How to Recover Deleted Instagram Photos on Android/iPhone

Clara Prescott Published on November 21, 2025Recover Data3-min reading

Since Instagram was released, it has had hundreds of millions of users around the world. Although it won’t erase your posts automatically, your Instagram photos still may disappear due to accidentally deleting, violating the rules, malicious attacks, and more. Fortunately, you have multiple ways to retrieve Instagram deleted photos on an Android phone or iPhone. This guide identifies the effective methods and demonstrates the workflow for each method with details.

Part 1: How to Recover Recently Deleted Instagram Photos

Instagram has rolled out the Recently Deleted feature in 2021. It stores content that was deleted within 30 days. It means that you can get back deleted photos on Instagram before the expiration date. This way is available on both Android and iOS. You must not forget your Instagram password, or you can't access this feature in the app.

Part 2: How to Recover Deleted Instagram Photos from the Archive

Some people wish to remove Instagram posts that are no longer visible to followers. In fact, it is not intuitive to delete photos and videos on Instagram. Alternatively, you archive them. Therefore, you can view deleted photos on Instagram by unarchiving them.

Part 3: [2 Ways] Recover Deleted Instagram Photos on iPhone

Use a Photo Recovery Tool

For iPhone users, imyPass iPhone Data Recovery is the easiest option to retrieve permanently deleted Instagram photos. It scans your device memory, looks for lost app photos, and lets you recover precious memories without backup.

Here are the steps to get back deleted Instagram photos on iPhone without backup:

Install the best photo recovery software for iPhone on your PC and launch it. There is another version for Mac. Choose Recover from iOS Device on the left side, and connect your iPhone to your PC with a Lightning cable. Tap Trust on your screen if prompted. Next, click Start Scan to start scanning data on your device.

When it is done, you will be presented with all data recoverable. Locate the Meda heading, choose App Photos, and pick Show Deleted Only from the top drop-down option. Now, you can view deleted Instagram photos on the main panel.

Select the photos that you wish to get back, and click the Recover button. Finally, set an output folder, and hit Recover again.

Use a Local Backup

If you are using both an iPhone and a Mac computer, you may have backed up your iPhone through iTunes/Finder. This backup will include Instagram data, including Instagram photos. After accidentally deleting Instagram photos, you can restore the backup that contains the deleted photos.

Part 4: [2 Ways] Recover Deleted Instagram Photos on Android

On Android, you have two other ways to get back deleted photos from Instagram depending on your settings. If you cannot find your photos in the Recently Deleted folder or Archive, try the ways below.

Way 1: How to Recover Deleted Instagram Photos from Gallery

Way 2: How to Recover Deleted Instagram Photos from Cache

If you didn’t turn on the Save Posted Photo option in Instagram, run the File Manager app or a third-party file explorer app. Go to the Android folder, and next choose the data folder. Then search for the cache folder related to Instagram. You might get back the deleted Instagram photos from the Android cache.

Conclusion

Now, you should understand how to recover deleted photos from Instagram on an Android device or iPhone. The Recently Deleted folder built into Instagram is the first place to find your lost photos. Plus, you can try the Archive folder. Android users can look for deleted Instagram photos in the Gallery or cache, too. If none of the methods work, you can use imyPass iPhone Data Recovery as the ultimate way.