How to Recover Deleted Photos/Videos: A Complete Guide
Have you ever deleted a photo or video only to realize later that it was something you could never replace? Maybe it was a graduation clip, a family vacation photo, or even a work-related recording. That “oops” moment hits hard. But here’s the thing—deleted doesn’t always mean gone forever.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to recover deleted photos/videos, step by step. We’ll cover phones, computers, cloud backups, recovery tools, and even social apps where your files might be hiding. Think of it as your complete “data rescue kit.”
Why Deleted Doesn’t Always Mean Gone
When you delete a file, your device doesn’t immediately wipe it clean. Instead, it marks that space as “available” for new data. Until something else is saved in that spot, your deleted photo or video may still exist in the shadows of your storage.
That’s why timing matters. The sooner you try recovery, the better your chances.
Imagine this: Your phone’s storage is like a library. Deleting a photo is like removing the book from a shelf but leaving the spot empty. Until another book is placed there, the old one can still be retrieved from storage.
1. Check the Recently Deleted Folder
This is the easiest and often most overlooked step.
On iPhone/iPad:
- Open the Photos app.
- Scroll down to Recently Deleted.
- Select the items and hit Recover.
- iPhones usually keep deleted files for 30 days before permanent deletion.
On Android:
- Open Google Photos.
- Tap Library > Trash.
- Select your files and restore.
- Some Android brands also have a built-in gallery trash folder.
👉 Real-life note: I once thought I lost a vacation video forever but found it in Recently Deleted just hours before it expired. Don’t skip this step!
2. Search Your Cloud Backups
Cloud services have quietly become lifesavers for accidental deletions.
Popular services that save your media:
- Google Photos: Deleted files go to Trash for 60 days.
- iCloud Photos: Stores deleted items in Recently Deleted for 30 days.
- Microsoft OneDrive: Keeps deleted files for 30 days.
- Dropbox: Stores deleted files for 30 days (up to 180 days on paid plans).
💡 Pro Tip: Turn on auto-sync in at least one cloud platform. It acts as your invisible safety net.
3. Use File Recovery Software
When the trash is empty and cloud is no help, recovery software can scan your device for traces of deleted data.
Popular Recovery Tools:
- Recuva (Windows)
- Free version available.
- Easy for SD cards & USB drives.
- Disk Drill (Mac/Windows)
- Recovers 400+ file formats.
- Great for deep scans.
- Dr.Fone (Android/iOS)
- Mobile-focused recovery.
- Can also restore messages.
- EaseUS MobiSaver (Mobile/Desktop)
- Beginner-friendly.
- Works for both photos & videos.
⚠️ Important: The more you use your device after deleting something, the higher the chance your data gets overwritten. If it’s an SD card, stop using it immediately and connect it to your PC for recovery.
4. Restore from PC or External Backups
If you’re old-school like me and still back up photos on hard drives, this is where it pays off.
- Windows Users:
- Check File History or Backup & Restore.
- Search older versions of folders.
- Mac Users:
- Open Time Machine.
- Navigate to the date when the file still existed.
- External Hard Drives/USBs:
- Often contain forgotten backups.
- Worth checking before trying expensive recovery.
5. Professional Data Recovery Services
When nothing else works and the files are priceless, professional recovery labs are your last resort.
- They handle corrupted SD cards, damaged drives, or overwritten sectors.
- Prices range from $100–$1,000+.
Would I pay that? Personally, only if it was something like my wedding photos or a once-in-a-lifetime event. For casual selfies, it’s not worth the cost.
6. Look in Messaging Apps & Social Media
Sometimes we forget that our photos and videos live beyond our phones.
- WhatsApp: Media folder often still has your files. Or maybe a friend still has the chat.
- Instagram/Facebook: Check your archive or download all your data.
- Email Attachments: Old attachments in Gmail/Outlook are hidden gems.
👉 I once rediscovered a group trip video in my WhatsApp backup even after deleting it from my phone storage.
Are Permanently Deleted Photos/Videos Really Gone?
This is the big question. Here’s the truth:
- If overwritten by new data → yes, they’re gone.
- If not overwritten → recovery is still possible.
Think of it like erasing pencil on paper. Until you write something else in the same space, the faint marks are still visible.
Step-by-Step Guide: Recovering on Android
- Open Google Photos Trash.
- If not found, connect phone to PC.
- Run Recuva or Dr.Fone.
- Save recovered files to a different location.
Step-by-Step Guide: Recovering on iPhone
- Open Photos > Recently Deleted.
- If not found, log into iCloud.com.
- If still missing, try Dr.Fone for iOS.
- Restore via iTunes or Finder backup if available.
Step-by-Step Guide: Recovering from SD Cards
- Stop using the SD card immediately.
- Insert it into your computer using a card reader.
- Run recovery software (Recuva or Disk Drill).
- Save recovered media to a new location.
Tips to Avoid Future Loss
Recovering is stressful. Here’s how to save yourself next time:
- Enable cloud auto-backup. (Google Photos, iCloud, etc.)
- Back up monthly to a PC or hard drive.
- Use reliable SD cards. Cheap ones corrupt quickly.
- Don’t store everything in one place. Spread across cloud + drive.
FAQs
How can I recover permanently deleted photos and videos?
Use recovery software or professional services if not in Trash/Cloud.
Are permanently deleted videos actually deleted?
Not immediately. They remain recoverable until overwritten.
How to get deleted photos and videos back on Android?
Check Google Photos Trash, use recovery apps, or scan with PC tools.
Is it possible to recover permanently deleted files?
Yes, but chances depend on time passed and data overwrite.
Final Thoughts
Losing photos and videos can feel heartbreaking, but it’s not always the end. From Recently Deleted folders to cloud backups, recovery software, and even professional help, there are many ways to get them back.
The golden rule? Act fast. The sooner you try, the higher your recovery chances. And once you’ve saved your memories, set up a proper backup habit—your future self will thank you.
So next time disaster strikes, take a deep breath and follow these steps. Your lost memories may not be gone after all.