How to Recover Deleted Photos on Instagram
Key Things to Know
  • Recovering deleted photos on Instagram can save memories you thought were lost.

  • Instagram’s “Recently Deleted” feature is a lifesaver for accidental deletions.

  • Follow this guide to easily retrieve your deleted Instagram posts within 30 days.

Instagram is one of the most popular platforms for sharing photos, videos, and stories, helping us document our lives visually. However, mistakes happen, and we might accidentally delete a cherished photo or video. Fortunately, Instagram provides a feature that lets you recover deleted content for a limited time. If you're wondering how to retrieve deleted photos on Instagram, this guide will walk you through each step of the process.

Understanding Instagram's "Recently Deleted" Feature

In February 2021, Instagram introduced the "Recently Deleted" feature, allowing users to restore deleted posts for a specific time period. This feature applies to various types of content, including photos, videos, reels, and stories, providing a 30-day grace period for most posts. Deleted stories, however, are only available for 24 hours unless they were archived, in which case they also follow the 30-day rule.

Important: Once the 30-day period expires, the content is permanently removed and cannot be retrieved. Be sure to act within this timeframe if you wish to restore a post.

Steps to Recover Deleted Photos on Instagram

Restoring your deleted photos on Instagram is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to recover your photos:

  1. Open Instagram and Go to Your Profile
    Begin by opening the Instagram app on your mobile device. Go to your profile by tapping on the profile icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.

  2. Access the Settings Menu
    Tap the three-line menu (hamburger menu) in the top right corner of your profile page to open the main settings options.

  3. Go to ‘Your Activity’ and Select ‘Recently Deleted’
    In the menu, go to Settings and Privacy and find Your Activity. Inside this menu, you’ll find an option called Recently Deleted.

  4. Select the Content You Want to Restore
    Inside the Recently Deleted folder, you’ll see all the items you've deleted within the past 30 days. Tap on the photo, video, reel, or story that you wish to recover.

  5. Choose to Restore or Permanently Delete
    When you select a piece of content, Instagram will give you two options: Restore or Delete Permanently. Choose Restore to recover the deleted content back to your profile, feed, or archive.

Note: Restoring content may require additional account verification steps for security, especially if Instagram detects unusual account activity.

Why Use Instagram's Recently Deleted Feature?

Instagram’s Recently Deleted feature is highly beneficial for various reasons:

  • Accidental Deletion Protection: This feature helps users recover content that may have been accidentally deleted.
  • Easy Management: If you change your mind about a post, you can easily bring it back without needing to upload it again.
  • Improved Content Control: By giving users more time to think about deleted posts, Instagram allows for a more flexible approach to content management.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

Important: After 30 days, deleted content is permanently removed from the Recently Deleted folder and cannot be restored.
  • Account Security: Instagram may ask you to verify your account details before restoring deleted content to ensure your account’s security.
  • Stories Expiration: Deleted stories are only stored for 24 hours unless they were archived.

Recovering deleted photos on Instagram is easier than ever, thanks to the Recently Deleted feature. This functionality offers flexibility, letting users restore accidentally deleted posts within a specific timeframe. Make sure to act within the 30-day period if you wish to recover any content, and take advantage of this handy tool to manage your Instagram profile with peace of mind.

If you found this guide helpful, keep it bookmarked for any future needs. Happy Instagramming!

Can I recover permanently deleted photos on Instagram?
Once the 30-day period in the Recently Deleted folder passes, content is permanently deleted and cannot be restored.
How long do deleted Instagram stories remain in the Recently Deleted folder?
Deleted stories stay in the folder for 24 hours, or 30 days if they were archived.
Is there a way to restore Instagram photos after the 30-day limit?
No, after 30 days, deleted content is permanently erased and cannot be recovered.
Will Instagram notify me if I have content in the Recently Deleted folder?
Instagram does not notify users; it’s recommended to check the folder manually if you wish to restore any content.
What happens to deleted content if my Instagram account is hacked?
Instagram may require extra verification to restore content, especially if account security is compromised.

Tags:

  • Instagram photo recovery
  • Recently Deleted feature
  • Instagram deleted photos
  • restore Instagram posts
  • recover deleted Instagram stories