How to Recover Deleted Photos: Multiple Methods Explained

Accidentally deleting your favorite photos is frustrating. It happens to almost everyone, whether it’s a family memory or a work image. You might have pressed the wrong button, formatted your device, or faced a software glitch.

The good news is there are ways to recover those photos. Acting quickly helps because new data can overwrite deleted files. In this guide, you’ll find ways to recover deleted photos from phones, computers, SD cards, and cloud storage.

Whether you’re tech-savvy or a beginner, these solutions are simple to follow. They cover built-in device options and professional data recovery services. Let’s dive in and help you get back those lost memories!

Basic Precautions Before Recovery

Take precautions before recovering deleted photos to improve your chances of restoring them. Here’s what to do:

1. Stop Using the Device Immediately

As soon as you notice your photos are deleted, stop using the device. Using it can overwrite the deleted files. This makes recovery harder or even impossible. Don’t take new photos, save files, or install new apps until recovery is done.

2. Do Not Save New Data

Saving new data on the same device can overwrite deleted photos. If you need recovery software, use another device or an external drive.

3. Identify the Storage Type

Knowing where your photos are stored helps you choose the right recovery method. Photos may be saved on:

• Internal phone memory (Android or iPhone)
• Computer hard drive (Windows or Mac)
• SD cards (commonly used in cameras and phones)
• Cloud services (Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox, etc.)

4. Prepare Necessary Tools

Depending on the recovery method you choose, you may need:

• A computer for recovery software
• USB cables to connect your device
• An external drive to store recovered files safely

5. Stay Calm and Patient

Rushing can cause mistakes that hurt recovery success. Follow the instructions closely and be patient. Recovery tools need time to scan your device properly.

Methods to Recover Deleted Photos

Losing photos can be stressful. However, you can often retrieve them using effective methods. The best way to recover them depends on where they were stored and how they were deleted. Here are some reliable ways to get back your deleted photos:

Recover Photos from Recycle Bin or Trash

You can recover deleted photos by checking the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). When deleted, they are moved there, giving you a chance to restore them.

✅ How to Recover Photos on Windows (Recycle Bin)

1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Browse through the deleted files or use the search bar to find your photos.
3. Right-click on the photo(s) you want to recover.
4. Select Restore. ➡️ The photos will be returned to their original location.

✅ How to Recover Photos on Mac (Trash)

1. Click the Trash icon in the Dock.
2. Scroll through or use the search bar to locate your deleted photos.
3. Right-click (or Control-click) on the photo(s) you want to restore.
4. Select Put Back. ➡️ The photos will be restored to their original folder.

⚠️ Limitations of This Method:

• If you’ve emptied the Recycle Bin or Trash, this option won’t work.
• Deleted files stay in the Recycle Bin or Trash only for a limited time (or until manually emptied).
• If you used Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Option + Delete (Mac), the files bypass the bin and require other recovery methods.

Recover Photos Using Built-in Features on Devices

Modern devices have built-in recovery options. Most operating systems have a “Recently Deleted” folder or cloud integration that stores deleted images. Use these features to recover your photos.

📱 Recover Photos on Android Devices

Method 1: Using the Google Photos App

If you use Google Photos and had backup enabled, your deleted photos are stored in the Trash folder for 60 days.

✅ Steps:

1. Open the Google Photos
2. Tap Library at the bottom, then select Trash.
3. Browse for the deleted photos.
4. Select the images you want to recover and tap Restore. ➡️ The photos will be restored to your Google Photos library and the device’s gallery.

Method 2: Samsung Cloud (for Samsung users)

Samsung devices offer a similar recovery option via Samsung Cloud.

✅ Steps:

1. Open the Gallery
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) and select Trash.
3. Choose the photos you want to recover.
4. Tap Restore to bring them back to your gallery.

📱 Recover Photos on iOS Devices (iPhone & iPad)

Method 1: Using the ‘Recently Deleted’ Folder

Apple devices automatically move deleted photos to the Recently Deleted album, where they stay for 30 days before permanent deletion.

✅ Steps:

1. Open the Photos
2. Tap Albums and scroll down to Recently Deleted.
3. Select the photo(s) you wish to recover.
4. Tap Recover and confirm. ➡️ The photos will return to your main gallery.

Method 2: Recover from iCloud Backup

If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you can restore deleted photos from a previous backup.

