How to Recover a Deleted Photo on iPhone
Deleted photos normally stay in Recently Deleted for 30 days before they are permanently removed.
2 min read · Updated August 1, 2026
Open Photos, go to Collections > Utilities > Recently Deleted, unlock the album, select the photo, and tap Recover. This works only while the item is still in Recently Deleted.
Recover the photo
Recently Deleted is protected with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Recovered items return to the photo library.
- Open Photos and tap Collections.
- Scroll to Utilities and tap Recently Deleted.
- Unlock the album.
- Tap Select and choose the photo or video.
- Tap the More button, then Recover.
If you cannot find it
The photo may have passed the 30-day recovery window, been permanently removed from Recently Deleted, or belonged to a different photo library or Apple Account. Check iCloud.com and your other devices only if they use a separate, unsynced copy.
Avoid the same mistake next time
Use a final review before confirming a large deletion. Short cleanup sessions also make it easier to notice when a meaningful photo was selected by accident.
Common questions
How long do deleted photos stay on iPhone?
Apple keeps them in Recently Deleted for 30 days unless you permanently delete them sooner.
Can I recover a photo after emptying Recently Deleted?
Not from the Photos app. Check whether you previously exported the photo or kept an independent backup.