How to Recover Recently Deleted Photos and Videos on iPhone
Recover deleted photos and videos on an iPhone by opening Photos > Albums > Recently Deleted, unlocking the album, selecting files, and tapping Recover. Apple normally keeps deleted items for 30 days. After 30 days, recovery requires an available iCloud, Finder, or iTunes backup created before deletion.
🤔Note:
Photos and videos remain in the Recently Deleted album for up to 30 days. After that period, recovery generally requires an iCloud, Finder, or iTunes backup created before the files were deleted.
Steps
- Open the Photos app and select Albums.
- Scroll to Recently Deleted, then unlock the album with Face ID, Touch ID, or the iPhone passcode.
- Tap Select and choose the photos or videos required for recovery.
- Tap the More button, choose Recover, and confirm the action.
- Check the Library or original album for the restored files.
Common Issues and Fixes
- Recently Deleted album is empty: The 30-day retention period may have ended, or the album may have been cleared manually. Check an iCloud, Finder, or iTunes backup made before deletion.
- A recovered item does not appear in the Library: The photo or video may have returned to the original album or a different date location. Search by file type, date, or location.
- iCloud Photos is enabled but files remain missing: Synchronization may be paused because of low battery, limited storage, or no internet connection. Connect to Wi-Fi, charge the iPhone, and check Settings > [Apple Account] > iCloud > Photos.
- Accidentally deleted iPhone videos cannot be selected: The files may have been permanently removed or damaged during synchronization. Check another Apple device using the same Apple Account and review available backups.
- Backup restoration would replace current data: A full backup restore rolls the iPhone back to an earlier state. Save newer files separately before using the restore process.
💡Protip:
Restore files before the 30-day Recently Deleted deadline expires. Keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi while iCloud Photos completes synchronization, and check Hidden, Shared Albums, Messages, and cloud storage apps when a file seems missing.
Quick Tips
- Restore files before the 30-day Recently Deleted deadline expires.
- Keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi while iCloud Photos completes synchronization.
- Check Hidden, Shared Albums, Messages, and cloud storage apps when a file seems missing.
- Avoid creating or restoring a new backup after deletion if an older backup may contain the missing files.
Related Questions
Can permanently deleted iPhone photos be recovered?
Recovery is possible only when an older iCloud, Finder, or iTunes backup contains the files. Without Recently Deleted access or a suitable backup, permanent recovery is generally not available through Apple Photos.
Does restoring from an iPhone backup recover deleted videos?
A backup created before deletion may recover deleted videos, but a full restore can replace newer data. Archive current photos, videos, and contacts before starting a backup restoration.
