Accidentally deleted your pictures? Don’t panic. Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android, there are multiple ways to restore them. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to recover deleted photos on iPhone and Android, including methods to bring back permanently deleted photos without backup.
How to Recover Deleted Photos on iPhone
If you have deleted photos on your iPhone, the first place to check is the Recently Deleted album inside the Photos app. Apple keeps your photos here for up to 30 days. Just open the Photos app, go to Albums, scroll to Recently Deleted, and tap Recover.
If your photos are not there, the next option is iCloud Photos. With iCloud enabled, your pictures are automatically stored online. Log in to iCloud.com, open Photos, and download the missing images.
Another reliable way is restoring from an iTunes or Finder backup on your computer. If you had synced your device earlier, simply restore the backup to get the old photo library back.
And when nothing else works, third-party recovery apps like Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS), PhoneRescue, and EaseUS MobiSaver can help you recover permanently deleted photos on iPhone.
How to Recover Deleted Photos on Android
On Android, the easiest way to get back your images is through Google Photos Trash. Deleted photos remain there for up to 60 days. Just open the Google Photos app, tap Library, go to Trash, and restore them.
Many brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus also provide a Recycle Bin in their Gallery app. Check your phone’s gallery settings to see if the deleted photos are still there.
If you use cloud storage, Google Drive is another option. Log in to Google Drive and re-download your photos.
In cases where photos are permanently deleted, apps like DiskDigger Photo Recovery and EaseUS MobiSaver for Android can scan your device and try to restore hidden files.
How to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos Without Backup
Recovering permanently deleted photos is harder, but not impossible. The success depends on whether new data has overwritten the old files. For this reason, stop using your phone immediately after realizing the loss. Then, use trusted tools such as Dr.Fone (for both iPhone & Android) or DiskDigger (for Android).
Professional data recovery services also exist, but they can be expensive. For most users, mobile apps and backups are enough.
Best Apps to Recover Deleted Photos on iPhone & Android
- Dr.Fone – Data Recovery → Available for iOS & Android.
- DiskDigger Photo Recovery → Works on Android without root.
- iMobie PhoneRescue → iPhone-specific recovery with selective restore.
- EaseUS MobiSaver → Reliable option for both platforms.
For safety, always download recovery apps from App Store or Google Play Store.
Avoid Losing Photos Again
- Enable iCloud backup on iPhone or Google Photos backup on Android.
- Save important pictures to Dropbox or Google Drive as an extra layer of safety.
- Avoid using phone cleaner apps that may delete hidden images.
- Regularly transfer photos to your PC or external drive.
Learning how to recover deleted photos on iPhone and Android is essential in 2025 because so much of our life is captured in pictures. Always start with the Recently Deleted folder, then check iCloud or Google Photos, and finally use trusted recovery apps if needed. Acting quickly and enabling backups will ensure your memories are never lost forever.
FAQs
1: Can I recover permanently deleted photos on iPhone without iCloud?
Yes, but you’ll need recovery apps like Dr.Fone or PhoneRescue.
2: How long do deleted photos stay on Android?
In Google Photos Trash, they remain for 60 days before permanent removal.
3: What’s the safest app for photo recovery?
Dr.Fone and EaseUS MobiSaver are considered the most reliable.
4: Can I recover deleted photos without a computer?
Yes, if you use Google Photos or iCloud backup, recovery is possible directly on the phone.