How to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos iPhone Free

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By Jenefey Aaron

2025-11-26 / iOS Data Recovery

Every day, thousands of iPhone users face the same nightmare — their cherished photos suddenly vanish. Those beautiful moments of family, travel, and milestones that once lived in your Photos app are now gone without a trace. You open your albums, only to find them heartbreakingly empty.

But here's the truth: even if your photos seem permanently deleted — missing from the "Recently Deleted" folder and with no visible backup — there are still free and reliable ways to recover deleted photos from iPhone .

Photo loss can happen to anyone — whether it's accidental deletion, iCloud sync errors, iOS updates, or expired recovery windows. The frustration is real, but the loss doesn't have to be permanent. In this complete guide, we'll walk you through the most effective methods to restore lost iphone photos , starting with Apple's built-in recovery features and progressing to advanced techniques used by professionals.

Part 1: Can You Recover Permanently Deleted Photos on iPhone for Free?

Method 1: Recover Deleted Photos from iPhone Free via Recently Deleted Album

If you've recently deleted a photo and haven't emptied your "Recently Deleted" folder, you're in luck. Apple stores deleted photos in this folder for 30 days, giving you the chance to recover them before they're permanently erased.

Here's how to check and recover deleted photos from this folder:

  • Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
  • Tap Albums, then scroll down to find Recently Deleted under the "Utilities" section.
  • Browse through the deleted photos, select the ones you want to restore, and tap Recover to bring them back to your album.

This method is simple, and it's the first step to take when trying to recover deleted photos .

recently deleted album

Method 2: Restore Permanently Deleted Photos from iPhone Free Using iCloud Backup

If the deleted photos aren't in the "Recently Deleted" folder, but you've backed up your iPhone to iCloud, recovery might still be possible. iCloud automatically backs up your data, including photos, whenever your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in.

To recover photos from iCloud backup:

  • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
  • Ensure you have a backup that contains the deleted photos.
  • To restore from an iCloud backup , go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
  • erase all contents and settings
  • After your device restarts, follow the setup instructions and select Restore from iCloud Backup.
  • apps data screen
  • Choose the backup that contains your deleted photos.
  • restore iCloud backup

This method works if you have a relevant iCloud backup, but keep in mind it will restore all your data to the backup date, not just the photos.

Method 3: Regain Deleted Photos from iPhone Free via iTunes or Finder Backup

For those who regularly back up their iPhone to a computer via iTunes or Finder (on macOS Catalina or later), this is another option to restore deleted photos.

Here's how to recover photos using iTunes or Finder:

  • Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later) and connect your iPhone.
  • connect the ios device to the pc
  • Select your device and click Restore Backup.
  • Choose the most recent backup or one from a time when your photos were still on the phone.
  • choose the backup files you want to recover
  • Once the restoration process is complete, your photos should be back in your Photos app.

This method restores all data from the backup, including photos, contacts, and apps. However, be cautious as it will overwrite any current data on your phone.

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Note:

If none of the above free Apple methods work, don't worry — your deleted photos may still be recoverable. When iCloud or iTunes backups are unavailable, using a professional iPhone data recovery tool like Tenorshare UltData iPhone Data Recovery can significantly improve your chances of retrieving lost photos safely and quickly.

https://www.tenorshare.com/products/iphone-data-recovery.html

Part 2: Recover Permanently Deleted Photos from iPhone Using Tenorshare UltData

When the standard recovery methods don't work, it's time to turn to a professional solution. Tenorshare UltData iPhone Data Recovery is an advanced tool designed to recover permanently deleted photos from iPhone — even if you don't have a backup.

UltData offers a deep scan feature that digs into your device's storage, allowing you to retrieve data that has been deleted from all parts of the device, not just what's been stored in the backups.

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Features of Tenorshare UltData:
  • No Backup Required: Unlike iCloud or iTunes, you don't need a backup to recover your deleted photos.
  • High Recovery Success Rate: UltData's powerful scanning technology ensures that you can retrieve more data than most other recovery tools.
  • Supports Multiple Data Types: UltData isn't just for photos — it can also recover videos, messages, contacts, and more.
  • Safe and Secure: UltData doesn't require rooting your iPhone or making risky changes to your device, keeping your data secure.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive design makes recovery easy for everyone.
  • Compatible with All iOS Versions: Works with the latest iPhone models and iOS updates.

How to Recover Deleted Photos from iPhone Using Tenorshare UltData HOT

Recover Permanently Deleted Photos iPhone with/without Backup

Recover permanently deleted photos, videos, messages, and more from iPhone without backup. Fast, safe, and reliable data recovery solution.

