Stop Using the Device: When you delete photos, they aren't immediately erased from the storage. Instead, the system marks the space as available for new data. To avoid overwriting these files, stop using the device immediately.
Check Recycle Bin/Trash: The first place to look for deleted photos is the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). If your photos are there, you can restore them with just a few clicks.
Recovering Photos on Different Platforms
Windows
1. Recycle Bin
Open Recycle Bin: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
Locate Your Photos: Browse through the files. If you find your photos, right-click and select "Restore."
2. File History
Access File History: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > File History.
Restore Files: Browse through the history to find the deleted photos. Select and restore them.
3. Data Recovery Software
If the above methods don't work, use data recovery software. Popular choices include:
Recuva:
Download and install Recuva.
Open Recuva and follow the wizard to scan your drive.
Select the photos you want to recover and save them to a different drive.
Disk Drill:
Download and install Disk Drill.
Open Disk Drill, select the drive to scan, and follow the prompts.
Preview and recover your photos.
Mac
1. Trash
Open Trash: Click on the Trash icon in the dock.
Restore Photos: Find your photos, right-click, and select "Put Back."
2. Time Machine
Open Time Machine: Connect your Time Machine backup drive.
Restore Photos: Navigate to the date before the photos were deleted and restore them.
3. Data Recovery Software
For Mac, reliable data recovery software includes:
PhotoRec:
Download and install PhotoRec.
Open the terminal and run PhotoRec.
Follow the prompts to recover your photos.
Stellar Data Recovery:
Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.
Open the software, select the drive, and scan.
Preview and recover your photos.
Smartphones (iOS and Android)
iOS
Recently Deleted Album
Open Photos App: Go to Albums > Recently Deleted.
Recover Photos: Select the photos you want to restore and tap "Recover."
iCloud
iCloud Website: Log in to iCloud.com.
Photos: Go to Photos > Recently Deleted and restore your photos.
Data Recovery Apps
Dr.Fone:
Download and install Dr.Fone on your computer.
Connect your iPhone and follow the prompts to scan and recover your photos.
EaseUS MobiSaver:
Download and install EaseUS MobiSaver.
Connect your iPhone and scan for deleted photos.
Preview and recover your photos.
Android
Google Photos
Google Photos App: Open the app and go to Library > Trash.
Restore Photos: Select the photos and tap "Restore."
Manufacturer-Specific Cloud Services
Samsung Cloud: Open Samsung Cloud and go to Trash. Restore your photos from there.
Huawei Cloud: Similar steps as Samsung Cloud.
Data Recovery Apps
DiskDigger:
Download DiskDigger from the Play Store.
Open the app, grant permissions, and scan your device.
Preview and recover your photos.
Dr.Fone:
Download and install Dr.Fone on your computer.
Connect your Android device and follow the prompts to recover your photos.
Memory Cards and External Drives
Stop Using the Card/Drive: Prevent further data from being written to the card or drive.
Data Recovery Software: Use software like Recuva, Disk Drill, or PhotoRec to scan the memory card or external drive and recover photos.
Advanced Methods
Professional Data Recovery Services
If software recovery fails, consider professional data recovery services. They have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from damaged or corrupted storage devices. Look for reputable services like DriveSavers, Ontrack, or local data recovery specialists.
Using Command-Line Tools
Windows (Command Prompt)
Attrib Command:
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Use the command attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.* (replace X with your drive letter) to restore hidden files.
Mac (Terminal)
TestDisk:
Install TestDisk using Homebrew (brew install testdisk).
Open Terminal and run TestDisk.
Follow the prompts to scan and recover your photos.
Cloud Backups
Dropbox:
Website: Log in to dropbox.com.
File Recovery: Go to Files > Deleted Files and restore your photos.
OneDrive:
Website: Log in to onedrive.com.
Recycle Bin: Go to Recycle Bin and restore your photos.
Other Cloud Services: Follow similar steps for other cloud storage services like Google Drive, Box, or Mega.
Preventive Measures
Regular Backups: Regularly back up your photos to external drives, cloud storage, or network-attached storage (NAS) devices.
Use Reliable Storage: Invest in high-quality memory cards, external drives, and SSDs.
Enable Automatic Backup: Use automatic backup services on your smartphone and computer.
File Organization: Keep your photos organized in folders and use consistent naming conventions.
Recovery Software: Keep reliable recovery software installed and up-to-date.
