Photos and videos deleted from the Photos app normally move to Recently Deleted before they are permanently removed. Recover them there as soon as you realize you need them back.
Recover a Deleted Photo or Video
- Open Photos.
- Open the Recently Deleted collection.
- Authenticate if requested.
- Select the photo or video you want back.
- Tap Recover.
- Confirm the recovery.
Recover Multiple Items
Use Select in Recently Deleted to choose several photos or videos, then recover them together.
The Recovery Window Is Limited
Recently Deleted shows how long an item remains recoverable. After permanent deletion, the Photos app cannot simply restore it from that folder.
If You Use iCloud Photos
Deleting a synchronized photo can delete it from the iCloud Photos library and other devices using that library. Recently Deleted is therefore especially important; another synchronized device should not be treated as an independent backup.
Do Not Empty Recently Deleted Too Quickly
Permanently deleting items frees storage sooner but removes the built-in recovery opportunity. Review the contents before emptying the collection.
Recovery Is Not a Backup Strategy
Recently Deleted is a temporary safety net, not a permanent archive. Important photos, notes, and messages should be protected through appropriate backups, synchronization, exports, or other records. If the only copy of something matters, do not rely on the deletion-recovery window as your long-term storage plan.
Check Hidden as Well as Recently Deleted
A photo that seems missing may have been hidden rather than deleted. Review the Hidden collection before assuming the item must be recovered.