✅ Steps:

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
2. Follow the prompts to restore from an iCloud Backup during setup.
3. Choose a backup that was created before the photos were deleted.

Restore from Cloud Backup Services

Cloud backup services save deleted photos. If enabled, platforms like Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox, and OneDrive back up images.

☁️ Restore Photos from Google Photos Backup (Android & iOS)

If you use Google Photos with backup enabled, your deleted images stay in the Trash folder for 60 days.

✅ Steps to Recover:

1. Open the Google Photos app or visit Google Photos website.
2. Tap or click on Library > Trash.
3. Select the photos you want to restore.
4. Tap Restore. ➡️ Your photos will reappear in your Google Photos library and device gallery.

💡 Tip: Check if Backup & Sync is turned on to prevent future losses.

🍎 Recover Photos from iCloud (Apple Devices)

If you’ve been backing up your iPhone or iPad to iCloud, you can retrieve deleted photos directly from your account.

✅ Steps to Recover via iCloud:

1. Visit com and sign in with your Apple ID.
2. Click on Photos.
3. Go to the Recently Deleted
4. Select the photos you want to recover and click Recover.

💡 Tip: Photos stay in iCloud’s Recently Deleted for 30 days after deletion.

📦 Restore Photos from Dropbox

Dropbox users who have enabled camera uploads or manually uploaded images can recover deleted photos within 30 days (or longer for Dropbox Plus/Professional users).

✅ Steps to Recover:

1. Log in to your Dropbox account on the app or website.
2. Click Files > Deleted files.
3. Locate the deleted images and select them.
4. Click Restore.

💡 Tip: Upgraded accounts may allow recovery beyond the standard 30-day window.

☁️ Recover Photos from OneDrive

OneDrive users can retrieve deleted images from the Recycle Bin within 30 days.

✅ Steps to Recover:

1. Open the OneDrive app or visit OneDrive website.
2. Go to Recycle Bin.
3. Select the photos you want to recover.
4. Click Restore to return them to their original location.

📝 Other Popular Cloud Services:

• Amazon Photos: Check the Trash folder (photos are kept for 30 days).
• Google Drive: Recover from the Trash within 30 days.
• Mega & pCloud: Access deleted files through their respective Trash or Recovery folders.

Use of Data Recovery Software

Deleted files? Data recovery software can help. It scans your device for lost files and retrieves them.

💻 When to Use Data Recovery Software:

✅ You’ve permanently deleted photos (Shift + Delete on Windows or emptied Trash on Mac).

✅ Your SD card or USB drive is corrupted.

✅ Your device doesn’t have a built-in recovery option.

✅ Cloud backups or recently deleted folders didn’t work.

🏆 Top Data Recovery Software Options:

1. Recuva (Windows) – Free and user-friendly tool with deep scan options.
2. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Windows & Mac) – High success rate with a simple interface.
3. Disk Drill (Windows & Mac) – Offers free recovery up to a certain limit and supports multiple file types.
4. PhotoRec (Windows, Mac, Linux) – Free, open-source software focused on recovering various file formats.
5. Stellar Photo Recovery (Windows & Mac) – Specializes in recovering deleted photos, videos, and audio files.

🛠️ How to Use Data Recovery Software (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Download and install the recovery software on a different device or drive (not the one you’re recovering from to avoid overwriting data).
2. Launch the software and select the storage device where the photos were deleted.
3. Run a scan:
   • Use a Quick Scan first for faster results.
   • If that doesn’t work, run a Deep Scan (this may take longer but is more thorough).
4. Preview and select the photos you want to recover. Most software allows you to preview files before recovery.
5. Choose a recovery location:
   • Important: Save the recovered photos to a different drive to prevent data overwriting.
6. Complete the recovery and double-check the recovered files.

🚫 Limitations of Data Recovery Software:

• Not all files may be recoverable, especially if overwritten.
• Deep scans can take a long time, depending on storage size.
• Free versions may have limited recovery options.

Recovering from SD Cards and USB Drives

SD cards and USB drives store photos, but accidental deletion or corruption can cause them to disappear. Fortunately, recovering deleted photos is often possible.

