How to recover deleted photos after deleting from recently deleted
Have you ever accidentally deleted photos from your phone or computer, only to realize it too late? Maybe those photos were precious memories or important documents, and now you’re in panic mode, thinking they’re gone forever. Don’t worry! I’m here to guide you on how to recover deleted photos after deleting them from the Recently Deleted folder, something I have experienced first-hand.
You’re not alone in this – I’ve been there myself, and trust me, it’s a feeling of sheer horror. Whether you’re a tech-savvy person or someone who is simply trying to get by in this digital age, it can be frustrating. But what if I told you that even though you’ve emptied the Recently Deleted folder, there might still be hope to bring back your precious photos? Keep reading to find out how you can do just that!
What Happens When You Delete Photos from the Recently Deleted Folder?
When you delete photos from the Recently Deleted folder on your phone, tablet, or computer, you might think they’re gone for good. In reality, the photos are usually not completely wiped from your device immediately. The operating system marks them as “deleted,” but the actual data still exists on your device for a while until it’s overwritten by new data.
I’ll never forget the time I thought I had permanently lost some vacation photos after clearing my Recently Deleted folder. I was freaking out until I realized there might still be a chance to get them back. If you find yourself in the same situation, don’t panic right away!
Understanding the Storage Systems of Your Device: Why It Matters
The key to understanding how to recover deleted photos after deleting them from Recently Deleted is knowing how data storage works on your device. Every file, whether it’s a photo, video, or document, takes up space on your device’s storage. When you delete a photo, it doesn’t just vanish. Instead, the system marks it as “free space” but doesn’t actually remove the data right away.
I remember once accidentally deleting a whole album of photos while cleaning up my phone. It was a scary moment, but after understanding how storage works, I learned that I could attempt to retrieve those files before they were overwritten. This is the key idea you need to keep in mind when trying to recover deleted photos.
Is It Possible to Recover Deleted Photos After Emptying the Recently Deleted Folder?
Yes, it’s possible! Many people mistakenly think once you clear the Recently Deleted folder, the photos are gone for good. However, that’s not entirely true. Depending on the situation, you might still have a chance to recover those deleted photos. The sooner you act, the better your chances of success.
I’ve personally tested a few methods for recovering deleted photos, and let me tell you, some worked better than others. The sooner you try to recover, the more likely you are to retrieve those photos because the space occupied by the deleted files is less likely to be overwritten.
How to Recover Deleted Photos from iCloud (iPhone and iPad)
As someone who has used an iPhone for years, I’ve encountered the situation where I accidentally deleted photos and needed to retrieve them. Luckily, iCloud comes in handy for these moments. If you’ve been syncing your iPhone or iPad with iCloud, there’s a solid chance that your photos are backed up.
Step 1: Check iCloud Photos
You can log into your iCloud account via a web browser or use the iCloud app on your device. Once logged in, check the Photos section. If you have iCloud Photos enabled, deleted photos could still be sitting there.
Step 2: Use iCloud.com
You can visit iCloud.com and go to the Photos app to see if your deleted photos are still available. Even if they’re not in the Recently Deleted folder on your device, iCloud might have a backup version of those photos.
I once retrieved some important work-related photos this way. I had no idea that iCloud had a backup stored for them, even after I thought they were lost.
How to Recover Deleted Photos on Android Devices
Android devices are different from iPhones, but there’s still hope if you’ve deleted photos. Many Android users rely on Google Photos, which backs up your media files automatically if enabled.
Step 1: Check Google Photos Trash
If you have Google Photos, there’s a Trash folder that stores deleted photos for 30 days before they’re permanently erased. All you have to do is go to the Trash folder and restore your deleted photos.
Step 2: Use Google Drive Backup
If you’ve synced your photos to Google Drive, you might still have access to older versions of the photos. In my case, I had a few moments where photos I thought I lost were still in Google Drive, ready for me to download and restore.
Using Data Recovery Software to Retrieve Photos
If your photos aren’t available on cloud services like iCloud or Google Photos, you can still try third-party recovery tools. These tools scan your phone’s or computer’s internal storage for any traces of the deleted files. Some popular data recovery tools I’ve used include DiskDigger and EaseUS Data Recovery.
Step 1: Download and Install the Recovery Software
Choose a reliable data recovery tool and install it on your computer or phone. These tools usually offer free trials, so you can check if they’ll be able to detect your deleted photos.
Step 2: Scan the Device for Deleted Files
Once installed, you’ll need to connect your device to the software and initiate a scan. The software will search your device for any remnants of the deleted photos.
Step 3: Restore Your Photos
If the tool detects your deleted photos, you can then restore them. I personally used EaseUS Data Recovery to retrieve a batch of vacation pictures I thought were gone forever. It was incredibly easy and saved me a lot of stress.
What to Do If You Can’t Find Your Deleted Photos
So, you tried everything and still can’t recover those deleted photos. Don’t lose hope. Here are a few more options to consider:
Consult a Professional Data Recovery Service
If you’ve exhausted all recovery options and your photos are still missing, it may be time to contact a professional data recovery service. These services specialize in retrieving lost data from damaged or corrupted storage devices.
Prevention for the Future
Learn from my experience: always back up your photos, either to the cloud or an external hard drive, to prevent future data loss. I now religiously back up my photos to both Google Photos and iCloud to avoid facing this nightmare again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Recover Deleted Photos
We all make mistakes. But some errors can make the process of recovering deleted photos much harder. Let me share a few common ones that I’ve encountered during my personal experiences:
Mistake #1: Overwriting the Deleted Data
If you continue using your device after deleting photos, you risk overwriting the deleted data, which makes recovery nearly impossible. When I lost a set of photos once, I made the mistake of using my phone heavily before attempting recovery, which made the process far more complicated.
Mistake #2: Not Using the Right Tools
It’s important to use trusted and reputable tools for recovery. I’ve learned the hard way that some “free” apps might promise recovery, but they end up being scams or ineffective.
Mistake #3: Not Acting Quickly
Time is crucial. The longer you wait to attempt recovery, the more likely it is that your deleted files will be overwritten. I’ve had some success stories because I acted quickly and didn’t waste any time.
Conclusion: Stay Calm, Your Photos Might Be Recoverable!
Losing your photos can be a stressful experience, but there are ways to recover deleted photos after deleting them from the Recently Deleted folder. Whether you’re relying on cloud backups like iCloud or Google Photos, using third-party recovery software, or seeking help from professional data recovery services, don’t panic – all is not lost.
Take it from me, who once thought all was lost, only to find that recovery was possible. With the right tools and steps, your memories might just be a few clicks away!
The next time you find yourself in a panic over deleted photos, you’ll know exactly what to do. Keep your cool, act fast, and remember: those precious memories might not be gone forever.