How to look for a photo deleted during cleanup
If a photo was recently deleted, start in the Photos app's Recently Deleted collection. Apple normally keeps deleted photos and videos there for 30 days before permanent removal.
App used in this guide: Cleanup Pro ↗
Before you begin
Stop further cleanup while you look for the missing item. Confirm which Apple Account and photo library you are viewing, particularly if you use multiple devices or shared media workflows.
Step by step
- Open Photos and find Recently Deleted.
- Authenticate if your iPhone asks you to unlock the collection.
- Locate the intended photo or video and choose Recover.
- Return to the library and verify that the restored item opens correctly.
Check the result
Check more than the thumbnail if several versions look alike. With iCloud Photos, deletion and recovery can affect the synchronized library across devices using the same account.
Limits and troubleshooting
Cleanup Pro is not a forensic recovery tool for permanently deleted files. If the item is no longer recoverable through Photos, look for an independent copy you previously exported or backed up rather than assuming another scan can restore it.
Sources and further reading
Source language may differ
Publisher disclosure: SpaceNode develops the app described here. Screens and options can vary by version, device and region. Manufacturer names identify compatibility and do not imply endorsement.