How to recover permanently deleted iCloud photos

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

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

Quick Answer

To recover permanently deleted iCloud photos, you can check the 'Recently Deleted' folder in the Photos app, use iCloud.com to restore from backups, or utilize third-party recovery tools if necessary. However, if the photos have been permanently deleted from both the device and iCloud, recovery may not be possible.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before attempting to recover permanently deleted iCloud photos, ensure you meet the following requirements.
  • •An active iCloud account with sufficient storage space.
  • •Access to the device where the photos were originally stored.
  • •Latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS installed.
  • •Internet connection to access iCloud services.
  • •Backup of important data to prevent further loss.

Method 1: Recovering from Recently Deleted Folder

This method is applicable if the photos were deleted within the last 30 days. The Recently Deleted folder retains deleted photos for recovery.
  • •Step 1: Open the Photos app on your device.
  • •Step 2: Tap on 'Albums' at the bottom of the screen.
  • •Step 3: Scroll down and select 'Recently Deleted'.
  • •Step 4: Select the photos you wish to recover and tap 'Recover'.
  • •Step 5: Confirm the recovery by tapping 'Recover Photo(s)'.
  • •Step 6: Verify recovery by checking the 'Photos' album.

For Windows 11

Follow these steps to recover photos using iCloud on Windows 11.
  • •Open the iCloud app and sign in with your Apple ID.
  • •Click on 'Photos' and then 'Options'.
  • •Ensure 'iCloud Photos' is checked.
  • •Open File Explorer and navigate to 'iCloud Photos'.
  • •Select 'Recently Deleted' to view and recover photos.

For Windows 10

Use these steps to recover photos on Windows 10.
  • •Open the iCloud app from the Start menu.
  • •Sign in with your Apple ID.
  • •Click on 'Photos' and check 'iCloud Photos'.
  • •Open File Explorer and go to 'iCloud Photos'.
  • •Select 'Recently Deleted' to recover your photos.

Method 2: Restoring from iCloud.com

If the photos are not in the Recently Deleted folder, you can attempt to restore them from iCloud.com if you have backups.
  • •Step 1: Open a web browser and go to iCloud.com.
  • •Step 2: Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
  • •Step 3: Click on 'Photos' to access your photo library.
  • •Step 4: Check the 'Recently Deleted' folder for recoverable photos.
  • •Step 5: If not found, check 'Settings' for backup options.
  • •Step 6: If backups are available, restore the entire library or specific albums.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems while trying to recover deleted photos, consider the following solutions.
  • •Error: 'No Photos Found' - Solution: Ensure you are checking the correct device and account.
  • •Issue: 'Photos not syncing' - Fix: Check your internet connection and iCloud settings.
  • •Problem: 'Recently Deleted folder empty' - Workaround: Check if photos were deleted more than 30 days ago or if they were permanently deleted.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your photo recovery process with these advanced tips.
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + Z (Mac) / Ctrl + Z (Windows) - Undo the last action in the Photos app.
  • •Command line: Use Terminal commands to check iCloud sync status.
  • •Hidden feature: Enable 'Optimize iPhone Storage' to save space while keeping originals in iCloud.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regularly backing up your photos and understanding iCloud settings can significantly reduce the risk of permanent loss.