Deleting deleted photos on an iPhone doesn’t mean just hitting the "delete" button. To completely remove photos, you’ll need to clear them from the "Recently Deleted" album as well. This guide will walk you through the process of permanently deleting your photos from your iPhone in just a few simple steps.
How to Delete Deleted Photos on iPhone
Permanently removing photos from your iPhone ensures they don’t take up space or end up in the wrong hands. Follow these steps to make sure your photos are gone for good.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
First, navigate to the Photos app on your iPhone. This is the starting point for managing all your images and videos.
The Photos app is typically found on the home screen or in the app drawer. It’s the hub for all your photo needs, so whether you’re organizing or deleting, it’s your go-to.
Step 2: Go to the "Albums" Tab
Next, tap on the "Albums" tab located at the bottom of the screen. This is where you can access different collections of your pictures.
In the Albums tab, you’ll find different sections like Favorites, Shared Albums, and Recently Deleted. Each serves a different purpose, helping you keep your photos organized.
Step 3: Scroll to "Recently Deleted"
Look for and select the "Recently Deleted" album. This is where your photos remain for 30 days after being deleted.
The "Recently Deleted" album acts like a recycling bin, giving you a grace period to recover accidentally deleted images. However, to free up space or ensure privacy, you’ll want to clear it out.
Step 4: Select Photos to Delete
Tap "Select" in the top right corner, then choose the photos you wish to permanently delete.
You can select individual photos or use the "Delete All" option for a clean sweep. This step ensures you know exactly what’s being removed.
Step 5: Confirm Deletion
Finally, tap "Delete" at the bottom and confirm to permanently remove the photos.
This confirmation step is a safety net, preventing accidental mass deletions. Once confirmed, your photos are gone forever.
After completing these steps, your photos will be permanently deleted from your iPhone, freeing up space and ensuring privacy.
Tips on How to Delete Deleted Photos on iPhone
- Regularly empty your "Recently Deleted" folder to free up storage space.
- Be cautious when clearing "Recently Deleted" if you might need to recover photos later.
- Consider backing up important photos before deleting them permanently.
- Use the "Select All" button when you want to quickly empty the "Recently Deleted" album.
- Regularly update your iOS for the latest photo management features and security updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do photos stay in the "Recently Deleted" album?
Photos remain for 30 days in the "Recently Deleted" album before they are automatically deleted.
Can I recover photos after deleting them from "Recently Deleted"?
Once photos are deleted from "Recently Deleted," they cannot be recovered.
Does deleting photos free up space immediately?
Yes, permanently deleting photos from "Recently Deleted" frees up space on your device.
Is there a limit to how many photos I can store in "Recently Deleted"?
There’s no specific limit, but large numbers of deleted photos can still take up significant storage.
What happens if I don’t delete photos from "Recently Deleted"?
They will be automatically deleted after 30 days, but will occupy space until then.
Summary
- Open the Photos app.
- Go to the "Albums" tab.
- Scroll to "Recently Deleted."
- Select photos to delete.
- Confirm deletion.
Conclusion
Permanently deleting photos on your iPhone is a straightforward task once you know where to look. The "Recently Deleted" album is like that forgotten drawer where everything ends up. If you don’t clean it out, it’s just taking up space. Whether you’re freeing up storage or ensuring privacy, knowing how to delete deleted photos on your iPhone is a handy skill.
By following these steps, you can efficiently manage your photo storage. Plus, you avoid the dreaded "Storage Full" message and keep your device running smoothly. Remember, regular maintenance of your photo library not only helps with storage but keeps your memories organized and secure.
Don’t forget to back up important photos before saying goodbye to them forever. Consider using iCloud or another cloud service for peace of mind. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, why not give your iPhone a little spring cleaning? You’ll be surprised at how much easier it makes managing other aspects of your digital life.
Matthew Simpson has been creating online tutorial for computers and smartphones since 2010. His work has been read millions of times and helped people to solve a number of various tech problems. His specialties include Windows, iPhones, and Google apps.