🛠️ Common Reasons for Photo Loss from SD Cards and USB Drives:

✅ Accidental deletion of files

✅ Unintentional formatting of the device

✅ File system corruption or errors

✅ Virus or malware attacks

✅ Improper removal or ejection of the device

🚀 Methods to Recover Photos from SD Cards and USB Drives

Method 1: Use Data Recovery Software

Most data recovery programs work seamlessly with SD cards and USB drives. Here’s how:

✅ Steps:

1. Connect your SD card or USB drive to your computer using a card reader or USB port.
2. Download and install reliable data recovery software (e.g., Recuva, EaseUS, Disk Drill, or Stellar Photo Recovery).
3. Launch the software and select the connected SD card or USB drive from the list of available drives.
4. Run a Quick Scan:
   • If no files appear, perform a Deep Scan for more thorough results.
5. Preview and select the photos you want to recover.
6. Save the recovered photos to a different storage device to avoid overwriting.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt (Windows Users)

Windows users can attempt photo recovery using the Command Prompt (CMD) with the CHKDSK command.

✅ Steps:

1. Plug in your SD card or USB drive.
2. Open Command Prompt (search for “cmd” and run as administrator).
3. Type the command:
   bash
   CopyEdit
   chkdsk X: /f
   (Replace X with the drive letter of your SD card or USB drive.)
4. Press Enter to run the scan.
5. Follow on-screen prompts to recover lost data.

Method 3: Check Hidden Files (For Minor Issues)

Sometimes, files might just be hidden rather than deleted.

✅ Steps (Windows):

1. Connect the SD card or USB drive.
2. Open File Explorer, go to the drive, and click on the View
3. Check the Hidden items box to reveal hidden files.

✅ Steps (Mac):

1. Open Finder and navigate to the drive.
2. Press Command + Shift + Period (.) to show hidden files.

Tips to Prevent Future Photo Loss

Save your photos by taking a few simple steps to keep them safe and accessible.

📂 1. Regularly Back Up Your Photos

Backing up your photos is the most effective way to prevent data loss.

✅ Ways to back up:

• Cloud Services: Use platforms like Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox, or OneDrive for automatic backups.
• External Hard Drives: Keep a physical backup that you update regularly.
• SD Cards & USB Drives: Maintain extra copies on portable devices.

☁️ 2. Enable Automatic Cloud Backups

Most smartphones and cameras can automatically back up photos to the cloud.

✅ Why it helps:

• Ensures real-time backup of new photos.
• Provides easy access from multiple devices.
• Reduces the risk of losing data if your device is lost or damaged.

✅ Recommended services: Google Photos, iCloud, Amazon Photos, and Dropbox.

🔒 3. Use Reliable Storage Devices

Invest in high-quality SD cards, USB drives, and hard drives from trusted brands.

✅ Tips for choosing storage:

• Check reviews before purchasing.
• Avoid counterfeit or low-quality devices.
• Look for devices with higher read/write speeds for better performance.

🛡️ 4. Handle Storage Devices Carefully

Improper handling can lead to physical damage or data corruption.

✅ Best practices:

• Safely eject devices before removing them from computers.
• Avoid exposing devices to extreme temperatures, moisture, or magnetic fields.
• Use protective cases for SD cards and USB drives.

🖥️ 5. Keep Devices Updated and Protected

Outdated software can cause glitches that lead to photo loss.

✅ Tips:

• Regularly update your phone, camera, and computer software.
• Install antivirus software to prevent malware attacks.
• Use trusted apps for photo management and editing.

📝 6. Organize and Manage Your Photos

Proper organization makes it easier to find and protect important files.

✅ How to manage photos effectively:

• Create folders by date, event, or location.
• Regularly delete duplicates and unwanted images.
• Use photo management tools to categorize and tag photos.

🕒 7. Schedule Regular Backup Reminders

Even if you have automatic backups, it’s a good idea to check them manually.

✅ Tips:

• Set monthly or weekly reminders to verify backups.
• Test your backups occasionally to ensure files are accessible.

🚫 8. Avoid Risky Deletion Habits

Sometimes, accidental deletion happens during mass cleanups.

✅ Prevent it by:

• Double-checking before deleting large photo batches.
• Using photo gallery apps with a “confirmation before delete” setting.
• Keeping a dedicated folder for important, non-deletable photos.

To Conclude

Losing important photos is upsetting. You can recover them using the Recycle Bin, device features, cloud backups, or data recovery software. Act fast for the best chance of success.

Prevention is better than cure. Recovery methods help, but regular backups are key. Handle devices carefully and use reliable storage solutions to avoid losing memories. Spend a few moments setting up automatic backups. Follow the tips in this guide to keep your photos safe.

Your memories are priceless—protect them today! 😊