How Do You Get Your Deleted Photos Back On IPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

Ilene Streich 23 Jun 2025

Recovering deleted photos on your iPhone is something many users worry about, especially when those memories seem lost forever. Whether it's a precious family moment or an important document, knowing how to retrieve deleted photos is essential in today's digital age. Fortunately, Apple offers several built-in features and third-party tools to help you recover these cherished memories.

In this article, we will explore step-by-step methods to get your deleted photos back on an iPhone, including the use of iCloud, the Recently Deleted folder, and other reliable recovery options. Whether you're a tech-savvy user or new to iOS, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to restore your lost photos effectively.

Understanding the process of photo recovery on an iPhone goes beyond just solving a problem; it empowers you to take control of your digital storage and ensures that your important memories remain safe. Let’s dive into the details and uncover how you can recover your deleted photos effortlessly.

Understanding the Recently Deleted Folder
How to Recover Photos Using iCloud
Manual Backup: A Preventive Measure
Using Third-Party Tools for Photo Recovery
Top File Recovery Software for iPhone
Tips to Avoid Data Overwrite
Step-by-Step Guide to Photo Recovery
Preventive Measures to Protect Your Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion and Call to Action

Understanding the Recently Deleted Folder

The Recently Deleted folder is one of the most straightforward ways to recover photos you accidentally deleted on your iPhone. When you delete a photo from your camera roll, it doesn't vanish immediately. Instead, it moves to the Recently Deleted folder, where it remains for 30 days before being permanently erased.

To access the Recently Deleted folder:

Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
Tap on the "Albums" tab located at the bottom of the screen.
Scroll down until you find the "Recently Deleted" album.
Tap on it to view all the photos and videos that have been deleted.

Restoring Photos from the Recently Deleted Folder

Restoring photos from the Recently Deleted folder is simple:

Select the photo(s) you want to recover.
Tap the "Recover" button located at the bottom-left corner.
The selected photos will be restored to your camera roll.

This method is effective for recovering photos deleted within the last 30 days. If the 30-day period has passed, you may need to explore alternative recovery methods.

How to Recover Photos Using iCloud

iCloud offers a seamless way to back up and recover your photos. If you've enabled iCloud Photo Library, your photos are automatically synced to the cloud, making recovery much easier.

Here’s how you can recover photos using iCloud:

Ensure that iCloud Photo Library is enabled on your iPhone. Go to "Settings"> "Your Name"> "iCloud"> "Photos" and turn on "iCloud Photo Library."
Open the Photos app and check if your deleted photos are available in the library.
If you’ve deleted photos from iCloud, they will still be in the Recently Deleted folder on iCloud for 30 days.

Accessing iCloud Recently Deleted Folder

To access the Recently Deleted folder on iCloud:

Log in to iCloud.com using your Apple ID.
Click on the "Photos" icon.
Select the "Recently Deleted" album.
Restore the photos you need by selecting them and clicking the "Recover" button.

Manual Backup: A Preventive Measure

Creating a manual backup is an excellent way to ensure your photos are safe from accidental deletion. You can back up your iPhone photos to your computer or an external drive.

Here’s how to create a manual backup:

Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
Open iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS).
Select your device and go to the "Photos" tab.
Check the box for "Sync Photos" and choose the folder where you want to save your photos.
Click "Apply" to start the backup process.

Using Third-Party Tools for Photo Recovery

If the Recently Deleted folder and iCloud don’t offer the solution you need, third-party tools can help recover deleted photos. These tools are designed to scan your iPhone’s storage for residual data and retrieve lost files.

Popular Third-Party Tools

Some of the most reliable third-party tools for photo recovery include:

Dr.Fone for iOS: A powerful tool that can recover photos, videos, contacts, and more.
Tenorshare UltData: Known for its high recovery rate and user-friendly interface.
iMyFone D-Back: Offers a free trial and supports various file types.

Top File Recovery Software for iPhone

File recovery software can be a lifesaver when it comes to retrieving deleted photos. Here’s a list of top-rated software:

EaseUS MobiSaver: Supports both iOS and Android devices.
Recovery Toolbox for iOS: A lightweight tool with a high success rate.
iPhone Data Recovery: Specializes in recovering photos, videos, and other data from iPhones.

Choosing the Right Software

When selecting file recovery software, consider the following factors:

Compatibility with your iPhone model.
Success rate in recovering deleted files.
User reviews and ratings.
Cost and availability of free trials.

Tips to Avoid Data Overwrite

To increase the chances of successful photo recovery, it’s crucial to avoid overwriting data on your iPhone. Here are some tips:

Stop using your iPhone immediately after realizing photos have been deleted.
Avoid downloading or installing new apps until the recovery process is complete.
Disable automatic updates and backups temporarily.

By following these tips, you reduce the risk of overwriting the deleted photos, making it easier to recover them.

Step-by-Step Guide to Photo Recovery

Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to recovering deleted photos on your iPhone:

Check the Recently Deleted Folder: Use the Photos app to access the Recently Deleted album and restore photos if they are still available.
Check iCloud: Log in to iCloud.com and look for the Recently Deleted folder in iCloud Photo Library.
Use Third-Party Tools: Download and install a reliable third-party recovery tool. Follow the instructions provided by the software to scan and recover photos.
Manually Back Up Your Photos: Use iTunes or Finder to create a manual backup of your iPhone photos.

Preventive Measures to Protect Your Photos

To prevent losing photos in the future, consider implementing these preventive measures:

Enable iCloud Photo Library to automatically back up your photos.
Regularly create manual backups of your iPhone.
Invest in an external hard drive or cloud storage service for additional protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover photos deleted more than 30 days ago?

Recovering photos deleted more than 30 days ago can be challenging, but it’s possible using third-party recovery tools or by restoring from a previous backup.

Is it safe to use third-party recovery tools?

Yes, as long as you choose reputable and trusted software. Always download from official websites and read user reviews before making a purchase.

Can I recover photos if I’ve restored my iPhone to factory settings?

Restoring your iPhone to factory settings may overwrite deleted photos, making recovery more difficult. However, some advanced recovery tools may still be able to retrieve lost files.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Recovering deleted photos on your iPhone is easier than you might think, thanks to Apple’s built-in features and the availability of reliable third-party tools. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully retrieve your lost memories and take preventive measures to protect your photos in the future.

We encourage you to share this article with others who may find it helpful. If you have any questions or would like to share your experience with photo recovery, feel free to leave a comment below. Stay tuned for more informative articles on all things tech!

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