Updating your iPhone to the latest iOS brings new features, such as enhanced security, better performance, etc. on it. However, sometimes you may encounter data loss issues on your iPhone after installing the latest iOS update. Such data loss instances can also delete all the important photos from your iPhone and put you in trouble. Losing cherished memories can be a distressful experience, but the good news is that there are several iPhone data recovery methods available to recover lost iPhone photos after an iOS update.
This step-by-step guide to recover lost photos from your iPhone after the iOS update will walk you through different methods to retrieve your lost photos easily. Let’s begin!
Why Do Photos Get Deleted After iOS Update?
Before you proceed with methods to restore lost iPhone pictures after an iOS update, it is important to understand why photos usually disappear. Some common reasons include:
- Incomplete update process: There may be some interruption during the update process, which leads to data corruption or sudden loss.
- Settings reset: iOS updates may reset certain settings, including iCloud configurations, causing data loss on your iPhone.
- Temporary glitches: Post-update bugs can cause photos to appear missing temporarily.
- Storage space issues: Insufficient storage space during the update can delete some files from your iPhone, including photos.
How to Recover Lost Photos on iPhone after iOS Updates?
In this part of the blog, we will discuss recovery workarounds, including manual approaches and third-party iPhone data recovery software, which you can try to recover lost photos:
Method 01: Check the Recently Deleted Album
One of the simplest methods to recover lost iPhone photos after an iOS update is from the Recently Deleted album. Every deleted photo or video on your iPhone goes to the Recently Deleted folder in the Photos app and remains there until it is permanently erased. Follow the below steps to recover iPhone photos after the iOS update via the Recently Deleted album:
- Launch the Photos app.
- Scroll down to the Recently Deleted album under the Utilities section.
- Browse through the deleted photos and select the ones you need to recover.
- Click the Recover button to save selected photos at the original location.
Note: This method works only if the photos were deleted within 30 days after which they get permanently deleted. If it’s been more than a month since they went missing, try other iPhone data recovery methods to resolve your issue.
Method 02: Verify iCloud Photo Library Settings
If your iPhone is synced with iCloud, your lost photo might be present there. Follow the below steps to recover deleted photos from iCloud backups:
- Firstly, open the Settings app on your iPhone. Go to [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos.
- Check if the iCloud Photos option is toggled on.
- Also, ensure that the “Optimize iPhone Storage” or “Download and Keep Originals” option is selected.
- Open the Photos app and wait for your photos to sync. Ensure you’re connected to a stable internet connection.
Method 03: Restore from iTunes or Finder Backup
Another backup alternative that you can try to regularly back up your iPhone is via iTunes (on Windows or older macOS versions) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later). Follow the below steps to restore lost iPhone pictures after iOS update using iTunes:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes.
- Now, click the iPhone icon and select Summary.
- Tap the “Restore Backup” option.
- Choose the most relevant backup of your required picture and click Restore.
Method 04: Use Third-Party iPhone Data Recovery Software
When all the above methods to recover lost iPhone photos after an iOS update fail, it’s time to use a third-party iPhone data recovery software. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone is a dedicated iPhone data recovery software which supports the recovery of files deleted due to any reason, including accidental deletion, formatting, virus attacks, system crashes, iOS errors, etc.
Key Features of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone:
- Supports the recovery of deleted data of multiple types, including photos, videos, documents, messages, and many more.
- It provides a simple and easy-to-use user interface, supporting recovery of files lost from iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and other iOS devices.
- Also, supports recovery of deleted files from iCloud or iTunes backups.
- It can recover data lost from the latest iOS 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, and below.
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac devices.
- Allows you to preview the recoverable files before saving them on your device.
Here are quick steps to recover iPhone photos after an iOS update using this iPhone data recovery software:
Step 1: Firstly, download and install the Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software on your Windows PC/Mac. Also, connect your iPhone to that device.
Step 2: Launch the software and from the homepage, select Recover from iPhone from the left pane and then the type of data you need to restore. Click Next to continue.
Step 3: Now, click Scan to initiate the scanning process and wait till it is completed.
Step 4: Once the scan is done, preview the recoverable files and choose the photo(s) you need to restore. Click the Save button to save recovered data at the desired location on your device.
Method 05: Contact the Apple Support Team
Instances may occur when all the above iPhone data recovery methods get failed to restore lost iPhone pictures after the iOS update. In such cases, Apple Support can help. They may be able to recover your data or provide additional guidance. For this:
- Visit the Apple Support website or app.
- Explain your issue and mention the steps you’ve already tried.
- Follow their instructions to get the deleted data back.
Tips to Prevent Photo Loss During Future iOS Updates
Prevention is better than cure. Though the above iPhone recovery methods are easy to implement, but it is important to avoid such instances from your end. To prevent such data loss issues, you can:
- Back up regularly: Use cloud backup options such as iCloud, iTunes, etc. or external storage devices to back up your device before any update.
- Update via iTunes/Finder: This method can reduce the chances of glitches compared to over-the-air updates.
- Avoid interruptions: Ensure your device is fully charged or connected to a power source during updates.
- Free up storage: Ensure your device has sufficient storage space before initiating the iOS update process.
The Bottom Line
If you ever experience sudden photo loss issues on your iPhone after installing the latest iOS update, follow this guide to recover them step-by-step. Whether it’s checking the “Recently Deleted” album, syncing with iCloud, restoring from backups, or using a third-party iPhone data recovery tool, there are multiple ways to get your photos back. Additionally, you can consider preventive measures to save you from potential heartache in the future.
FAQs on Recovering Lost Photos from iPhone After iOS Update
Can I recover my lost photos on iPhone without any backup?
Yes, you can recover photos without a backup using third-party iPhone data recovery tools such as Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone, iMobie PhoneRescue, etc. These tools completely scan your iPhone and allow you to access the recoverable files.
Can I recover photos from the “Recently Deleted” album after 30 days?
No, the deleted pictures get permanently deleted from the “Recently Deleted” album after 30 days. In such cases, you can use any previous backup or third-party data recovery software to restore lost photos.
Is it safe to use third-party iPhone data recovery software?
Most third-party recovery tools from reputable developers are safe to use. However, it is important to check and compare their features before selecting any one recovery software.
What if my iPhone doesn’t have enough storage for photos to sync?
If your iPhone lacks storage, iCloud may not sync all photos to your device. You can delete unused apps, files, or duplicate photos to create some storage space on your iPhone.