Best Free Apps to Recover Deleted Photos
Anúncios
We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through your gallery, cleaning up space, and suddenly you realize—you deleted the wrong picture.
What Do You Want to Recover?
It could be a family photo, an important document, or just a memory you thought you’d never lose.
The good news? You don’t always need expensive software or a trip to a repair shop to get your photos back.
There are plenty of free apps to recover deleted photos that actually work, whether you’re using an Android phone, iPhone, or even an SD card.
Anúncios
In this complete guide, we’ll explore how these apps work, the best options available today, and what you should know before trying them.
How Do Free Photo Recovery Apps Work?
When you delete a photo, it’s not always gone forever. Most devices mark the file’s space as “available” until something new overwrites it.
Until that happens, recovery apps can often bring it back.
These apps scan your device’s memory or SD card to find traces of deleted images.
The success depends on timing—the sooner you act, the higher the chances of recovery.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid taking new pictures or installing new apps until you finish the recovery process.
Best Free Apps to Recover Deleted Photos in 2025
1. DiskDigger (Android)
DiskDigger is one of the most popular free recovery apps for Android.
- Why it works: It scans internal memory and SD cards for deleted images.
- Free version: Allows you to recover basic JPG and PNG files.
- Premium features: Paid upgrade adds support for more file formats and cloud uploads.
Even without root access, DiskDigger can still find recently deleted photos. With root, it performs deeper scans for older files.
✅ Available on Android.
2. Google Photos (Android & iOS)
It may surprise some people, but Google Photos itself is one of the best free recovery tools.
- Deleted photos go to the Bin/Trash, where they remain for 30–60 days.
- Even after deletion, some photos may still exist on Google’s servers.
- Smart AI-powered search makes it easy to find lost pictures by keyword.
If you act within the time window, recovery is instant and completely free.
✅ Available on Android and iOS.
3. Recuva (Windows)
For those who store photos on computers, Recuva remains a top free option in 2025.
- Works on USB drives, SD cards, and computer hard drives.
- Offers both quick scans and deep scans for more thorough recovery.
- Simple interface, great for beginners.
Recuva is especially useful for camera users who accidentally delete photos from memory cards.
✅ Website.
4. PhotoRec (Windows, Mac, Linux)
PhotoRec is an open-source tool that’s both powerful and free.
- Supports recovery of photos, videos, and documents.
- Works on multiple operating systems.
- Can restore files even from formatted drives or corrupted SD cards.
Although its interface looks outdated, its results make it a must-have recovery option.
✅ Website.
5. Dr.Fone – Photo Recovery (iOS)
While Dr.Fone is usually a paid suite, its free trial allows limited photo recovery.
- Designed for iPhones and iPads.
- Can scan both the device and iCloud backups.
- Offers a preview of photos before recovery.
For iOS users, Dr.Fone is often the easiest free entry point before considering premium tools.
✅ Available on Android and iOS.
6. EaseUS MobiSaver (Android & iOS)
EaseUS is another trusted name in recovery software, and MobiSaver offers a free mobile version.
- Finds deleted photos, videos, and contacts.
- Free version has recovery limits, but it’s often enough for personal use.
- Works without root for basic recovery.
✅ Available on Android and iOS.
7. Stellar Photo Recovery (Free Trial)
Stellar is known for professional-grade recovery, but its free trial offers basic restoration.
- Works on PC and Mac.
- Can recover from hard drives, cameras, and SD cards.
- Previews photos before you decide which to save.
It’s not fully free, but even the trial version can be a lifesaver.
✅ Available on Android and iOS.
Real-Life Stories of Free Recovery
- Emily’s case: She deleted her graduation photos by mistake. Google Photos still had them in the Bin—restored in seconds.
- Mark’s SD card issue: His memory card crashed, but Recuva recovered 80% of his lost vacation pictures.
- Anna’s iPhone reset: After a failed update, her photos were gone. Dr.Fone’s free trial managed to bring some back.
These stories prove you don’t always need to spend money to save priceless memories.
Limitations of Free Recovery Apps
While free tools are great, they come with limitations:
- File size restrictions (some apps limit how many MBs you can recover).
- Only basic formats (JPG, PNG—RAW or TIFF may need paid versions).
- Limited scans (free trials often only allow partial recovery).
- Ads inside apps (especially on Android).
Still, for most everyday cases, free versions are more than enough.
Tips for Better Recovery Success
- Act quickly: Don’t use your device heavily after deletion.
- Try multiple apps: If one fails, another may succeed.
- Back up after recovery: Don’t risk losing the photos again.
- Avoid shady apps: Stick to official app stores and trusted developers.
FAQs About Free Photo Recovery Apps
1. Are free photo recovery apps safe?
Yes, if downloaded from trusted sources like Google Play or official websites.
2. Can I recover photos after 30 days?
Yes, but only with recovery apps. Trash/Recently Deleted usually empties after 30 days.
3. Do I need to root my Android phone?
No, basic recovery works without root. Root allows deeper scans but isn’t mandatory.
4. Can I recover videos for free too?
Most apps also recover videos, though larger files may be harder to restore.
5. Do free apps reduce photo quality?
Usually not. Most restore the original file unless it’s partially corrupted.
6. What if my SD card is corrupted?
Desktop tools like Recuva or PhotoRec are better for SD card recovery.
7. Is professional recovery always better?
Not necessarily. Free apps often solve common problems without extra cost.
Conclusion – Don’t Wait to Recover Your Photos
Deleted photos don’t have to mean lost memories. With the right free recovery app, you can restore your files in minutes—without spending a cent.
📌 Steps to take now:
- Check your Trash/Recently Deleted.
- Try Google Photos or iCloud.
- Use one of the free apps listed above.
The sooner you act, the better your chances. Some memories are too valuable to risk losing forever.