In the modern era, where technology rules the world, most people have a smart device they use to capture their favorite moments. No matter the age, generation, or other factors, we all like to have memories to hold on to as time passes.
However, unpredictable situations may wait around the corner, leading to data loss. You may have noticed that some of your files are missing and wonder what you can do to get them back. We'll cover all methods to retrieve lost photos from any device. Check out the guide below.
In this article
Are Erased Photos Lost Forever?
The answer to this question depends on the deletion scenario. In most cases, you can recover your files with the help of the right tools. However, photo recovery is more challenging after overwriting data.
For instance, if you've performed a Full Format on your hard drive, you have overwritten your data, making the recovery process more complicated. However, after permanently deleting some files, there's still a chance for you to get them back.
How to Retrieve Deleted Photos on a Windows PC
Check out some of the best solutions for recovering photos from a Windows PC.
Retrieve Deleted Images Using Wondershare Recoverit
Wondershare Recoverit is a powerful tool that retrieves images in most data loss scenarios. Whether you've accidentally deleted your files or lost them due to a virus attack, this software can help.
It's the most versatile tool, covering all file types and devices, making the recovery process efficient. No matter what kind of image you've lost, you can rely on this tool. It has advanced scanners and 35 patented technologies to help you on the recovery journey.
Head to the official Wondershare Recoverit website, download the tool to your Windows PC, and follow the steps below to recover your images:
- Open Wondershare Recoverit and click Hard Drives and Locations.
- Choose the storage unit to scan.
- Specify the file type to accelerate the process.
- Preview and select the recovered images and click Recover.
- Choose where to save the files.
Recall Deleted Photos From the Recycle Bin
If you've deleted your photos in the past 30 days and haven't emptied your Recycle Bin, follow the steps below to recover the deleted images:
- Open the Recycle Bin.
- Right-click the file you want to recover.
- Click Restore.
Recover Erased Images Using File History
File History is a backup utility for Windows devices. If you have previously enabled it, you can recover a copy of your images from a backup. Here's how to access it:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security.
- Go to Backup > More Options.
- Click Restore files from a current backup.
- Choose the desired files and click the Restore button.
Recover Deleted Photos From a Backup
If you've created backups of your favorite images, you can quickly restore them by accessing your backup solution. Whether it is an external drive, a USB, or cloud storage, you can quickly recover your images through these backups and resolve the missing photo issue.
Recover Erased Photos to Previous Versions
One of the most straightforward and quickest ways to recover deleted photos is to access their previous versions. Find the folder where you have stored the deleted images and follow the steps below:
- Right-click the folder that had your missing photo.
- Click Restore previous versions.
Al text: restore previous versions
How to Retrieve Deleted Photos on a Mac
Below are the best solutions for recovering deleted photos on Mac devices.
Restore Deleted Images Using Wondershare Recoverit for Mac
As mentioned earlier, Wondershare Recoverit is a powerful, universal tool to meet your recovery needs. It has a Mac version that supports macOS 10.10 or later. No matter what type of file you've lost, Wondershare Recoverit will retrieve your valuable data.
Thus, to save yourself time and nerves, download the tool from the official website and check out the steps below to learn how to recover your deleted photos:
- Open Wondershare Recoverit and click Hard Drives and Locations.
- Choose the storage containing your missing image files to initiate an automatic scan.
- Specify the file type to Photo for faster retrieval.
- Preview the results, select the images to save, and click Recover.
- Choose where to save the images.
Recall Deleted Images Using the Photos App
You can recover your favorite files directly from the Photos app on your Mac. Follow this guide for a successful recovery:
- Open the Photos app on your Mac.
- Go to the Recently Deleted folder in the left sidebar.
- Choose the files you wish to recover.
- Click Recover.
Get Deleted Photos Back From the Trash
The Trash folder will hold onto your deleted files for 30 days. Thus, you can easily recover your favorite photos on your Mac by following the steps below:
- Open the Trash.
- Right-click the file you want to recover.
- Select Put Back from the drop-down menu.
Recover Deleted Images Using Time Machine
Time Machine is an excellent tool for backing up some of your most precious files, including photographs. If you've backed up your images with Time Machine, follow the steps below to recover them:
- Open Time Machine on your Mac.
- Find the backup containing your pictures.
- Click Restore.
Recover Deleted Mac Images From an iCloud Backup
As the name suggests, iCloud provides cloud storage for your most important files. If you've backed up your photos to your iCloud account, you can recover them by following these steps:
- Go to iCloud via your browser.
- Sign into your account.
- Go to Photos > Albums.
- Open the Recently Deleted album.
- Select the images to retrieve and click Recover.
How to Retrieve Deleted Photos on Android
Check out the most efficient image recovery solutions for Android devices.
