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Nothing is more frustrating than opening your photo gallery and discovering that some important images have disappeared.
Whether it's an accident, a system error, or even a malfunction on your device, losing photos can be a real shock for anyone.
But don't worry, recovering images from your gallery doesn't have to be an impossible task.
Here's how to do it quickly and easily.
Why do images get lost from the gallery?
Before we begin with the solutions, it's important to understand why images may disappear from your gallery. There could be several reasons:
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- Accidental deletion: You might accidentally delete photos while reviewing your gallery or while making space on your device.
- Synchronization errors: Sometimes, a sync failure with cloud services like Google Photos or iCloud can cause your photos to temporarily disappear.
- Damage to the operating system: Software errors can affect photo storage, causing them to be lost from the gallery.
No matter the cause, the good news is that photos aren't always lost forever. Here's how to recover them in just a few steps.
Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin
Many devices and photo apps have a recycle bin or recently deleted folder, where photos remain for a period of time before being completely deleted.
On Android:
- Open Google Photos and tap the three lines in the top left corner.
- Go to the Bin.
- There you will find recently deleted images. If you see them, just tap Restore.
On iPhone:
- Open the Photos App.
- Go to Albums and select Recently Deleted.
- Here are the photos you recently deleted. You can restore them by tapping on Recover.
This step is quick and effective, especially if the photos were deleted within the last 30 days.
Step 2: Use Data Recovery Tools
If you can't find your photos in the trash or deleted folder, then it's time to use specialized tools to recover deleted images.
There are several programs and apps that can scan your device for deleted files, even if they are no longer in the trash.
Some useful tools include:
- Dr. Fone: It works for both Android as for iOS and is one of the best data recovery tools. It can scan your device to find deleted images and restore them seamlessly.

Dr. Fone
- EaseUS MobiSaver: Available for both Android and iOS operating systems, this app offers simple and effective recovery of deleted photos.

EaseUS MobiSaver
- DiskDigger: Ideal for AndroidThis app can recover images from your device's internal memory or SD card.

