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Learn how to restore valuable images from cell phones, computers, and memory cards with these proven techniques.
Losing photos can feel like losing a part of your life.
Whether it's a vacation photo, a picture of a loved one, or an important screenshot, that moment when you think, "I accidentally deleted that!" can be devastating. But the good news is: deleted doesn't always mean lost forever.
In this guide, we'll explore practical, easy-to-follow strategies to help you recover deleted photos, whether they're missing from your phone, computer, or even an SD card.
By the end, you'll have all the tools and knowledge you need to give those memories a second chance.
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Let's do it — before it's too late.
📱 Cómo Recuperar Fotos Eliminadas en tu Teléfono
Nowadays, phones are where we store most of our memories. Fortunately, they often have built-in security systems.
1. Check your “Recently Deleted” folder (iPhone and Android)
Most phones don't delete photos immediately. Instead, deleted images are moved to a temporary folder where they're stored for a limited time (usually 30 days).
For iPhone users:
Open the Photos app.
Scroll down to Recently Deleted.
Tap Select and choose the photos you want to recover.
Tap Recover.
For Android users:
Open the Gallery or Google Photos app.
Tap Library > Trash.
Select the photos and tap Restore.
⚠️ ¿Ya vaciaste tu papelera? No te preocupes — sigue leyendo.
2. Use Cloud Backup to Recover Old Photos
If your phone is synced with cloud storage (such as iCloud, Google Photos, or OneDrive), your photos may still be accessible even if you delete them from your device.
Google Photos:
Visit photos.google.com
Check your Library and Trash folders
Download or restore images
iCloud:
Go to iCloud.com
Open Photos > Recently Deleted
Restore the images you need
OneDrive or Dropbox:
Log in from the app or website
Navigate to Deleted Photos or Files
Recover and redownload your images
💡 Consejo Pro: Revisa siempre la configuración de tu nube. Activar la copia automática puede evitar muchos dolores de cabeza en el futuro.
3. Recover with Mobile Apps
If the photo is no longer in the trash or the cloud, some third-party apps can help you recover it—but act quickly!
Best photo recovery apps:
- DiskDigger (Android) – Scans internal memory and SD cards.
- Dr.Fone (iOS and Android) – Free scanning and preview before purchasing.
- PhotoRec (for advanced users) – Open source tool compatible with multiple platforms.
👉 Importante: Evita usar demasiado tu teléfono antes de intentar recuperar, ya que los datos nuevos pueden sobrescribir las fotos eliminadas permanentemente.
💻 Cómo Recuperar Fotos en una Computadora
Sometimes it's not your phone, but your computer that causes disaster. Did you accidentally empty your trash or delete the wrong folder? Here's how to undo the damage.
1. Check the Trash or Garbage Can
Before you panic, check here:
On Windows: Open the Recycle Bin, right-click the photo, and select Restore.
On Mac: Open the Trash, drag the file back to the original desktop or folder.
Simple, right? But if you've already emptied the trash, it's time for plan B.
2. Use File History or Time Machine
Modern operating systems come with built-in recovery features.
On Windows:
Right click on the folder where the image was
Choose Restore previous versions
Explore backups and restore your file
On macOS:
Open Time Machine
Navigate to the folder where the photo was
Use the timeline to rewind and restore
These options only work if they were previously enabled — a good reason to always leave them on!
3. Install Photo Recovery Software
If the photo isn't in the trash or backups, recovery software can still help.
Popular recovery tools:
- Recuva (Windows) – Free and easy to use
- EaseUS Data Recovery (Windows and Mac) – Fast, reliable and with deep scanning
- PhotoRec (advanced) – Compatible with multiple systems and file types
How to use them:
- Install the software (avoid installing it on the same drive where you lost the photo)
- Run a deep scan on the drive
- Preview and retrieve the images you want
⚠️ No guardes las fotos recuperadas en la misma unidad — usa una externa para evitar sobrescrituras.
💾 Cómo Recuperar Fotos de Tarjetas SD y Unidades USB
Memory cards and USB drives are more fragile than they look. Accidentally deleting or formatting photos doesn't mean they're lost forever.
Recovery step by step:
- Stop using the device immediately. The more you use it, the more likely it is that your data will be overwritten.
- Connect the SD card or USB to your computer with a reader
- Use tools like:
- Recuva
- PhotoRec
- Stellar Photo Recovery
These tools can scan external storage just like hard drives. Be patient — the scan may take a while if the device is large.
🧠 Qué Hacer Antes de Volver a Perder Fotos
Now that you've (hopefully) recovered your deleted photos, let's look at how to avoid going through this stress again.
1. Activate Automatic Backup
Set your phone or computer to automatically back up to the cloud. Here's how:
On Android:
Open Google Photos > Settings > Backup & sync
Activate the function and connect to Wi-Fi
On iPhone:
Go to Settings > Photos > iCloud Photos
Turn on Sync This iPhone
On Computer:
Use OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive to automatically back up folders like Pictures
2. Use External Backups
Don't rely solely on the cloud. External hard drives and USB drives are great for storing photos, especially if you have a lot of them.
Set a reminder for:
- Make monthly or weekly backup
- Store copies in different physical locations
3. Organize your photos
Being organized can help you avoid accidental deletions.
Tips:
- Use folders by date or event
- Delete duplicates regularly
- Use apps like Gemini Photos either Duplicate Cleaner
🛑 Reflexión Final: Actúa Rápido, Piensa Inteligente
Losing photos hurts, but it's not always the end.
Whether it's through the "Recently Deleted" folder, cloud backups, or specialized software, the sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering those images.
Let me ask you:
📸 ¿Qué recuerdo te dolería más perder ahora mismo?
A photo from your wedding? Your child's first step? A special trip?
Now imagine getting it back. It's worth a try, right?
🧰 Lista de Verificación: Recupera tus Fotos Ahora
✅ Revisa carpetas de Eliminados Recientemente
✅ Explora respaldos en la nube (Google Fotos, iCloud)
✅ Usa apps o software de recuperación
✅ Evita sobrescribir datos eliminados
✅ Activa respaldos automáticos
✅ Guarda copias en discos externos
✅ Mantén tus fotos organizadas
Do you still have questions or need help with a specific case?
Leave us a comment or share your story — we'd love to help!
And if this article helped you recover even one photo, don't forget to share it with someone who needs it too.
Your memories matter. Let's make sure they're safe. 📷