Restore Lost Photos From Google Photos
Google Photos is one of the best cloud backup solutions for your images and videos. If you accidentally delete or lose your files, you can rely on Google Photos to restore them. Here's how to perform recovery from Google Photos:
- Launch the Google Photos app on your phone.
- Open the image you want to recover.
- Swipe up and select Download.
Recover Images From OneDrive
OneDrive is Microsoft's backup option, where you can store and access all your data anytime. You can recover your images using this app by following this guide:
- Open the OneDrive app.
- Head to Me > Recycle Bin.
- Select the files to retrieve and click Restore.
Recover Deleted Photos From Android Using Wondershare Dr.Fone Android App
Wondershare Dr. Fone is an all-in-one toolkit for seamless phone management. It offers numerous tools and features to make your smartphone experience easier. Aside from the management tools, you can find recovery options, which is our topic in this guide.
Wondershare Dr.Fone is the first mobile recovery tool for Android devices and has the highest success rate on the market. Thus, to recover your photos in any loss scenario, download the app to your phone and proceed to the steps below:
- Open Wondershare Dr.Fone on your Android and select the Photos option. Once you do, the app will start scanning the device.
- Choose the files you wish to save and tap Recover.
How to Retrieve Deleted Photos on an iPhone
If you've lost photos on your iPhone, check out these solutions for a successful recovery.
Get Deleted Photos Back Using the Recently Deleted Feature
Like all other devices, your iPhone will hold onto your deleted files for 30 days before permanently deleting them. These photos will be in the Recently Deleted folder. You can access this folder and recover your images by following this guide:
- Open the Photos app and tap Albums.
- Scroll to find the Recently Deleted folder.
- Select the files you want to retrieve and tap Recover.
Recover Recently Deleted Photos Using iTunes
iTunes is another excellent backup option for Apple devices. Aside from audio files, iTunes can preserve images and videos, so you can recover your lost files using a previous backup. Here's how to do it:
- Connect your iPhone to a desktop device.
- Open iTunes on your computer.
- Click the Phone icon to select your iPhone and go to Summary > Restore Backup.
- Choose the backup containing your lost images.
- Click Restore.
Undelete Images From an iPhone Backup
If you've created a backup of your iPhone, we have good news. You can recover your missing files within minutes by following the steps below:
- Launch Finder on your Mac.
- Connect your iPhone to the Mac.
- Select your device in the left sidebar.
- Click Restore iPhone.
- Click Restore to begin the process.
Regain Deleted Images From an iPhone Using Wondershare Dr.Fone Data Recovery (iOS)
Wondershare Dr. Fone is the best, most efficient data recovery tool for iPhone devices. It has multiple tools to help you manage your device, including data deletion and recovery. Thanks to its advanced tools and technologies, you'll recover all your valuable images, even in the worst-case scenarios.
Here's how to use Wondershare Dr.Fone iPhone data recovery:
- Download and launch Wondershare Dr.Fone on your desktop and select Data Recovery.
- Choose iOS as the OS type.
- Click Recover Data from an iOS device.
- Connect your iPhone to the desktop with a USB cable.
- Tick the Photos checkbox to select the file type and click Start Scan.
- Let the program find recoverable images.
- Preview the recovered data and select the files to save. Click Restore to Device.
- Choose your iPhone from the available options and hit Continue.
- If you have enabled the Find My service, turn it off to proceed.
- After turning off the feature, you'll transfer the recovered files to your phone.
Conclusion
Losing some of your favorite images is stressful, and you may need help figuring out what to do. If you're searching for some of your lost files, this guide is all you need to retrieve them. Try the best recovery solutions for your device to get your valuable old files back.
FAQ
How can I retrieve permanently deleted photos?
One of the best ways to recover permanently deleted photos is through backup solutions, such as Google Photos, iTunes, external drives, etc. You can extract your data in minutes with these solutions. However, if you don't have a backup, we recommend third-party tools, such as Wondershare Recoverit or Dr.Fone.Can I recover deleted photos on my iPhone?
You can recover deleted photos on your iPhone in several ways. However, recovery may be complicated if you don't have a backup. Fortunately, you can use Wondershare Dr.Fone, the most powerful tool, to extract and return your data to your device.Can I recover deleted photos on Android?
You can recover deleted photos on Android, but most methods require a previous backup. If you don't have one, opt for a universal recovery tool like Wondershare Dr.Fone to retrieve your files.How can I recover permanently deleted photos without a backup?
The most reliable way to recover permanently deleted photos without a backup is to use Wondershare Recoverit or Dr.Fone. These tools have advanced technologies that can dive deep into your device's system and extract data in the worst loss scenarios. Thus, we recommend these universal tools for the safest recovery journey.Can I recover deleted photos for free?
All data recovery methods above are free of charge, and you can get your photos back without spending a dime.Can you recover permanently deleted photos from iCloud?
Yes, iCloud is an excellent solution for recovering permanently deleted photos. You can get your files back in minutes if you've created a backup on your iCloud account.