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| Step-by-step guide to recover deleted photos on Android and iPhone without data loss (2026). |
Accidentally deleting photos is one of the most common smartphone problems. Millions of users search every year for how to recover deleted photos from Android or iPhone, whether due to accidental deletion, factory reset, phone crash, or storage issues.
The good news is: deleted photos can often be recovered if you act quickly and use the right methods.
This 2026 updated guide explains all working and safe ways to recover deleted photos from Android and iPhone.
Also Read: How to Find Lost or Stolen Mobile Phone (Android & iPhone – 2026 Guide)
Why Photos Get Deleted
Common reasons include:
- Accidental deletion
- Factory reset
- Phone software update
- Storage cleanup apps
- SD card corruption
- Phone stolen or lost
👉 Tip: Stop using the phone immediately after deletion to increase recovery chances.
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How to Recover Deleted Photos from Android (Best Methods)
Method 1: Recover Photos from Google Photos (Best & Free)
If Google Photos backup was enabled, your photos are safe.
Steps:
- Open Google Photos
- Tap Trash / Bin
- Select deleted photos
- Tap Restore
✅ Works up to 30 days (60 days if backed up)
Method 2: Recover Deleted Photos from Android Gallery Trash
Most Android phones have a recycle bin.
Steps:
- Open Gallery
- Go to Recently Deleted / Trash
- Select photos
- Tap Restore
📌 Available on Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Vivo, etc.
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Method 3: Recover Photos Using Android Data Recovery Software
If photos are permanently deleted:
Popular tools:
- Dr.Fone
- iMobie PhoneRescue
- EaseUS Android Recovery
Requirements:
- Computer required
- USB debugging enabled
- Root may be needed (deep recovery)
⚠️ Success depends on phone usage after deletion.
Also Read: How to Transfer Old WhatsApp Chats to a New Phone
How to Recover Deleted Photos from iPhone
Method 1: Recover from iPhone “Recently Deleted” Folder
Steps:
- Open Photos
- Go to Recently Deleted
- Select photos
- Tap Recover
🕒 Photos stay for 30 days
Method 2: Recover Deleted Photos from iCloud Backup
If iCloud backup was enabled:
Steps:
- Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Erase All Content
- Choose Restore from iCloud Backup
- Select backup before deletion
⚠️ This will erase current data.
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Method 3: Recover Photos Using iTunes / Finder Backup
Steps:
- Connect iPhone to computer
- Open iTunes / Finder
- Click Restore Backup
- Choose old backup
Method 4: iPhone Photo Recovery Software
Useful if no backup exists.
Popular tools:
- Dr.Fone for iOS
- iMyFone D-Back
- Tenorshare UltData
⚠️ Paid tools – results vary.
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Can You Recover Photos After Factory Reset?
- Android: Possible only if backup exists
- iPhone: Possible via iCloud or iTunes backup
- Without backup: ❌ Recovery is very difficult
Can Deleted Photos Be Recovered Without Backup?
✔️ Sometimes (Android only, with software)
❌ iPhone without backup → almost impossible
What to Do Immediately After Deleting Photos
- Stop using the phone
- Turn off mobile data
- Do not install new apps
- Try recovery methods ASAP
Tips to Protect Photos in the Future
- Enable Google Photos / iCloud backup
- Use automatic Wi-Fi backups
- Avoid unknown cleaner apps
- Keep storage space available
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