How to Stop Deleted Photos From Coming Back on iPhone

How to Stop Deleted Photos From Coming Back on iPhone

Over time, we often collect data that we do not need. Whether photos, files, contacts, etc. Seeing it again would go to any user. This is what some iPhone and iPad users face. When they delete a photo, it returns to their iPhone. Let’s see how to prevent the photos from coming back.

When you delete a photo from your iPhone or iPad, it must be permanently deleted or at least hidden in the recently deleted folder. But the reverse is happening. Photos come back instantly because deleting a photo does not permanently delete them.

Let’s see different ways to prevent old photos from reappearing on your iPhone.

Disabling iCloud can fix the problem

Many people believe that iCloud is responsible for the return of deleted photos. Disabling iCloud should therefore resolve the issue as it will stop continuous synchronization. But it is far from the truth.

iCloud has nothing to do with it. To understand it better, you need to know what happens when you delete photos from iPhone. Even though we covered it in detail on our dedicated article (you should read it), we will tell you the basics here.


Photos deleted by the iPhone always return 9

The result of deleting photos depends on two things – whether iCloud is activated or not. In case it is disabled, the photos will be deleted from your phone only. But if it is enabled, they will be deleted from all your Apple devices having the same Apple account. There is therefore no question of restoring them with iCloud.

However, many other things may be responsible, and solutions for the same are mentioned below. But, like any online tool, a bug can creep in at any time. So, after following the solutions mentioned below, you can try disabling iCloud. Read what happens when you turn off iCloud on your iPhone.

Let’s see other solutions.

1. Restart the phone

Sometimes the solution is as simple as restarting the phone. This should be your first step to troubleshoot deleted photos that keep coming back. So turn off your phone, then turn it on again.

2. Disable photo stream

Photo Stream on iOS is different from your iCloud library. If your deleted photos come back, you should deactivate Photo Stream. For that, proceed as following:

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. Tap your name at the top.


Photos deleted by the iPhone always return 1

2nd step: Tap on iCloud then on Photos.


Photos deleted by the iPhone always come back 2

Photos deleted by the iPhone always return 3

Step 3: Turn off the toggle next to Photo Stream.

3. Empty the recently deleted folder

When you delete photos on the iPhone or iPad, they are not permanently deleted. They stay out of sight on your phone in the recently deleted folder for 30 days. You can either manually delete them permanently from the Recently Deleted folder, or wait 30 days, after which they will automatically disappear.

As a general rule, this will not be responsible for the return of photos. But sometimes it is a bug and removing it would do no harm. This will only solve the problem.

To empty the recently deleted folder, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Apple Photos app on your iPhone or iPad.

2nd step: Tap Albums at the bottom. Scroll down and tap Deleted recently.


Photos deleted by Iphone always return 4

Step 3: Press Select at the top. Then select all the photos and tap Delete.


Photos deleted by the iPhone keep coming back 5

Photos deleted by the iPhone are returned 6

Pro tip: See our detailed guide if you are unable to clean up the recently deleted folder.

4. Check third-party applications

Most of the time, the problem is actually related to a third-party application, and we blame the Photos application. You should check the photos that reappear. If they come from a particular application, uninstall that application from your phone, then reinstall it.

Many iOS users have pointed out that this is mainly Instagram’s fault. So, uninstall it. This will not delete your Instagram account or any photos posted on it.

5. Check iTunes

If you try to delete the photos added from iTunes, they will not be deleted. You need to connect your phone to the computer via iTunes. Then uncheck the photos and they will be automatically deleted from your phone.

6. Check Google Photos

If you use other photo storage services such as Google Photos, they may also be responsible for the problem. This is because they work differently from iCloud.

Point: Learn how iCloud Photos differs from Google Photos.

We have two solutions for Google Photos.

Use the correct Delete button

Similar to iCloud, things are different when it comes to deleting photos in the Google Photos app. When your photos are synchronized with Google Photos, you will see two delete buttons in the Google Photos app. The first is the normal delete icon that appears when you open a photo. Tap it to delete the photo from your phone and Google account. You must use it if you want to permanently delete your photo.


Photos deleted by the iPhone keep coming back 7

Second, if you swipe up on the photo in the Google Photos app, you’ll see the Remove from device option. Using this option will delete the photo from your phone only. Since it will remain in your Google Photos account, it will continue to appear in the Google Photos app.


Photos deleted by the iPhone always return 8

Uninstall the Google Photos app

Google Photos also comes with its own recently deleted folder. It is called Trash or Bin. You’ll find it under the three-bar icon. First, empty the trash and see if the deleted photos stop appearing.

If the problem persists, uninstall Google Photos for a while. Before doing that, find out what’s going on by uninstalling Google Photos. Then reinstall it.

Bid Farewell Forever

We hope you were able to permanently delete the photos on your iPhone using the methods above. However, be careful before pressing the final delete button as you may lose your precious photos that you did not intend to delete.

Then:

The Apple Photos app offers many interesting features that remain hidden from regular users. Find out what these great features are with these tips and tricks mentioned in the following link.

Last updated March 15, 2020

Leave a Reply