Recovering deleted files from your phone may seem simple — but do the best apps to recover deleted photos really work?

To answer this question clearly, we tested each tool in real-world situations, on different devices, and with photos that were deleted recently or months ago.

Therefore, below, we explain how we conduct our tests to ensure reliable results.

To represent common situations, we performed tests on Android and iOS phones, with devices with automatic backup activated and without any backup copies.

This allowed us to evaluate everything from simple recovery apps to those that promise to recover deleted photos from your phone even after formatting.

Not every app can recover photos that were deleted months ago — many only work on the most recent ones.

With this in mind, we included images deleted at different times: some deleted on the same day and others more than 30 days ago.

More than just “returning the photos,” we seek to understand whether the apps are easy to use, whether they require root or jailbreak, and whether they protect user data.

Then we evaluated the interface, scan time, and actual image recovery rates — data you'll see detailed in the next topics.

After testing on different cell phones, we selected the apps that stood out the most when it came to recovering deleted photos from your cell phone.

So here are the ones that actually worked — with satisfactory recovery rates, ease of use, and data security.

Strengths:
✔️ This app does not require root access to recover recent photos
✔️ The app has a simple and user-friendly interface, with fast scanning
✔️ Works well with images from gallery and WhatsApp

Points of attention:
❌ On non-rooted Androids, you can recover images with reduced quality
❌ Available for Android only

In the tests:
On phones with Android 11, the app recovered up to 87% of photos deleted on the same day, without root.

Strong elements:
✔️ Can recover deeply deleted photos
✔️ Compatibility with cell phones that have iOS or Android operating systems
✔️ Technical support available in multiple languages

Some limitations:
❌ It's free for scanning only
❌ To recover, you need to purchase the premium version

Test results:
He was the only one to recover photos deleted more than 30 days ago on an iPhone 12. The success rate was 73%.

Strengths:
✔️ Instant recovery capability of deleted files
✔️ Its layout and interface are considered user-friendly, it works offline
✔️ Good option VPN to protect cloud backups

Limitations:
❌ Must be installed before deletion
❌ Only recovers what was deleted after installation

In the tests:
In tests with Android 10, it recovered 100% of deleted photos after installation. Excellent preventative option.

Qualities:
✔️ Ability to recover data directly from your phone or iCloud
✔️ Good performance even without root or jailbreak
✔️ It may be ideal for those who need it recover deleted photos on iPhone

Imitation points:
❌ The free version has limitations
❌ Scanning may take a while on older models

Test performance:
On an iPhone SE, recovered 69% of the deleted photos no need for backup or iCloud activated.

Not all apps deliver what they promise — and that’s exactly what we discovered when testing several options.

After all, some work well only with recently deleted photos and others require advanced permissions like root or jailbreak.

So here are the highlights that really made a difference in the results.

Among all, iMobie PhoneRescue and DiskDigger performed better in terms of quantity and quality of images recovered.

Furthermore, the first one impressed on iOS, managing to rescue up to 73% of photos deleted over a month ago.

Finally, the second application stood out on Android, with a high recovery rate on non-rooted devices.

Dumpster leads in practicality: it's like having an automatic trash can on your cell phone.

The recovery process requires just a few taps and does not involve lengthy scans.

Furthermore, DiskDigger is also fast, especially in the paid version, and does not require technical knowledge.

Apps like DiskDigger work best with root, especially when you want to recover old photos with quality. J

On the other hand, the Latest Date and PhoneRescue They work without root or jailbreak, including with tools that do not record logs, which is great for those looking for more privacy.

Most apps offer free scanning but limit photo recovery to premium versions.

So in our tests, the free versions were only sufficient for recently deleted photos.

So, if the goal is to recover old images or after a reset, it is worth investing in apps like PhoneRescue or Latest Date, which deliver more results.

Many people have doubts before trying to recover deleted photos from their cell phone.

That's why we answer the most common ones based on real tests and what users themselves report in app reviews.

After testing the main apps for recovering deleted photos from your cell phone, we realized that the ideal choice depends on each user's situation.

Ultimately, the best app is the one that suits your type of loss, your operating system, and your need for urgency.

So, based on the tests, you now have the right information to make your choice safely.