Is it possible to recover deleted photos? Effective methods step by step

At first glance it may seem that deleting a photo means losing it for good, but in reality it looks different. The operating system does not immediately remove the file contents, it only marks the space in memory as available for overwriting. As long as no new data is written to that same location, the photo still exists and can be recovered. The problem appears only when you continue to use the same storage medium – you take new photos, record videos or install apps. Each such operation increases the risk of overwriting deleted files and thus reduces the chance of successfully restoring them. That is why it is so important to act quickly, carefully and consciously.

The most important rules to start with:

• immediately stop using the device or storage medium,

• do not save new files to the same memory,

• do not install recovery tools on that drive – use another one.

This is the foundation of the whole process – by following these rules you significantly increase your chances of recovering your photos.

First step: the simplest solutions

Before you panic and start installing complex programs, take a moment to check the simplest methods. Contrary to appearances, a huge number of cases end exactly at this stage. Both smartphones and computers have mechanisms that protect users from accidentally deleting data. Photos often go to special folders where they are stored for several weeks.

On the phone:

• Android: Gallery app → “Recently deleted” (usually stored up to 60 days),

• iPhone: Photos → Albums → “Recently Deleted” (30 days),

• Google Photos: Library → Bin.

On the computer:

• Windows: Recycle Bin on the desktop,

• macOS: Trash in the Dock,

• system backups (File History, Time Machine).

In the cloud:

• OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud – each service has a bin where files remain for a set period of time, often even several months.

➡️ If the photos are in these folders, a single click is enough to restore them. This is the simplest and safest option, so always start with it.

Second step: check backups and apps

If the bins are empty, the next step is to verify whether your photos ended up in backups. Many apps and services do this automatically, even without your knowledge. Photos taken with your phone may already have been uploaded to the cloud in the background and you simply forgot about it. This is especially common with Google Photos, iCloud or OneDrive, which sync automatically if the appropriate option is enabled.

Where else is it worth looking?

• messengers (WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram), which often save photos in their own folders,

• emails – photos may have been sent as attachments,

• camera manufacturers’ clouds, e.g. Canon Image Gateway or Nikon Image Space.

It is also a good idea to check other devices to which the data may have been synchronised. It may turn out that the photos still exist, just on a different medium.

Third step: recovery from the phone

If the photos were deleted directly from the smartphone’s internal memory, things get more difficult. Modern systems such as Android or iOS use security mechanisms that prevent free access to system files. As a result, recovery without a backup is often very limited.

Android:

• check app folders (e.g. WhatsApp → Media),

• look in Google Photos,

• if you have a microSD card – remove it and use a computer for scanning.

iPhone:

• check the “Recently Deleted” album and iCloud,

• if you have a backup in iTunes/iCloud Backup you can restore the data, but remember that restoring will roll the entire phone back to an earlier state.

➡️ In practice, the greatest chances of recovering photos from a phone come with the presence of a microSD card. Internal memory is much harder to recover due to encryption and the lack of mass storage mode.

Fourth step: memory card and computer

Recovering photos from SD and microSD memory cards is the most effective method. These are exactly the media that give the best chances, because they are easy to remove and analyse on a computer. However, it is important not to continue using the card after deleting the photos – every new write operation can destroy the files.

What to prepare?

• a computer with plenty of free space,

• an SD/microSD card reader,

• an additional storage medium (USB drive, external disk),

• data recovery programs (PhotoRec, Recuva, R-Studio, Disk Drill).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Remove the card and insert it into the reader.

2. If you have an adapter with a “Lock” switch, turn it on to prevent writing.

3. Create an image of the card (e.g. with ddrescue or Win32 Disk Imager).

4. Point the recovery program to the image file and select file types.

5. Run a full scan and wait for the results.

6. Save the recovered photos to another storage medium.

7. Organise the files by date and check their integrity.

This method is particularly effective in the case of a quick format of the card – the data usually still exists, even though the file system has been removed.

Fifth step: recovering from a computer drive

If you have lost photos on your computer, the procedure is similar. The difference is that in the case of SSDs the TRIM function operates, which very quickly clears logical data, significantly reducing effectiveness.

Windows:

• check the Recycle Bin and previous versions of files,

• use File History,

• if that does not help, scan with programs such as Recuva or R-Studio.

macOS:

• check the Trash and Time Machine,

• if necessary, use PhotoRec or Disk Drill.

➡️ In the case of classic HDDs, the chances are high even after a longer time, but with SSDs every hour counts.

Unusual cases and solutions

We do not always deal with simple photo deletion. Sometimes the situation is more complicated.

The most common problems:

• quick formatting – the photos can still be recovered,

• “format the card” message – use TestDisk or PhotoRec,

• overwritten files – partial recovery may be possible,

• errors during import – check temporary folders and app directories.

In such cases, patience and skilful use of the right tools are important.

When to use a data recovery lab?

If the storage medium is physically damaged – the computer does not see it, strange sounds appear or the card has been flooded – it is better not to attempt repairs on your own. Any unskilled attempt may only make things worse. Professional labs have the equipment and expertise to recover data even from seriously damaged media.

Although the cost of such services can be high, it is worth considering when the photos have enormous emotional or professional value.

How to increase the chances of success?

Even with home methods you can do a lot to improve effectiveness. The key is to work on a copy of the medium, not on the original. This way you do not risk further data loss. It is also good to filter files by format and date to make them easier to sort after recovery.

Good practices:

• always make an image of the medium before scanning,

• use EXIF filters to sort photos,

• do not save the results on the same medium,

• avoid automatic “repair” tools before recovery.

These are details that in practice can determine the success of the entire operation.

How to avoid problems in the future?

The best way to deal with photo loss is prevention. Regular backups mean that even accidental deletion of files is not a problem. It is worth implementing a simple 3-2-1 rule.

The 3-2-1 rule:

• three copies of the photos,

• two different media,

• one copy off-site (e.g. in the cloud).

Thanks to this, even in the event of a phone or disk failure you will not lose priceless memories.

Recovering photos requires patience and the right approach. First you should check simple methods – bins and clouds, then focus on external media, and as a last resort consider professional services. Remember that every minute counts. The sooner you start acting, the better your chances. And once you have recovered your photos, secure them for the future – so that you never find yourself in a similar situation again.