We've all been there: accidentally deleting photos that mean a lot to us.

Whether it's a fun selfie or a photo from a special trip, losing those memories can be frustrating. But don't worry, all is not lost.

There are simple methods to recover deleted photos, and in this article we show you how to do it step by step.

Follow these steps to restore them in minutes

Recovering deleted photos is not as complicated as it seems.

With the right tools, you can easily restore deleted images from your device. Follow these simple steps and you'll be able to recover your memories in minutes.

1. Check the recycle bin or deleted folder

The first step when you realize you've accidentally deleted something is to check your recycle bin or recently deleted folder.

Many devices and photo apps keep deleted images in these folders for a certain amount of time before permanently deleting them.

• AndroidIf you're using Android, open your photo gallery and look for the "Recently Deleted" option. There you'll see the photos you've deleted in the last 30 days.
• iPhoneOn iOS, recently deleted photos are stored for 30 days in the Recently Deleted folder within the Photos app.

If you find your photos there, you'll just need to select them and restore them.

2. Use an app to recover deleted photos

If you can't find your photos in the trash, don't worry.

There are applications specialized in recovering deleted photos.

Here are some of the best options:

• DiskDiggerThis app is very popular among Android users. It allows you to recover deleted photos and other files, even if the trash has already been emptied.
• Dr. Fone: It's an excellent option for both Android and iOS. Dr. Fone has a photo recovery tool that allows you to easily restore deleted images from your phone.
• EaseUS MobiSaverIn addition to photos, this app also helps you recover videos and other files. Its free version has some limitations, but it's very effective.

These apps usually require you to scan your device to detect deleted files and restore them quickly and easily.

3. Recover photos from your cloud account

If you use a cloud storage service like Google Photos, iCloud either OneDrive, there's a good chance your photos are backed up there.

These services often automatically save copies of your photos, so you can restore them with just a few clicks.

• Google PhotosIf you have sync enabled in your Google Photos account, your photos should be stored in the cloud. Just go to Google Photos and look in the "Trash" section. Recently deleted photos should be there.
• iCloudIf you're using an iPhone, iCloud may have a copy of your recently deleted photos. Sign in to iCloud.com or open the Photos app on your device to check if the photos are there.

Don't forget to check your cloud sync settings to make sure your photos are backed up in the future.

4. Recover photos from a backup

If you have made backups of your device, as in Google Drive either iTunes (in the case of iOS devices), you may be able to restore deleted photos from there.

Here's how to do it:

• AndroidIf you have a backup on Google Drive, you can restore it by setting up your phone again, or even by restoring specific data from the "Restore from backup" option.
• iPhoneIf you back up your iPhone to iTunes or iCloud, you can restore a backup that contains deleted photos. Keep in mind that this will restore all your data, not just your photos.

5. Recover photos from an SD card or external device

If your photos were stored on an SD card or other external storage device, the recovery process will be slightly different. Here's how to do it:

• Connect the device to a computer: If the photos were on an SD card or external hard drive, connect the device to a computer.
• Use a data recovery tool: You can use specialized software such as Recuva either PhotoRec to scan the SD card and recover deleted photos. These tools are quite effective and allow you to recover photos even from damaged media.

6. Check on other platforms and social networks

If you've shared photos on social media like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, they may already be there.

Many social media services automatically save your photos, even after you delete them from your device.

• FacebookIf you've uploaded photos to Facebook, you can see them on your profile. If you shared photos in an album, check if any of them are there.
• InstagramIf you've uploaded photos to Instagram, you can download them from the app or access the web version to save them back to your device.

7. Prevents overwriting deleted files

When you delete photos, they don't disappear immediately. Deleted files are marked as free space for new data to occupy.

Therefore, if you continue using your device after deleting photos, you run the risk of overwriting the deleted files, which can make recovery more difficult.

If you realize you've lost important photos, it's best to avoid using your device to take new photos or install new apps until you've tried to recover them.

8. Professional photo recovery

If you can't recover your photos with the tools mentioned above, you can always turn to professional data recovery services.

These specialized companies have the advanced technology to recover files from damaged or corrupted devices, which could be helpful if your device has a physical problem.

