Recover Deleted Photos and Videos on Android & iPhone (2025 Guide)

Introduction

Have you ever accidentally deleted your favorite photos or important videos from your phone or SD card? Don’t worry — you’re not alone! In today’s digital world, we often delete files unknowingly or due to technical errors. But here’s the good news: you can recover deleted photos and videos easily, even if they’re not in the trash folder.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through free and paid methods to recover deleted media from Android, iPhone, SD cards, and cloud storage services. Whether you’re a tech expert or a complete beginner, this article has something for you.

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Why Do Photos and Videos Get Deleted?

There are many reasons your files might disappear:

• Accidentally pressing delete
• Factory reset or phone crash
• Corrupted SD card or internal storage
• Malware or software bugs
• Sync errors with cloud apps

Understanding the cause helps choose the best recovery method.

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How to Recover Deleted Photos and Videos on Android

1. Check Google Photos Trash (Within 30 Days)

If your photos/videos were synced with Google Photos:

• Open Google Photos
• Tap Library > Trash
• Select the media you want to recover
• Tap Restore

This method works if the file was deleted in the last 30 days.

2. Use File Manager Apps with Recycle Bin

Apps like File Commander or ES File Explorer offer a built-in recycle bin that stores deleted files for a limited time.

3. Use Recovery Apps (No Root Required)

Here are some trusted apps that can scan internal memory for deleted files:

• DiskDigger Photo Recovery
• Dumpster – Recycle Bin
• Data Recovery – Photo & Video

Some features may require root access, but basic recovery often works without root.

4. Recover from SD Card via PC

If your media was stored on an SD card:

• Remove the card and connect it to a PC using a card reader.
• Use recovery software like:
  • Recuva
  • EaseUS Data Recovery
  • Wondershare Recoverit
• Scan the card and restore your files.

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How to Recover Deleted Photos and Videos on iPhone

1. Check Recently Deleted Folder (Within 30 Days)

• Open Photos > Albums > Recently Deleted
• Select and restore photos or videos

2. Recover from iCloud Backup

• Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content
• During setup, choose Restore from iCloud Backup

This will replace current data, so backup important files first.

3. Use iPhone Recovery Software

Tools like:

• Dr.Fone – iOS Data Recovery
• iMobie PhoneRescue
• Tenorshare UltData

…can scan your iPhone and recover media without backup.

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Recover Deleted Photos and Videos from Cloud Services

Google Photos / OneDrive / Dropbox

Most cloud storage platforms offer trash or recycle bin features that hold deleted files for 15–60 days:

• Google Photos: Trash folder (30 days)
• OneDrive: Recycle Bin (30 days)
• Dropbox: Deleted files section (30 days for free, 180 for premium)

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Bonus: Recover Deleted Files from PC/Laptop

If you’ve deleted files from your computer or external drives:

• Use Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
• Search for lost partitions or formatted drives
• Preview and recover your photos or videos

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Tips to Avoid Losing Photos & Videos in Future

• Regularly back up to Google Photos or iCloud
• Use automatic cloud sync
• Avoid using the phone after deletion (to prevent data overwrite)
• Install a recycle bin app
• Keep SD cards and phones virus-free

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can permanently deleted photos be recovered?

Yes, with professional recovery tools like Recuva, Dr.Fone, or DiskDigger — but success depends on whether the data has been overwritten.

Is root required to recover photos on Android?

No, many apps work without root. But root access increases recovery success.

How long are deleted files stored in Google Photos?

They stay in the Trash folder for 30 days before being permanently deleted.

Can I recover videos without a backup?

Yes, using recovery software or apps — but always act fast before data gets overwritten.

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Conclusion

Losing precious memories can be frustrating — but as you’ve seen, there are many ways to recover deleted photos and videos. Whether you’re using Android, iPhone, or a computer, the right tool and method can bring your lost files back to life

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