How to recover deleted photos on iPhone

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To recover deleted photos on an iPhone, users can utilize the 'Recently Deleted' album in the Photos app, restore from an iCloud backup, or use a third-party recovery tool. Each method varies in complexity and effectiveness depending on the time elapsed since deletion and available backups.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before attempting to recover deleted photos, ensure you meet the following requirements:
  • •iPhone running iOS 12 or later (iOS 15 or later recommended for optimal features)
  • •Access to iCloud account if using iCloud backup for recovery
  • •Sufficient storage space on the device for restoring photos
  • •A computer with iTunes installed if restoring from a backup
  • •Backup of important data before proceeding with recovery attempts

Method 1: Recover from Recently Deleted Album

This method is the easiest and quickest way to recover deleted photos within 30 days of deletion.
  • •Step 1: Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
  • •Step 2: Tap on 'Albums' at the bottom of the screen.
  • •Step 3: Scroll down and select 'Recently Deleted'.
  • •Step 4: Tap 'Select' in the upper right corner.
  • •Step 5: Choose the photos you want to recover.
  • •Step 6: Tap 'Recover' in the bottom right corner to restore the selected photos.
  • •Step 7: Confirm recovery by checking the 'Photos' album.

For Windows 11

If you are using Windows 11 to manage your iPhone photos:
  • •Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
  • •Open the Photos app on Windows 11.
  • •Click on 'Import' and select 'From a USB device'.
  • •Select the photos you want to import and click 'Import Selected'.

For Windows 10

For users on Windows 10:
  • •Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
  • •Open File Explorer and select 'This PC'.
  • •Right-click on your iPhone under 'Devices and drives' and select 'Import pictures and videos'.
  • •Follow the prompts to select and import your photos.

Method 2: Restore from iCloud Backup

This method is useful if the photos were deleted before the last iCloud backup.
  • •Step 1: Go to Settings on your iPhone.
  • •Step 2: Tap on your name at the top, then select 'iCloud'.
  • •Step 3: Tap 'Manage Storage', then 'Backups'.
  • •Step 4: Check the date of the last backup to ensure it contains the deleted photos.
  • •Step 5: Go back to Settings, tap 'General', then 'Reset'.
  • •Step 6: Select 'Erase All Content and Settings'.
  • •Step 7: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone.
  • •Step 8: When prompted, choose 'Restore from iCloud Backup' and select the appropriate backup.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems while recovering deleted photos, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'No photos found in Recently Deleted' - Solution: Ensure the photos were deleted within the last 30 days.
  • •Issue: 'iCloud backup not available' - Fix: Check your internet connection and ensure you are logged into the correct iCloud account.
  • •Problem: 'Photos not restoring' - Workaround: Restart your iPhone and try the recovery process again.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users looking to optimize their photo recovery process:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + Z (on Mac) - Undo the last action in Photos app.
  • •Command line: Use 'idevicebackup' to create backups via Terminal for advanced users.
  • •Hidden feature: Enable 'Optimize iPhone Storage' in Settings > Photos to save space without losing images.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regular backups and utilizing iCloud features are essential for effective photo management and recovery.