How to Retrieve Recently Deleted Photos on Android + iOS

Smartphones are repositories of our most cherished memories. From candid family photos to breathtaking vacation snapshots, our phones hold a treasure trove of moments that we want to keep forever. However, with the swipe of a finger or the click of a button, these precious images can sometimes vanish into the digital abyss, leaving us feeling devastated and helpless.

The good news is that you're not alone, and there's hope for recovering your recently deleted photos. In this article, we will guide you through the process of retrieving those invaluable images, so you can relive your favorite moments and ensure they're preserved for years to come.

Whether you're using an iPhone, Android device, or a digital camera, we'll explore the best methods and tools to help you recover your lost photographs with ease. So, let's dive into the world of digital photo recovery and unlock those lost memories!

Part #1: How to Retrieve Recently Deleted Photos on AndroidPart #2: How to Retrieve Recently Deleted Photos on iOSPart #3: The Best Tool to Retrieve Recently Deleted Photos on iOS: FoneDog iOS Data Recovery

Part #1: How to Retrieve Recently Deleted Photos on Android

Method #1: Using the Recently Deleted Album on Gallery

If you're an Android user, there's a good chance you've accidentally deleted a cherished photo or two. But don't worry; Android devices often have a built-in feature that can help you recover recently deleted photos. In this method, we'll show you how to use the "Recently Deleted" album in your Gallery app to retrieve those lost memories.

Step #1: Open Your Gallery App

Begin by locating and opening your Gallery app on your Android device. This app is where all your photos and videos are stored.

Step #2: Access the Recently Deleted Folder

Inside the Gallery app, look for a folder named "Recently Deleted" or something similar. The name may vary depending on your device's manufacturer or the version of Android you're using. This folder contains photos and videos that have been deleted but not permanently removed from your device.

Step #3: Select And Restore Photos

Browse through the "Recently Deleted" folder to find the photos you want to recover. Once you've located the desired photos, tap on them to select them.

Step #4: Restore the Photos

After selecting the photos, you should see an option to restore them. This option is usually represented by an icon that looks like an arrow pointing upward or a "Restore" button. Tap on this option to begin the recovery process.

Step #5: Confirm the Restoration

A confirmation message may appear, asking if you want to restore the selected photos. Confirm your choice to proceed with the recovery. The photos will be moved back to their original location in your Gallery.

Step#6: Verify the Restored Photos

Finally, go back to your Gallery's main photo collection, or the album where the photos were originally stored, to ensure that the photos have been successfully recovered.

Method #2: Using Google Drive

Google Drive is not just a cloud storage service; it also offers a handy feature that can help you recover recently deleted photos on your Android device. If you have previously backed up your photos to Google Drive, this method can be a lifesaver. Here's how to use Google Drive for photo recovery:

Step #1: Open Google Drive

Start by opening the Google Drive app on your Android device. If you don't have the app installed, you can download it from the Google Play Store.

Step #2: Sign In

If you're not already signed in, sign in with your Google account credentials. Ensure it's the same Google account that you used for backing up your photos.

Step #3: Access the "Trash"

In the Google Drive app, tap the menu icon (usually represented by three horizontal lines) in the upper-left corner to open the navigation menu. Scroll down and look for the "Trash" option. Tap on it to access the trash folder.

Step #4: Locate Your Deleted Photos

Inside the "Trash" folder, you should see a list of recently deleted files, including photos. Scroll through the list to find the photos you want to recover. Deleted photos may retain their original file names or have date/time stamps.

Step #5: Restore Photos

Tap and hold on to the photos you wish to recover to select them. You can select multiple photos if needed. Once selected, look for an option to restore or recover the files. This option is usually represented by an icon that looks like a curved arrow or "Restore". Tap on it to begin the recovery process.

Step #6: Confirm Restoration

A confirmation dialog may appear, asking if you want to restore the selected photos. Confirm your choice to proceed with the recovery. The photos will be moved back to your Google Drive and can be accessed through your device's Gallery or Photos app.

Step #7: Verify the Restored Photos

Go back to your device's Gallery or Photos app to ensure that the photos have been successfully recovered and are accessible.

Method #3: Using the Device Manufacturer Cloud Service (e.g. Samsung Cloud)

Many Android devices come with their own cloud platforms provided by the manufacturer. For instance, Samsung offers Samsung Cloud, while other manufacturers may have similar services. These platforms often include features for backing up and restoring data, including photos. Here's how to use your device manufacturer's cloud platform to recover recently deleted photos:

Step #1: Access the Manufacturer's Cloud Service

Begin by opening the cloud service provided by your device's manufacturer. This may be named differently depending on your device, such as Samsung Cloud, Huawei Cloud, or LG Cloud. You can typically find it in your device's settings or as a separate app.

Step #2: Sign In

If you're not already signed in, sign in with your account credentials. Ensure it's the same account that you've used to back up your photos.

Step #3: Locate the Photo Backup Section

Once you're logged in, navigate to the section that handles photo backups. This section may be labeled as "Photos", "Gallery", or "Media" backup.

Step #4: Check for Deleted Photos

Within the photo backup section, there should be an option to view deleted photos. Click on or tap this option to access deleted photos.

Step #5: Select And Restore Photos

Browse through the deleted photos to find the ones you want to recover. Once you've located the desired photos, select them by tapping on them or using the provided checkboxes.

Step #6: Restore the Photos

Look for an option to restore the selected photos. This option is typically represented by an icon that looks like an arrow pointing upward or a "Restore" button. Tap on it to initiate the recovery process.

