How to Recover Photos Lost During iPhone Transfer or Migration
Did you switch to a new iPhone and discover some photos missing after the transfer? Whether you used Quick Start, iCloud, or iTunes, losing images during migration is more common than you think. Don’t worry—there are several ways to recover your precious photos after an iPhone transfer mishap.
CHECK ICLOUD PHOTO LIBRARY SYNC
If you used iCloud Photos for migration:
• Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos
• Ensure “iCloud Photos” is ON on both devices ☁️
• Connect to Wi-Fi and keep your new iPhone plugged in; photos may take hours to sync, especially with large libraries
• Open the Photos app, swipe down to refresh, and check the “Recents” album
CHECK “RECENTLY DELETED” AND “HIDDEN” ALBUMS
Some photos might be misplaced during migration:
• Open Photos > Albums > Utilities
• Look in “Recently Deleted” (photos stay here for 30 days) and “Hidden” albums
• Restore any images you find easily 🕵️
RESTORE FROM A PREVIOUS BACKUP
If you used iTunes or Finder to set up your new iPhone:
• You can restore your new device from an older backup (before the transfer)
• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings, then select “Restore from Backup” during setup (Caution: this erases current content on the device) 💾
USE A PHOTO RECOVERY APP
If you still can’t locate your missing photos:
• Download the Photo Recovery app on your new iPhone or a computer
• Run a deep scan for deleted or lost photos on your device storage
• Preview results and restore photos directly to your gallery 🔍
ASK THE SENDER OR OLD DEVICE
If individual photos were received via AirDrop, WhatsApp, or other apps:
• Ask friends or contacts to resend images if possible
• If your old device is still accessible, repeat the transfer or manually export photos
PRO TIPS TO PREVENT FUTURE LOSS
• Always confirm both devices are running the latest iOS before transfer
• Back up photos in at least two places (iCloud + computer or an external drive) before device migration
Moving to a new iPhone should be exciting, not stressful! Follow these steps to make sure your photo memories make the move with you.
Download now.
The iPhone Recovery app is your one-stop solution for photo and video recovery, editing, and management. Download the app today and take control of your precious memories!
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