[Solved]: How to Recover Old Photos and Emails in Gmail?

Why Can’t I See My Photos and Emails in Gmail?

Gmail is one of the most popular email services, trusted by millions of users to manage their emails and attachments. However, there are times when you might struggle to find old photos (sent as attachments) or emails in your Gmail account. This can be frustrating, especially when they contain essential information.

So, how do I recover my photos and emails in Gmail? