Deleted Instagram Photos or Stories? Here’s How to Recover Them on Android and iOS

Losing photos or stories on Instagram can be frustrating, especially when they hold personal memories or professional value. However, Instagram now offers a built-in recovery option that makes it easier for users to restore deleted content on both Android and iOS devices.

Meta-owned Instagram has introduced a feature called Recently Deleted, allowing users to review and recover deleted photos, videos, reels, IGTV videos, and stories within a specific time frame. With this feature, accidentally deleted posts no longer mean permanent loss—provided action is taken in time.

How Instagram’s ‘Recently Deleted’ Feature Works

Whenever you delete any content from Instagram—whether it’s a post, reel, or story—it is not erased immediately. Instead, Instagram temporarily moves the content to the Recently Deleted folder. This folder stores deleted items for up to 30 days, giving users enough time to recover them if needed.

For stories that were deleted before being shared or archived, Instagram allows recovery within 24 hours. Once the time limit expires, the content is permanently removed and cannot be restored.

Instagram also adds an extra layer of security by requiring OTP verification before restoring deleted posts. This ensures that only the account owner can recover the content.

What Can Be Recovered from Recently Deleted Folder

The Recently Deleted section includes:

• Photos and videos posted on your feed

• Instagram Stories

• Reels and IGTV videos

• Archived stories that were deleted

Users can either restore the content or permanently delete it before the 30-day period ends.

Steps to Recover Deleted Instagram Photos and Posts (Android & iOS)

Follow these steps carefully to restore your deleted Instagram content:

Step 1: Open Instagram and Go to Profile

Launch the Instagram app and tap on your profile icon at the bottom right.

Step 2: Open the Menu

Tap on the three-line (hamburger) menu located at the top-right corner of the screen.

Step 3: Go to Settings

From the menu, select Settings.

Step 4: Tap on Account

Inside Settings, tap on the Account option.

Step 5: Open Recently Deleted

Now select Recently Deleted. You will see a list of all posts, stories, and videos deleted in the last 30 days.

Step 6: Select the Content

Tap on the photo, video, or story you want to recover.

Step 7: Open More Options

Tap on the three-dot icon at the top of the screen.

Step 8: Choose Recover

Select Recover to restore the content, or permanently delete it if you no longer need it.

Step 9: Verify Your Identity

Instagram will send an OTP to your registered mobile number or email address.

Step 10: Confirm Restoration

Enter the OTP and tap Confirm to successfully recover the deleted content.

Important Things to Remember

• Content can only be recovered within the allowed time limit

• OTP verification is mandatory for security

• Permanently deleted items cannot be restored

• The feature works the same on Android and iOS

Final Thoughts

Instagram’s Recently Deleted feature offers peace of mind to users who accidentally remove important content. By acting quickly and following the correct steps, you can restore photos and stories without relying on third-party apps. This built-in recovery option is a valuable addition for creators and everyday users alike.