Recover deleted photos: Step-by-Step Guide
In today’s digital age, our photos are a snapshots of our most cherished memories. However, nothing strikes more fear into our hearts than accidentally deleting those precious images. But don’t despair! Whether it’s due to an accidental click, a failed sync, or corrupted storage, you can often get back those deleted photos. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to recover deleted photos. From using the powerful recover deleted photos with Disk Drill to combing through your recycle bin or cloud backups, we’ve got you covered. This step-by-step guide will walk you through each method, ensuring you have the best chance of seeing those smiles and moments once again.
Common Scenarios:
Accidental Deletion 😱
- We’ve all been there: one wrong click and your favorite photos disappear.
Accidental deletion of photos is common. Maybe you were cleaning your gallery, or you thought you backed them up. Whatever the reason, the key is to act quickly and follow the right steps to retrieve them.
Software Crash 💻
- Software crashes can lead to unsaved work and lost data, including photos.
Sometimes your computer or smartphone crashes unexpectedly, and you lose precious photos. In such cases, various recovery tools and methods can help restore those lost files.
Corrupted Storage 💾
- Storage devices can become corrupted due to multiple reasons, leading to lost photos.
If your memory card or hard disk gets corrupted, it can make your photos inaccessible or deleted. Specialized data recovery software can often recover photos from such damaged devices.
Step-by-Step Guide. How To Recover Deleted Photos:
Method 1: Recover Deleted Photos Using Disk Drill 📂
- Download and install the Disk Drill software from CleverFiles official website.
- Launch Disk Drill and select the storage device from which the photos were deleted.
- Click on the “Search for lost data” button to start the scanning process.
- Once the scan is complete, preview the photos that Disk Drill has found.
- Finally, select the photos you want to recover and click the “Recover” button.
Note: Disk Drill supports various storage devices and file systems. Read more on their official site.
Conclusion: Disk Drill is a robust recovery tool that makes it easier to recover lost photos.
Method 2: Use the Recycle Bin 🗑
- Open your computer’s Recycle Bin or Trash.
- Look for the deleted photos by name or date. Use the search function if needed.
- Select the photos you want to recover.
- Right-click and choose the “Restore” option to move the photos back to their original location.
Note: This method only works if you haven’t permanently deleted the photos or emptied the Recycle Bin.
Conclusion: The Recycle Bin or Trash can be a quick and easy way to recover recently deleted photos.
Method 3: Check Cloud Backups ☁
- Log into the cloud storage service where your photos are backed up (e.g., Google Photos, iCloud, OneDrive).
- Navigate to the “Trash” or “Recently Deleted” folder.
- Look for the photos you want to recover.
- Select the photos and click the “Restore” button to move them back to your main photo library.
Note: Cloud services usually retain deleted files for a period before permanently deleting them.
Conclusion: Utilizing cloud backups can be an effective way to recover deleted photos without needing additional software.
Method 4: Use File History or Time Machine 🕰
- For Windows users, open the File History tool; for macOS users, open Time Machine.
- Navigate to the folder where the photos were stored.
- Use the timeline to select a backup point before the photos were deleted.
- Select the photos you want to recover and click the “Restore” button.
Note: Ensure that you have previously set up File History or Time Machine and the backups include the photos you want to recover.
Conclusion: These built-in backup solutions on Windows and macOS provide an easy way to recover deleted photos.
Method 5: Use a Professional Data Recovery Service 🛠
- Find a reputable data recovery service in your area or online.
- Contact them to discuss your specific issue and the possibility of recovering your photos.
- Send the storage device to their facility as per their instructions.
- Wait for their technicians to attempt recovery and provide you with a report.
- Once the photos are recovered, ensure you back them up immediately.
Note: This method can be costly, but it’s often the last resort for severely damaged or corrupted storage devices.
Conclusion: Professional data recovery services can often retrieve photos that other methods cannot, albeit at a higher cost.
Watch on Youtube: Recover deleted photos: Step-by-Step Guide
Precautions and Tips:
Prevent Future Data Loss 🚀
- Regularly back up your photos to cloud storage or an external hard drive.
- Utilize built-in operating system tools like File History (Windows) and Time Machine (macOS).
- Consider setting up automatic backup schedules to ensure your photos are regularly saved.
- Use reliable antivirus software to protect your system from malware that can corrupt or delete files.
- Avoid interrupting file transfers between devices to prevent data corruption.
Taking proactive steps will help you avoid the heartache of losing cherished photos again.
Valuable tips
While recovering deleted photos, taking preventative measures is crucial. Regular backing up can save you a lot of headaches. Utilizing cloud storage solutions like Google Photos, iCloud, and OneDrive ensures your photos are safely stored away from local device failures. Moreover, tools like Microsoft’s File History and Apple’s Time Machine offer system-level safeguards against data loss.
Investing in a reliable external hard drive can be worthwhile. These can be used to store large volumes of photos, offering an additional level of backup. Consider establishing a robust backup routine—perhaps automated to eliminate the risk of forgetting.
Alternatively, using third-party backup solutions like Backblaze or Carbonite can provide secure and automated cloud-based backups. Links: Backblaze and Carbonite.
Remember, technological failures and accidental deletions are often beyond our control. Implementing a multi-layered approach to photo storage and backup ensures that your cherished memories remain safe and retrievable.
Conclusion:
FAQ
How can one recover photos deleted on an Android device?
Check the Trash or Recycle Bin in your phone's gallery app. If not, use recovery software like DiskDigger or Dr.Fone.
Is it possible to retrieve deleted photos from an iPhone?
Yes, use the Recently Deleted album in your Photos app. If not found, try software like Tenorshare UltData or iMobie PhoneRescue.
What software can be used to recover photos from a memory card?
Can deleted photos be retrieved from a cloud service?
Log in to your cloud account, go to the Trash or Deleted Items section, and restore photos. For specifics, check services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
What is the procedure to recover photos from a PC recycle bin?
Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop, locate the deleted photos, right-click and select Restore. They will return to their original location.
Can photos be recovered after formatting a hard drive?
Yes, use advanced recovery software like R-Studio or MiniTool Power Data Recovery. These tools can often retrieve data even after formatting.
Is professional data recovery worth considering for deleted photos?
If software fails, professional services can help. Companies like Ontrack specialize in recovering tough cases, but it can be costly.
How does one retrieve photos from an SD card using a computer?
Insert the SD card into the computer’s slot, use recovery software like PhotoRec or CardRecovery. Follow on-screen instructions to recover.
Can I restore photos from a backup?
Always check backups first. Restore from Google Photos backup if on Android, or iCloud backup on iOS. Ensure regular backup to avoid data loss.
What steps to take immediately after accidentally deleting photos?
Stop using the device immediately to avoid overwriting data. Use below tools to scan and recover. Quick action can significantly increase recovery chances.