Advertisements
Did you delete that special photo by mistake?
Don't worry, restoring deleted photos is much easier than it seems.
Those captured moments aren't gone forever; you can still recover them with the right methods.
Below, I'll show you how to do it quickly and effectively.
Where Do Deleted Photos Go?
When you delete a photo from your device, it doesn't disappear completely.
Advertisements
Instead, it is transported to a temporary space: a kind of "digital limbo."
Depending on the operating system you use, images are moved to a recently deleted folder, where they are stored for a period of time before being permanently deleted.
- Android: Photos are moved to the Google Photos Trash folder for 30 days.
- iOS: Deleted images go to the "Recently Deleted" album and remain there for 30 days as well.
- Windows and Mac: Deleted files are stored in the Recycle Bin or Trash until you manually empty it.
Best of all, during that time, you can restore them with a simple click.
Foolproof Methods to Restore Deleted Photos
- Recovery from the Recycle Bin
The simplest and most direct method. You just need to access your device's recycle bin, select the photos you want to restore, and tap "Recover."
- In Android, open Google Photos, go to “Trash,” select the images, and click “Restore.”
- In iOS, go to “Recently Deleted,” select the photos, and tap “Recover.”
- In Windows and Mac, simply right-click on the file and select “Restore.”
- Cloud Sync: Your Silent Ally
If you use cloud services like Google Photos, iCloud or Dropbox, you have additional support.
- Google Photos: Images are automatically synced. Even if you delete them from your device, they can still be stored in the cloud.
- iCloud: Photos are stored in “Recently Deleted” for 30 days.
- Dropbox: Offers a deleted files folder that saves your images for 30 days before permanently deleting them.
- Specialized Applications to Restore Deleted Photos
If the photos aren't in the trash or the cloud, you can use specialized apps that perform a deep scan of the device. Among the most effective are:
- DiskDigger (Android): Scan internal storage and SD cards to find deleted images.
- Dr.Fone (iOS and Android): Allows you to restore photos, contacts, messages and more, even after formatting.
- Recuva (Windows): Free software to recover deleted files, even after emptying the trash.

Recuva
Tricks to Increase Your Chances of Success
- Avoid overwriting data: Don't take new photos or download apps before attempting recovery.
- Constant synchronization: Turn on automatic backups in Google Photos or iCloud to prevent future losses.
- Regular backups: A simple habit that can save you from missing unique moments.
What to Do if Months Have Passed?
What if you deleted those photos a long time ago? Not all is lost. Some advanced apps can recover images even months after they were deleted:
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: Ideal for recovering photos from hard drives, USB drives and SD cards.
- PhotoRec: A free software that allows you to restore images in multiple formats.
- R-Studio: Professional tool that allows a deep scan on damaged or formatted disks.
How to Avoid Photo Loss in the Future
- Activate automatic cloud backup.
- Make backups on external drives or USB drives periodically.
- Avoid formatting or resetting your device without making sure your photos are safe.
Foolproof Methods to Restore Deleted Photos
- Recovery from the Recycle Bin
This is the first place you should look. Most devices and photo apps temporarily store deleted files in a sort of "staging area" before permanently deleting them:
- Android: If you use Google Photos, deleted images are stored in the Trash folder for 30 days. Just open the app, go to "Library" → "Trash," select the photos you want to recover, and tap "Restore."
- iOS: On Apple devices, deleted photos go to the Recently Deleted album, where they remain for 30 days before being permanently deleted. To restore them, go to Photos → Albums → Recently Deleted, select the images, and tap Recover.
- Windows and Mac: On computers, deleted images are sent to the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). You can find them there and easily restore them by right-clicking and selecting "Restore."
- Cloud Sync: Your Silent Ally
If you've turned on cloud sync, there's a good chance your photos are still safe, even if you delete them from your device.
- Google Photos: Synced images are saved in the cloud, and even if you delete them from your phone, they can still be stored in the Trash. You just need to review and restore them.
- iCloud: If you use iCloud on an iPhone, photos remain in "Recently Deleted" for 30 days. Plus, if you have "iCloud Photos" turned on, you can access them from any device.
- Dropbox: If your photos were synced to Dropbox, they may still be in your deleted files folder. Dropbox keeps these images for 30 days before permanently deleting them.
- Specialized Applications to Restore Deleted Photos
If the photos aren't in the trash or the cloud, you can use data recovery tools. These apps perform a deep scan of your device looking for fragments of deleted files, allowing you to restore them:
- DiskDigger (Android): It's one of the most popular apps for scanning internal memory and SD cards for deleted photos. You don't need to be an expert; just open the app, start the scan, and select the images you want to recover.
- Dr.Fone (iOS and Android): This software allows you to restore photos, contacts, messages, and more, even if your device has been formatted. It offers a user-friendly interface and is compatible with most models.
- Recuva (Windows): A free and easy-to-use program for recovering deleted files from computers. Even if you've emptied the Recycle Bin, Recuva can search for lost data and restore it.
Tricks to Increase Your Chances of Success
- Avoid Overwriting Data:
The first step after discovering you've accidentally deleted a photo is to stop using your device. Each new photo, app, or file you save could take up the space where that image was stored. This drastically reduces the chances of recovering it. - Constant Synchronization:
If you haven't already, turn on automatic syncing with cloud services like Google Photos, iCloud or DropboxThese platforms back up your photos regularly, making it easy to recover them even if you accidentally delete them. - Periodic Backups:
Establishing a habit of making manual backups will save you a lot of headaches. You can use an external hard drive, a USB flash drive, or cloud services to store those images you don't want to lose. - Avoid Cleaning Applications:
Many "space cleaning" apps delete files they consider unnecessary, sometimes including cached photos or temporary backups. If you use these types of apps, be sure to carefully review which files are being deleted. - Disable the “Secure Erase” Option:
Some devices have a feature called "Secure Erase" that overwrites deleted data immediately, making it impossible to recover. If this option is enabled, consider disabling it for future use.
What to Do if Months Have Passed?
What if you deleted those photos a long time ago? Although recovery becomes more complicated, it is still possible. Some specialized tools allow you to perform a deep scan to search for image fragments that are still in the device's memory.
Recommended programs:
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: This software performs a thorough scan of hard drives, USB drives, and SD cards. Its easy-to-use interface allows you to recover multiple file formats, including photos.
- PhotoRec: A free, open-source tool designed to recover images in various formats. Although its interface is more technical, it is extremely effective.
- R-Studio: Ideal for cases where the hard drive has been formatted or even damaged. It allows for a deep scan in search of deleted data.
If you've tried conventional methods and haven't found the photos, these tools may be your last option for recovering them.
How to Avoid Photo Loss in the Future
- Activate automatic cloud backup: Services like Google Photos or iCloud allow you to save your images without having to do it manually.
- Make copies to an external drive: A classic but effective practice to avoid permanent losses.
- Set backup reminders: Set a monthly reminder to back up your most important photos.
- Use good quality SD cards: Avoid unknown brands; a faulty card can cause sudden data loss.
Ready to restore those deleted photos?
Memories aren't lost, they're just waiting to be recovered. Put these methods into practice and enjoy those unique moments again.