How to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos Using a Backup
The process of recovering deleted photos is tricky.
Before you dive in, let’s quickly check the Photos app on iPhone or Mac.
The first step is to seehowyour photos were stored.
It takes a little while, and you will lose any new data from your rig.
If the photos are worth the trouble, heres how to hopefully get them back.
Open theSettingsapp, then scroll down and tapPhotosto verify where your photos are saved.
If you havent turned oniCloud Photos, your photos are stored on your unit.
IfiCloud Photosis enabled, your photos are automatically synced to iCloud.
If that’s the case, skip to the next section.
Create a new backup.
But that means we’re going to have to write over the current/existing data.
Once the backup is complete, go to the next step.
Go toSettings>General>Transfer or Reset iPhone.
ChooseErase All Content and controls>Continue.
After you type your passcode or Apple ID/Apple Account password, your machine will erase.
This can take a few minutes.
Keep in mind, this will erase all the current data on your iPhone.
It’s important to back up your current data before following the instructions in this step.
Set up your iPhone as new.
When you reach the Apps & Data screen, chooseRestore from iCloud Backup.
Choose the correct backup.
Each backup is marked with a date or size.
Choose a backup createdbeforeyou deleted your photos.
Keep your phone connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in as often as possible to let the recovery process complete.
If your photos were saved on your rig at the time of this backup, they will be restored.
How Do I Recover Permanently Deleted Photos from iCloud Photo Library?
That means you may be able to recover them with third-party data recovery software if you act quickly.
Consider your options when choosing a third-party data recovery program.
Retrieving your photos will require logging in with your Apple Account and password.
Most of these programs will require payment to retrieve large numbers of photos.
Giving third-party programs access to your Apple Account presents a security risk.
To be safe, change your password after youve finished using the third-party software.
Here’s how the process worked for the one we tried, CopyTrans.
Download and install CopyTrans.
sign on to youriCloud Photo Library.
You will need to type your Apple Account and a verification code.
Many third-party data recovery programs like this can also download your photos from iCloud.
Wait for the program to recover any photos it finds.
Most third-party data recovery programs will recover a limited number of photos for free.
You will be asked to pay for additional ones.
SelectOpen Containing Folderto check your photos.
CopyTrans Cloudly wasn’t able to recover photos deleted the previous day.
It only recovered photos deleted in the previous few hours.
How Do I Recover Permanently Deleted Photos from iCloud After 30 Days?
When you delete photos, you have 30 days to recover them from your deleted files.
After that, they are permanently deleted.
If they werent saved on your rig, you wont be able to restore them from a backup.
Are Permanently Deleted iCloud Photos Gone Forever?
Yes, in most cases, if you dont act to retrieve your photos immediately, theyre gone forever.
To preserve your photos in the future,download your photos from iCloudand save them in multiple locations.
FAQ
Toaccess your iCloud photoson your PC, install iCloud for Windows.
Then, go toPhotos> selectOptions>iCloud Photo Library>Done>Apply.
The photos will remain in your iCloud.
key in your Apple Account and tapTurn Offtocompletely sign out of iCloud.