  • Download and install Tenorshare - UltData on your Windows or Mac computer. Once installed, launch the software and connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. Click on "iPhone/iPad Data Recovery."
  • Launch UltData and connect iPhone
  • In the program, choose Recover from iOS Device, and then select Photos as the data type you wish to recover. Click "Scan" to begin searching for deleted photos on your device.
  • Select Photos and start scan
  • Once the scan is complete, you'll see a preview of the recoverable photos. Select the ones you want to restore and click "Recover" to bring them back to your device or save them to your computer.
  • Preview and recover photos

With UltData, you can recover permanently deleted photos even when no backups are available, and you don't need to worry about overwriting your current data.

Why Tenorshare UltData Is the Best Way to Recover Deleted Photos from iPhone

UltData stands out as the most reliable and efficient tool for recovering deleted photos on iPhone for several reasons:

  • No Backup Required: Unlike iCloud or iTunes, you don't need a backup to recover your deleted photos.
  • High Recovery Success Rate: UltData's powerful scanning technology ensures that you can retrieve more data than most other recovery tools.
  • Supports Multiple Data Types: UltData isn't just for photos — it can also recover videos, messages, contacts, and more.
  • Safe and Secure: UltData doesn't require rooting your iPhone or making risky changes to your device, keeping your data secure.
  • Preview Before Recovery: View all recoverable photos before deciding which ones to restore.
  • Selective Recovery: Choose specific photos to recover instead of restoring everything.

When You Should Use Tenorshare UltData to Retrieve Lost Photos

If you've tried all the free methods without success or don't have any backups, Tenorshare UltData is the best solution for retrieving your permanently deleted photos . It's perfect when:

  • You need to recover photos that were deleted a while ago.
  • iCloud or iTunes backups aren't available or were made after the photos were lost.
  • You want a simple, fast, and reliable recovery solution.
  • The "Recently Deleted" folder has already been emptied.
  • You accidentally formatted your iPhone or restored factory settings.

Part 3: Tips to Increase Photo Recovery Success Rate on iPhone

To maximize your chances of successfully recovering permanently deleted photos from your iPhone, follow these important tips:

Stop Using Your iPhone Immediately

When photos are deleted, they remain on your device until new data overwrites them. To increase recovery chances, avoid using your iPhone after losing photos. Don't take new photos, download apps, or browse the internet excessively.

Use iCloud Photos for Backup

Enable iCloud Photos to automatically back up your photos, so they're easier to recover in the future. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos and turn on iCloud Photos.

Use Recovery Software Promptly

The sooner you use recovery tools like UltData, the higher the chances of recovering your lost photos. Delay can result in data being overwritten by new files.

Regular Backups Are Essential

Make it a habit to regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer. This ensures you always have a recent copy of your photos in case of accidental deletion.

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Important:
Never restore your iPhone to factory settings or update iOS immediately after losing photos, as this can permanently overwrite the deleted data and make recovery impossible.

Conclusion

Losing your photos can be a stressful experience, but it doesn't have to be permanent. Whether you're recovering deleted photos from iPhone using Apple's built-in tools or turning to a professional solution like Tenorshare UltData, there are plenty of options available.

If free methods don't work, UltData offers the best chance of recovering permanently deleted photos safely and effectively. Don't give up on your cherished memories — try the methods outlined in this guide, and recover your photos today.

Part 4: FAQs About Recovering Permanently Deleted Photos

Q1. Can I recover photos that have been permanently deleted from iPhone?

Yes, you can recover permanently deleted photos using professional recovery tools like Tenorshare UltData, even if you don't have a backup. The tool can scan your device's storage and retrieve photos that were deleted from all parts of the device.

Q2. How long do deleted photos stay in iCloud?

Deleted photos stay in iCloud for 30 days in the "Recently Deleted" album. After that, they are permanently erased unless you recover them in time. Make sure to check this folder as soon as possible after realizing photos are missing.

Q3. Is Tenorshare UltData safe to use?

Yes, Tenorshare UltData is completely safe and does not require rooting your iPhone. It works securely to restore your lost data without compromising your device's security or existing data. The software has been tested and trusted by millions of users worldwide.

Q4. Can I recover photos without a computer?

Yes, you can recover photos without a computer by checking the "Recently Deleted" folder in the Photos app or restoring from an iCloud backup directly on your iPhone. However, for more advanced recovery options, using a computer with professional software like Tenorshare UltData provides better results.

Q5. What should I do immediately after accidentally deleting photos?

Immediately stop using your iPhone to prevent new data from overwriting the deleted photos. Check the "Recently Deleted" folder first. If the photos aren't there, use a professional recovery tool like Tenorshare UltData as soon as possible to maximize your chances of successful recovery.

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