Accidentally deleted photos on your iPhone? This guide provides comprehensive steps to recover them using various methods, including iCloud, iTunes, and third-party apps.
Introduction
In the digital age, our smartphones have become the primary devices for capturing memories. With its advanced camera technology, the iPhone is at the forefront of this trend. However, accidental deletion of photos can be a distressing experience for many users. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover deleted photos on an iPhone. This article provides a detailed guide on various methods to restore your cherished memories.
1. Check the 'Recently Deleted' Folder
The first step in recovering deleted photos is to check the 'Recently Deleted' folder in the Photos app. This folder stores deleted photos for up to 30 days, allowing you to recover them easily.
- Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
- Tap on the Albums tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll down and select Recently Deleted.
- Browse through the photos and select the ones you want to recover.
- Tap Recover and confirm to restore the photos.
2. Restore from iCloud Backup
If the photos are not in the 'Recently Deleted' folder, you can restore them from an iCloud backup. Note that this will require erasing all current data on your iPhone, so ensure you have a current backup.
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
- Select Restore from iCloud Backup.
- Sign in to your iCloud account and choose the backup that contains your deleted photos.
- Wait for the restore process to complete and check the Photos app for your recovered images.
3. Recover from iTunes or Finder Backup
If you regularly back up your iPhone to iTunes or Finder, you can use these backups to recover deleted photos.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later).
- Select your device when it appears in iTunes or Finder.
- Click Restore Backup in iTunes or Restore iPhone in Finder.
- Choose the most relevant backup file and click Restore.
- Once the process is complete, check the Photos app for your restored images.
4. Use Third-Party Recovery Software
If the above methods are unsuccessful, you can use third-party recovery software to retrieve deleted photos. These tools can scan your iPhone for recoverable data and restore it. Popular options include:
- Dr.Fone - Data Recovery
- iMobie PhoneRescue
- EaseUS MobiSaver
Follow these steps to use third-party recovery software:
- Download and install the recovery software on your computer.
- Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
- Launch the software and follow the on-screen instructions to scan for deleted photos.
- Preview the recoverable photos and select the ones you want to restore.
- Click Recover to save the photos back to your device.
5. Enable iCloud Photos for Continuous Backup
To prevent future loss of photos, consider enabling iCloud Photos for continuous backup. This will automatically upload and store all your photos and videos in iCloud, ensuring they are always safe and accessible.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos.
- Toggle on iCloud Photos.
- Ensure you have enough iCloud storage to accommodate your photo library.
Conclusion
Accidentally deleting photos on your iPhone doesn't have to be a permanent loss. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully recover your deleted photos using various methods, including checking the 'Recently Deleted' folder, restoring from backups, and using third-party recovery tools. Additionally, enabling iCloud Photos ensures that your memories are always backed up and secure.
