Recover Deleted Photos and Messages (iPhone and Android)

Deleted photos and messages usually sit in a hidden trash for 30 days. Check these places first.

iPhone photos

Photos > Albums > Recently Deleted (unlock with Face ID) > Recover. Kept for 30 days.

Photos > Albums > Recently Deleted

iPhone messages

Messages > Edit (or Filters) > Show Recently Deleted > Recover. Kept up to 30 days.

Messages > Edit > Show Recently Deleted

Android photos

Google Photos > Collections (or Library) > Trash > Restore. Samsung Gallery: menu > Recycle bin.

Google Photos > Trash

Older than 30 days

Only a backup can bring them back: iCloud or Google One backup restores require setting the phone up again.

FAQ

Are 'recovery apps' worth it?

Most can't reach deleted data on modern encrypted phones. Avoid paid recovery apps that promise miracles.

How do I stop this happening again?

Turn on iCloud Photos / Google Photos backup and phone backups.