Losing important photos can be frustrating. It happens when we delete files accidentally or reset a device. The good news is, in many cases, those pictures can be recovered. This blog explains how to recover permanently deleted photos from phones, PCs, and even cloud accounts. Follow this full guide to get your precious memories back.
How to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos on Android Device
Many Android phones store deleted photos in the Google Photos Trash for 30 days. You can check there first. Open Google Photos, go to Trash, and restore the images you need. If they are gone from Trash, you still have options.
Android photo recovery apps like DiskDigger or Dr.Fone can scan the device’s internal storage. These apps look for traces of deleted files and bring them back. You might need root access for deeper scans. Always try recovery as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the lower the success rate.
How to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos on iPhone
Apple keeps deleted pictures in the “Recently Deleted” album for 30 days. You can restore them easily from there. But if that time has passed, you need to use a backup.
If you have iCloud backup turned on, restore your iPhone from an earlier backup that includes the deleted photos. This will bring your phone back to a previous state. You can also use iTunes backup if you saved your phone data on a computer. Connect your iPhone and choose the correct backup file.
Recover Deleted Photos from Google Photos or iCloud
Deleted photos may still be in cloud storage. Google Photos keeps deleted pictures in the Trash for 30 days. After that, they are removed. If the photos are still there, open the app, go to Trash, select the pictures, and tap Restore.
In iCloud, deleted photos are stored in the “Recently Deleted” folder. You can find it in the Photos app on any Apple device. Make sure you’ve turned on photo backup settings to avoid future losses.
Best Free and Paid Photo Recovery Software in 2025
You can use powerful software to scan and recover deleted images from phones and computers. Some free options include Recuva, PhotoRec, and Puran File Recovery. They allow deep scans and recover many photo formats.
Paid software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard or Disk Drill gives more features like file previews and faster scans. Prices vary, but paid tools usually offer better results. Choose one that fits your budget and operating system.
Recover Deleted Photos from Windows PC or Laptop
First, check your Recycle Bin. If the photos are there, right-click and restore them. If not, try Windows File History. This tool saves past versions of files. You can open the folder, right-click, and select “Restore previous versions.”
If these options fail, recovery software comes in handy. Download Recuva or another trusted tool. Start a deep scan on your hard drive. Then, filter the results by file type and restore your photos.
Recover Deleted Photos from macOS Devices
Deleted files on Mac go to the Trash. Open it, find your photos, right-click, and choose “Put Back.” If you use Time Machine, you can also recover older versions of files. Open Time Machine, go to the date before deletion, and restore the file.
If those options fail, try Disk Drill or Data Rescue for Mac. They scan your disk for lost photos and give options to recover them. Avoid writing new files on your disk before recovery.
How to Retrieve Photos After Factory Reset
After a factory reset, your phone memory is cleared. But if your photos were backed up to the cloud, you can restore them. Sign in to your Google account or Apple ID. Check Google Photos or iCloud for your deleted files.
If you didn’t have cloud backup, your chances are lower. But you can try recovery apps or software that scan the internal storage. For best results, turn off your phone right after reset and don’t save new files.
Undelete Photos from Memory Cards and USB Drives
Memory cards and flash drives can also lose data. Use tools like PhotoRec, EaseUS, or Recuva to scan these devices. Connect them to your computer and run a full scan. These tools detect and recover deleted image files.
Avoid using the card or drive until recovery is complete. Any new file you save can overwrite deleted data, making it hard to restore.
Can You Recover Photos Deleted Long Ago?
If a photo was deleted months ago, it may be harder to recover. Devices may reuse that space for new files. But there’s still hope. Check old backups, synced cloud folders, or external drives.
Recovery software might still find traces of those files. But the longer you wait, the more likely the file is gone for good. That’s why acting fast is key.
Recover Deleted Photos Without Using Any Software
Not every situation needs a recovery tool. First, check all backups. Search Google Photos, iCloud, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Sometimes photos are hidden or archived.
On your computer, search File Explorer or Finder using keywords. Try looking for photo formats like .jpg or .png in all folders. Manual checks can often find hidden files.
How Cloud Storage Can Help Recover Permanently Deleted Photos
Cloud storage is your best defense against losing photos. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive automatically back up your images. Turn on auto-sync to protect new photos.
When files are deleted from cloud storage, they often go to Trash or Recycle Bin. Most services keep them for 30 days. That gives you time to recover them if needed.
Things to Avoid Right After You Delete a Photo
After deleting a photo, don’t use your phone or computer too much. New data may overwrite the deleted file, making it unrecoverable.
Avoid installing new apps, downloading files, or saving images. Start the recovery process right away. The less you use the device, the better your chances.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos
- Stop using the device right away.
- Check the Trash or Recently Deleted folders.
- Look for cloud backups.
- Try free or paid recovery tools.
- Scan the memory card or hard drive.
- Restore found files and back them up.
Follow these steps carefully. Every moment counts.
Common Causes of Permanent Photo Deletion
Photos can be deleted for many reasons. You might tap the wrong button. A factory reset might clear the device. Virus or system errors also cause photo loss.
Other times, people don’t back up their files. Devices crash or get damaged, and photos disappear. Learning the reasons helps you avoid future problems.
When to Use Professional Data Recovery Services
Sometimes, software is not enough. If your phone is physically damaged, or you’ve tried everything, go to a recovery expert.
They use advanced tools in clean labs to retrieve data from broken or overwritten drives. Services can be expensive, but for valuable photos, it may be worth it.
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Conclusion
Now you know how to recover permanently deleted photos on Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, and cloud storage. Losing photos isn’t the end. With the right tools and steps, many files can be saved. Just act fast, don’t overwrite your data, and use backups in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can permanently deleted photos be recovered?
Yes, using recovery tools, backups, or professional services.
2. Are deleted photos gone forever after 30 days?
Not always. Some can be recovered with advanced tools.
3. How do I recover photos after a factory reset?
Try cloud backups or recovery software if backups aren’t available.
4. What is the best free recovery tool?
Recuva and PhotoRec are among the best free options.
5. Can I recover photos without backup?
Yes, using recovery apps or software before data is overwritten.
6. Can I recover photos from SD card?
Yes. Use tools like EaseUS, Recuva, or Disk Drill.
7. Do recovery apps work on iPhone?
Some tools work with iTunes or iCloud backups to restore photos.
8. What should I avoid after deleting photos?
Avoid saving new files or using the device heavily.
9. Can I recover deleted photos from Google Photos?
Yes, if it’s within 30 days and still in the Trash.
10. Are professional recovery services worth it?
Yes, especially for important files and damaged devices.
