted photos without a backup using data recovery software. Tools like Wondershare Recoverit can scan your device’s storage and potentially recover deleted files. However, the success rate may vary depending on the extent of data overwriting.
10.6. What Is the Best Photo Recovery Software for Instagram?
Wondershare Recoverit is widely regarded as one of the best photo recovery software options for Instagram. Its user-friendly interface, deep scanning capabilities, and high success rate make it a popular choice among users looking to recover deleted photos.
10.7. How Can I Back Up My Instagram Photos Automatically?
You can automatically back up your Instagram photos by using cloud storage services like Google Photos, Dropbox, or iCloud. These services offer automatic syncing features that ensure your photos are continuously backed up to the cloud.
10.8. Are Third-Party Instagram Recovery Tools Safe to Use?
Using third-party Instagram recovery tools can pose security risks. It’s crucial to exercise caution and only use reputable software from trusted sources. Be wary of tools that ask for your Instagram login credentials, as they may be phishing scams.
10.9. How to Recover Deleted Photos from a Hacked Instagram Account?
If your Instagram account was hacked and photos were deleted, the first step is to secure your account by changing your password and enabling two-factor authentication. Then, contact Instagram support and provide them with details about the hacking incident. They may be able to assist you in recovering deleted photos.
10.10. What Should I Do if I Can’t Recover My Deleted Instagram Photos?
If you’ve exhausted all recovery methods and still can’t recover your deleted Instagram photos, consider consulting with professional data recovery services. These experts have advanced tools and techniques to recover data from damaged or corrupted storage devices.
Conclusion
So, whether you have deleted the photos accidentally or they got deleted due to some circumstances, the above solutions are sure to come to your help. However, if you want to save your time and have a high recovery rate, look no further than Recoverit Photo Recovery Software. It is fast, easy to use, and will recover lost photos from Instagram and disk file systems, including exFAT, FAT, HFS, NTFS, etc.
Also, the next time you take a photo using the Instagram camera, make sure that you tap on the “Save Original” photo button. This way, you know that you have a copy of the picture on your device.
At dfphoto.net, we understand the importance of preserving your visual memories. From our detailed guides to our supportive community, we’re here to help you navigate the world of photography and social media.
Are you ready to take control of your digital memories? Explore dfphoto.net today for more in-depth tutorials, tips, and tricks to help you master the art of photo recovery and preservation. Join our community of photography enthusiasts in the USA and share your experiences. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your photography skills, discover new gear, or simply connect with fellow creatives, dfphoto.net is your go-to resource. Visit our website or contact us at Address: 1600 St Michael’s Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States or Phone: +1 (505) 471-6001 and start your creative journey today.