9. What to do if you can't recover your photos?

Sometimes, despite following all the steps above, you may not be able to recover your deleted photos. If this happens, don't despair; there are some additional options you can consider.

Review other backups

You may have other backups that you forgot about. If you use more than one backup platform (such as Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox, or an external hard drive), check those platforms to make sure your deleted photos aren't there.

Consult with a professional recovery service

If the photos are extremely important and cannot be recovered through conventional means, you can turn to a specialized data recovery service. These professionals have advanced tools to recover data from damaged devices or files that cannot be recovered using common applications. Although this service is often expensive, it may be the only solution for highly valuable photos.

Accepting that the photos are lost

If, after all these attempts, you can't recover your photos, the hardest part will be accepting the loss. However, this experience can teach you the importance of having a reliable backup system. In the future, be sure to back up regularly to prevent this from happening again.

10. How to prevent photo loss in the future

While apps and methods for recovering deleted photos are very useful, it's best to prevent this from happening in the first place.

Here are some practical tips to keep your photos safe:

1. Use cloud storage

One of the most effective methods to prevent photo loss is to use cloud storage services.

Platforms such as Google Photos, iCloud, OneDrive either Amazon Photos They allow you to securely store your photos online, and you can access them from any device.

Additionally, many of these platforms offer unlimited storage or enough free space for most users.

2. Make regular backups

In addition to the cloud, it's a good idea to back up your data to external hard drives or flash drives.

Set your device to automatically back up your photos regularly, or set up a routine to do it manually every so often.

3. Activate automatic synchronization

To prevent your photos from getting lost, be sure to turn on automatic syncing on your device.

This feature allows photos to be uploaded to the cloud as soon as you take them, so even if you accidentally delete them, you'll have an online copy available.

4. Use a quality SD card

If you're using an SD card to store photos, it's essential to choose a good quality one.

Low-quality or damaged SD cards can cause data loss. Also, be sure to properly format the card before using it and avoid abruptly removing it from your device.

5. Configure backup of your applications and services

Many apps, such as WhatsApp or Facebook, offer cloud backup options.

Enable these options to ensure your photos shared or received in messages are always saved in case of loss or accidental deletion.

11. Common mistakes when trying to recover deleted photos

Recovering deleted photos isn't always a seamless process, and some common mistakes can make recovery difficult.

Here we mention some for you to avoid:

1. Overwrite the data

When you delete photos from your device, those files aren't completely gone. The deleted data is marked as free space for new files.

If you continue to use your device to take new photos or download apps, you risk overwriting deleted data, making recovery more difficult or even impossible.

2. Not verifying backup settings

Sometimes photos are lost because they weren't backed up properly.

If your cloud storage settings aren't enabled or you haven't made a recent backup, you may not be able to easily recover your photos.

Make sure the automatic backup option is enabled to avoid surprises.

3. Not using the right recovery tool

There are many photo recovery tools out there, but not all of them are equally effective.

Make sure you use an app you trust and that is compatible with your device.

Investigate other users' reviews before downloading any app.

12. Recover photos from damaged devices

If your photos are on a damaged device, the recovery process may be a little more complicated, but it's still possible. Here are some tips:

Repair the device before attempting to recover photos

If the problem with your device is something simple, like a cracked screen or a faulty charging port, try getting it repaired before trying to recover your photos.

This will allow you to access your device and use recovery tools effectively.

Use specialized recovery software

If your device won't turn on or has serious issues, there are programs that can help you recover photos from broken or physically damaged phones.

Some applications, such as Dr. Fone either iMobie PhoneRescue, have specific options to recover files from damaged or crashed devices.

Turn to professionals

If your device is so damaged that you can't access your data, it's best to turn to a professional data recovery service.

These services have specialized tools that can recover data from damaged devices or broken SD cards.

Recover your lost memories with ease!

If you follow these steps, the likelihood of restoring your deleted photos increases considerably.

The key is to act quickly, use the right tools, and, of course, have a reliable backup system. This way, you can keep your most precious memories safe.

Did you find this guide helpful?

Discover more tips and tools to keep your photos safe at all times!