Alex Ruben
How To Restore Permanently Deleted Photos on iPhone
If you’ve ever deleted photos from your iPhone and then instantly regretted it, you’re not alone. Sometimes, it’s just a mistake—hit delete too fast, or maybe a folder got cleared accidentally. Other times, photos vanish as part of some shady backup mishap or iOS update bug. Whatever the scenario, recovering those pics can feel like chasing a ghost, but luckily it’s not always impossible. This guide is about giving some practical options to try — from quick checks in the Photos app to digging through iCloud, or even jumbling your Google backups. After all, if those pics are worth anything, it’s worth trying a few methods before giving up. But be warned, sometimes the clock’s against you, especially if it’s been over a month since the delete. Still, here’s what worked for some folks, and maybe it’ll work for you, too.
How to Fix the Problem of Permanently Deleted Photos on Your iPhone
Check the Recently Deleted Folder First
This is kind of obvious, but you’d be surprised how many overlook it. When you delete a photo on iPhone, it hangs out in Recently Deleted for up to 30 days before vanishing forever. So, if the delete was recent, it’s the easiest shot.
- Open the Photos app, like you normally do.
- Scroll all the way down to Albums.
- Tap on Utilities, then find Recently Deleted.
- Look for your lost photos. If they’re there, you can select and tap Recover. They’ll jump back into your main library.
Not sure why it works, but this folder does a decent job of holding onto deleted stuff for a while—kind of like a safety net. Sometimes, it’s the first and last stop, especially if you caught the delete in the nick of time.
Log Into iCloud and Check if Your Photos Are Still Stored There
If your photos aren’t in the Recently Deleted folder, it’s time to peek into your iCloud account. Many people enable iCloud Photos, which keeps a copy online. Even if you delete a photo on your phone, there’s a chance it’s still resting somewhere on Apple’s servers.
- Open Safari and go to iCloud.com.
- Log in with your Apple ID. (If you forgot your password, you’ll need to reset that first.)
- Head over to the Photos section. This is where Apple’s cloud magic happens.
- Scroll through your devices’ photo streams or albums—you might find the missing images still intact.
- If you spot the photos you want, select them, then click the options (the three-dot menu), and choose Download. They’ll save back onto your device or computer.
Yeah, this step sounds obvious, but sometimes, backups are undisturbed, and your missing photos are languishing in the cloud, waiting to be pulled back.
Check Google Photos or Google Drive if You’ve Been Backing Up There
Many folks don’t realize they might have automatically uploaded their pics to Google Photos or Google Drive. If you have that set up, it’s worth a quick look, especially if the photos disappeared long ago.
- Open the Google Photos app or Google Drive app on your iPhone.
- Make sure your account is synced (check for the little sync icon or go into app settings).
- Browse your galleries—sometimes, they’re hidden in the archive or trash folder.
- If you find your photos, tap and select Share or Add to Device, so they return to your iPhone library.
On some setups, this works pretty well, but it’s hit or miss depending on your sync habits. Still, worth a shot since cloud backups often hang around longer than local ones.
Extra Tips & Common Problems
Some of these issues pop up more often than you’d think:
- Make sure your backup options are turned on in Settings > Photos > iCloud Photos or the relevant app settings — as in, don’t assume it’s enabled by default.
- If you used third-party recovery apps, double-check their reputation. Half the time, shady ones might do more harm than good.
- Sometimes, devices need a reboot or a refresh if recovery isn’t working. Strange but true—don’t overlook that simple step.
Wrap-up and Final Thoughts
Recovering files that vanish for good isn’t always guaranteed, especially once the 30-day window closes. But starting with the Recently Deleted folder, then exploring cloud backups—either iCloud or Google—is a good shot. Keep in mind, if you had backups enabled before deletion, chances are higher. Of course, regular backups to iCloud or Google Photos are the best defense against future heartbreak, so set those up well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover photos that were deleted more than 30 days ago?
Not through the Recently Deleted folder anymore, but if you had backup solutions active before deletion—like iCloud or Google Photos—there’s still hope.
What if my photos aren’t in iCloud?
If they’re not there, check if your device was set to back up to iCloud before. Otherwise, some third-party recovery apps might help, but be cautious—some are more scammy than helpful.
Are third-party apps safe for recovery?
Some are okay if you do your homework. Look for ones with good reviews and high ratings, and avoid shady freebie software. Sometimes, they work, sometimes they don’t, so keep your expectations realistic.