How to Recover Deleted iPhone Videos

Tyler Nelson

person taking photo frame phone

Accidentally deleting videos on your iPhone can be frustrating. Videos capture important moments, and losing them might seem disastrous. Luckily, there are different ways to recover those deleted videos without too much hassle.

One quick method is checking your Recently Deleted folder in the Photos app. Videos remain here for up to 30 days after deletion. If that folder doesn’t have what you need, iCloud backup can be a savior. You might find your videos stored from a recent sync.

If iCloud isn’t helping, other methods can still save the day. For instance, specialized recovery software can dig deep into your iPhone to retrieve those lost videos. These tools can recover videos even without prior backups, ensuring you don’t lose those valuable memories.

How to Recover Deleted iPhone Videos: Step-by-Step Guide

Accidentally deleting important videos on your iPhone can be stressful, but there are several methods to recover them, even if you didn’t have a backup. This guide covers all the effective ways to retrieve your deleted videos.


1. Check the “Recently Deleted” Album

iPhones keep deleted photos and videos in the Recently Deleted album for 30 days before permanently erasing them.

Steps:

  • Open the Photos app.
  • Tap Albums at the bottom.
  • Scroll down and select Recently Deleted.
  • Find the video(s) you want to recover.
  • Tap Select, choose the videos, then tap Recover.

2. Restore from an iCloud Backup

If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you can restore your device to recover deleted videos.

Steps:

  • Go to Settings > General > Reset.
  • Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
  • After the device restarts, follow the setup process.
  • Choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
  • Select a backup dated before you deleted the videos.

Note: This method erases current data, so back up important files first.


3. Restore from an iTunes/Finder Backup

If you back up your iPhone to your computer via iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later), you can restore videos from there.

Steps:

  • Connect your iPhone to your computer.
  • Open iTunes or Finder.
  • Select your iPhone when it appears.
  • Click Restore Backup.
  • Choose a backup from before the videos were deleted.
  • Click Restore and wait for the process to finish.

4. Use Third-Party Data Recovery Software

If the videos are not in Recently Deleted and you don’t have backups, data recovery software can scan your iPhone for deleted files.

Popular options include:

  • Dr.Fone – Data Recovery
  • iMobie PhoneRescue
  • Tenorshare UltData
  • EaseUS MobiSaver

General Steps:

  • Download and install the software on your PC or Mac.
  • Connect your iPhone.
  • Run a scan for deleted videos.
  • Preview and recover the videos you want.

Note: Recovery success varies and some software may require purchase.


5. Check Other Apps and Cloud Services

  • Sometimes videos are saved or shared via apps like WhatsApp, Google Photos, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
  • Check these apps or their trash/recycle bins for recoverable videos.

Tips to Prevent Future Data Loss

  • Enable iCloud Photos to sync photos and videos automatically.
  • Back up your iPhone regularly to iCloud or your computer.
  • Avoid overwriting your iPhone data after deletion to increase recovery chances.

Summary

Recovering deleted iPhone videos is often possible by checking the Recently Deleted folder, restoring from backups, or using recovery software. Always back up your important data to avoid permanent loss.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleted videos can be recovered from the Recently Deleted folder.
  • iCloud backups are another useful option for video recovery.
  • Specialized recovery software can help in case no backups are available.

Understanding iPhone Video Deletion and Recovery

Deleted videos on an iPhone can often be recovered if you act quickly and use the right methods. This guide covers how to manage the deletion process and explores various recovery options.

How Deletion Works on iPhone

When you delete a video on your iPhone, it goes to the Recently Deleted folder. It stays there for 30 days unless you choose to delete it permanently. If not recovered in this time, the video will be automatically removed. Videos may also be deleted during an iCloud sync if not backed up correctly.

Immediate Actions After Accidental Deletion

Acting quickly is crucial for recovering deleted videos. The first step is to check the Recently Deleted folder in the Photos app. If it’s there, you can restore it with a simple click. If not, stop using the phone to prevent overwriting the storage space where the video was saved.

Exploring Recovery Methods

Several methods can help recover deleted videos from an iPhone. These include:

  • Checking the Recently Deleted folder
  • Using iCloud backup
  • Restoring from an iTunes backup
  • Employing third-party recovery tools
    Each method serves different situations and needs. Try each in order to get the best chance of finding your video.

Using iCloud to Retrieve Deleted Videos

If your videos are backed up to iCloud, you can restore them from your iCloud account. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. Choose a backup that contains the missing video and restore from iCloud Backup. This may take some time, depending on the size of the backup and your internet speed.

Restoring from iTunes Backup

iTunes backups can also help to restore lost videos. Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes. Select your device, then choose Restore Backup. Pick a backup made before the video was deleted. This will overwrite your current data, so ensure you back up recent changes before restoring.

Leveraging Third-Party Data Recovery Tools

If iCloud or iTunes do not work, third-party software like Disk Drill can help. These tools scan your device for deleted files and offer to recover them. Always use reputable tools to avoid further data loss. Follow the software instructions closely to maximize your recovery chances.

When to Opt for Professional Data Recovery Services

If all else fails or your iPhone has suffered environmental damage, professional data recovery services can help. These centers specialize in recovering data from damaged devices. While this option can be expensive, it is often the last resort to retrieve valuable videos. Research and choose a certified data recovery center for the best results.