Step #7: Confirm the Restoration

A confirmation message may appear, asking if you want to restore the selected photos. Confirm your choice to proceed with the recovery. The photos will be restored to your device's Gallery or Photos app.

Part #2: How to Retrieve Recently Deleted Photos on iOS

Method #1: Using iTunes Backups

If you're an iOS user, recovering recently deleted photos can be done through various methods. One reliable way is by using iTunes backups. iTunes allows you to create full backups of your iOS device, including photos. Here's how to retrieve deleted photos using iTunes backups:

Step #1: Connect Your iOS Device to Your Computer

Start by connecting your iOS device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch) to your computer using a USB cable.

Step #2: Launch iTunes

Open the iTunes application on your computer. Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed.

Step #3: Trust This Computer (If Prompted)

If this is the first time you're connecting your iOS device to this computer, you may be prompted on your device to "Trust This Computer". Follow the on-screen instructions to establish the connection.

Step #4: Select Your Device

In iTunes, your connected iOS device should appear as an icon in the upper left corner or in the top menu bar. Click on it to select your device.

Step #5: Choose the Most Relevant iTunes Backup

In the device summary screen, you'll see an option to restore your device. Before proceeding, you need to choose the most relevant iTunes backup that contains the photos you want to recover. iTunes typically creates backups whenever you sync your device or perform an iOS update. Choose the backup that predates the deletion of your photos.

Step #6: Restore Your Device

Click on the "Restore Backup" button within the device summary screen. A window will appear, prompting you to confirm your choice. Click "Restore" again to initiate the restoration process.

Step #7: Wait for the Restore to Complete

iTunes will now restore your device using the selected backup. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the backup and the speed of your computer. Once the restoration is complete, your device will restart.

Step #8: Check Your Photos

After your device has restarted, unlock it, and navigate to your Photos app. Check to see if the deleted photos have been successfully restored. They should be back in your photo library.

Using iTunes backups is an effective way to recover deleted photos on iOS devices, as it allows you to revert your device to a previous state. However, please note that this method will replace all your current data with the data from the selected backup. Therefore, make sure to choose a backup that contains the photos you want to recover and be aware that any data added after that backup will be lost.

Method #2: Using iCloud Backups

If you're an iOS user and have enabled iCloud backups, you can easily recover recently deleted photos using iCloud. iCloud stores a backup of your device's data, including photos, which can be restored to your device. Here's how to restore your iPhone with no need for iTunes:

Step #1: Check iCloud Backup

Before proceeding, ensure that you have iCloud backups enabled on your iOS device. You can check this by going to "Settings" > [Your Name] > "iCloud" > "iCloud Backup". Make sure it's turned on, and a recent backup has been completed.

Step #2: Erase Your Device (Optional)

If you've accidentally deleted photos and want to restore your entire device to a previous state, you can erase your device first. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Erase All Content and Settings". This will remove all data from your device, so make sure you have a recent iCloud backup before proceeding.

Step #3: Set Up Your Device

After erasing your device (or if you choose not to), set up your iOS device as if it were new or go through the initial setup process. When you reach the "Apps & Data" screen during setup, select "Restore from iCloud Backup".

Step #4: Sign In to iCloud

Log in to your iCloud account using your Apple ID and password.

Step #5: Choose A Backup

From the list of available iCloud backups, select the most relevant one that predates the deletion of your photos. iCloud backups are typically labeled with dates, so choose the one that corresponds to the time when your photos were intact.

Step #6: Restore Backup

Your iOS device will begin restoring from the selected iCloud backup. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the backup and your internet connection. Your device will restart during this process.

Step #7: Check Your Photos

After the restoration is complete and your device restarts, navigate to your Photos app. Verify whether the deleted photos have been successfully restored. They should be back in your photo library.

Part #3: The Best Tool to Retrieve Recently Deleted Photos on iOS: FoneDog iOS Data Recovery

While built-in methods like iCloud, iTunes, and Finder are reliable ways to recover recently deleted photos on iOS, there are third-party tools that offer additional features and flexibility. One such tool is FoneDog iOS Data Recovery, which is an iPhone 15-supported software known for its user-friendly interface and powerful photo recovery capabilities.

iOS Data Recovery Recover photos, videos, contacts, messages, call logs, WhatsApp data, and more. Recover data from iPhone, iTunes and iCloud. Compatible with latest iPhone and iOS. Free Download Free Download

Here are the steps to use it:

1. Download and Install: Download and install FoneDog iOS Data Recovery on your computer (Windows or Mac). Launch the software.
2. Connect Your iOS Device: Use a USB cable to connect your iOS device to the computer. The software will recognize your device.
3. Choose Recovery Mode: Select the “Recover from iOS Device” mode to scan your iOS device for deleted photos. If you have iTunes or iCloud backups, you can choose those modes as well.
4. Scan Your Device: Click the “Start Scan” button to begin the scanning process. The software will analyze your device’s data.
5. Preview and Select Photos: After the scan is complete, you can preview the deleted photos. Select the ones you want to recover.
6. Recover Photos: Click the “Recover” button to start the recovery process. Choose a location on your computer to save the recovered photos.

FoneDog iOS Data Recovery offers a convenient and efficient way to recover deleted photos on an iPhone without any backups, ensuring that your precious memories are not lost forever. Whether you accidentally deleted them or experienced data loss due to other reasons, FoneDog can help you retrieve your photos with ease.

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