How to Recover Deleted Facebook Photos from Years Ago

Have you ever accidentally deleted a photo on Facebook and wished you could get it back? Whether it's a cherished memory from a family gathering or an important image from years past, losing photos can be frustrating. However, all hope is not lost! In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to recover deleted Facebook photos, even those lost years ago. By following these practical steps, you might just be able to retrieve those precious memories.

Methods to Recover Deleted Facebook Photos

1. Check the Facebook Archive

Your first step should be to check your Facebook archive. Facebook provides a feature that lets you download your data, including photos you may think are gone forever.

• Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Log into your Facebook account on a web browser.

  • Click the downward arrow in the top right corner and select Settings & Privacy > Settings.

  • Navigate to Your Facebook Information and click on Download Your Information.

  • Set the date range to "All Time" to ensure a comprehensive search and check the box for "Photos."

  • Click Create File. Facebook will notify you when your data is ready to download. This archive may contain the photos you thought were lost.

2. Use Data Recovery Software

If you originally uploaded the photos from your computer or another device, you might be able to use data recovery software to retrieve them.

• How to Do It:

  • Download and install a reliable data recovery program like Recoverit or iMyFone D-Back.

  • Open the software and select the location where the deleted files were stored, such as your computer’s hard drive.

  • Run a scan. Once it’s complete, preview the recoverable files.

  • Select the photos you wish to restore and click on the Recover button to save them back to your device.

3. Check Device Storage

Often, photos are not immediately wiped from your device’s storage when you delete them from Facebook.

• Places to Check:

  • Recently Deleted Folder: On iOS or Android, open the Photos app and search for a folder titled ‘Recently Deleted’ which typically holds deleted images for up to 30 days.

  • Recycle Bin/Trash: On Windows or Mac, check your Recycle Bin or Trash folder where deleted files are temporarily stored.

4. Restore from Backup

If you regularly back up your phone or computer, your deleted Facebook photos might still exist there.

• Recovery Options:

  • Look through cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud, or external hard drives where you back up your data.

  • If you find backups from the period when the photos were still on Facebook, restore those backups to your device.

Also read: How to Recover Your Facebook Account

Important Considerations

Keep in mind that Facebook deletes photos permanently from their servers after 90 days. Recovery won’t be possible through Facebook after this period unless you have an external backup. To prevent future losses, consider archiving important photos rather than deleting them.

Conclusion

Losing photos can be disheartening, but as we’ve seen, there are several ways to attempt recovery. Whether through Facebook’s own archive, using data recovery software, checking your device storage, or restoring from a backup, there's a good chance you can reclaim your lost memories. Always back up your photos to avoid these issues in the future!