DiskDigger
How to use these tools?
- Download the app on your device or computer.
- Connect your phone to your computer if you're using a desktop program.
- Run a scan to find deleted photos.
- Select the images you want to restore and follow the instructions to recover them.
This process is quick, but keep in mind that it may take a little longer if the photos were deleted a long time ago.
Step 3: Review Cloud Backups
If you use Google Photos, iCloud or some other cloud storage service, there's a good chance your photos are stored there.
These services automatically save your images, so you can easily recover them if you lose them from your gallery.
For Google Photos:
- Open Google Photos on your device.
- Go to the three-line menu in the top left corner and select Bin.
- If the photos are in the cloud, you can easily restore them by tapping on Restore.
For iCloud:
- Go to iCloud.com in your browser or open the app Photos on your iPhone.
- Check the folder Recently Deleted.
- If the photos are there, just click on them. Recover.
This is a simple method if you have automatic synchronization set up with these services.
Step 4: Connect your phone to a computer
If mobile tools haven't been effective, another step you can try is connecting your phone to a computer and using more advanced recovery software.
Recommended computer programs:
- Recuva: Free and easy to use, Recuva is ideal for recovering deleted images from hard drives, SD cards, and other storage devices.
- Wondershare Recoverit: It works both in Windows as in Mac, and is one of the most comprehensive options for recovering photos and other multimedia files.
This method is especially useful if the photos are stored on an SD card or external storage device.
Step 5: Turn to a Professional Data Recovery Service
If you have tried all the above methods and still haven't managed to recover your images, you may need the help of a professional data recovery service.
These services are more expensive, but offer a much higher success rate, especially when dealing with damaged devices or corrupted operating systems.
Some professional data recovery services can help you recover images from damaged hard drives, corrupted SD cards, or unbootable devices.
Tips to Keep Your Images Safe
Preventing image loss is always better than trying to recover them later. Here are some tips to keep your photos safe and avoid future problems:
- Make regular backups: Use cloud services like Google Photos, iCloud either OneDrive to keep your photos safe.
- Set up automatic synchronization: Set your device to automatically upload photos to the cloud. This will ensure you always have a copy of your most important photos.
- Avoid deleting without thinkingIf you're unsure about deleting a photo, save it to a file first or create a backup before deleting.
What to Do If Images Cannot Be Recovered?
Sometimes, despite trying all the above methods, the images simply cannot be recovered.
This can happen for several reasons, such as data overwriting or physical damage to the device. However, there are some additional options you can try before giving up.
1. Perform a Deep Scan with Specialized Software
If the above methods have not worked, you could try a deep scan using specialized software.
There are programs specifically designed to perform a thorough analysis of your device's memory, even if the files have been permanently deleted from the trash.
- PhotoRec is a free and open-source tool that scans your device and can recover deleted photos from damaged SD cards or hard drives.
- R-Studio It is an advanced software that can recover images from severely failed devices. It is often used in professional data recovery services.
Remember, the faster you act, the better your chances of recovery. Using the device after losing the images can overwrite the deleted files and make them difficult to restore.
2. Consult with a Data Recovery Expert
If the images are irreplaceable and you have not been able to recover them by your own means, you can opt for a professional data recovery service.
These experts have advanced tools and experience in recovering files, even from devices that have physical or logical damage.
Data recovery services are usually more expensive, but they are the last option when files are extremely important.
If the photos are of sentimental or professional value, an investment may be necessary.
How to Avoid Image Loss in the Future
While it's always possible to try to recover lost images, it's best to prevent this from happening in the first place.
Here are some practical tips to keep your photos safe and avoid future problems.
1. Make Regular Backups
The best way to ensure that your images are always safe is by performing automatic backups.
Many cloud services, such as Google Photos, iCloud and OneDrive, offer the option to upload your photos automatically.
Enabling this feature will ensure that even if you lose or damage your device, you'll have a copy of your photos in the cloud and can easily retrieve them at any time.
2. Use External Storage
In addition to the cloud, it is advisable to save your photos in a external storage such as a hard drive or SD card.
If your phone or device allows it, using an SD card to store important images is a great way to protect your memories.
Plus, if your device is damaged or stolen, your photos will remain safe on your SD card or external hard drive.
3. Set Up Automatic Photo Sync
The automatic synchronization Not only is it useful for cloud photos, but it can also help you keep your photos backed up on your computer.
Set your device to automatically upload your photos to services like Google Photos or iCloud, so you can avoid losing them if you accidentally delete them.
4. Review Photos Before Deleting Them
Be sure to carefully review your photos before deleting them, especially if they are from important events.
If you're unsure about whether to delete a photo, save it to a separate folder or create a backup somewhere else.
Recover Lost Images from Other Devices
If you've lost images stored on other devices, such as a digital camera, external SD card, or flash drive, you can also recover them using some of the methods mentioned above.
Here we tell you how to proceed:
How to Recover Images from a Digital Camera?
If you have lost images from a digital camera, follow these steps:
- Stop using the SD card: Stop using the SD card immediately. The more you use it, the harder it will be to recover files.
- Connect the SD card to a computer: Use an SD card reader to connect the card to your computer.
- Use photo recovery software: Applications such as Recuva either PhotoRec can recover deleted images from SD card.
How to Recover Images from a Flash Drive?
If your photos were stored in a flash drive and have been deleted, you can follow these steps:
- Connect the flash drive to your computer.
- Use a data recovery program, such as Recuva either EaseUS Data Recovery, to scan the drive for deleted files.
- If the photos are on the drive, the program will allow you to recover them.
Other Recovery Methods
If you haven't found success with the above methods yet, you can explore other image recovery alternatives:
1. Online Data Recovery Services
Some online services offer the possibility of recover lost images without the need to download software.
However, keep in mind that these services are often less effective than specialized programs you can install on your device.
2. Check Other Storage Devices
If you ever saved your photos to a external storage device, like a hard drive or USB flash drive, be sure to check them. Sometimes we forget we have backup copies of our images elsewhere.
Losing images from your gallery can be frustrating, but with the right methods, it is always possible to recover images from your gallery.
From basic options like the Recycle Bin to advanced recovery tools, there are many ways to recover your photos.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember that recovery is possible. Recover your memories today!
Would you like to learn more about how to protect your photos and other valuable files? Find out now and keep your memories safe!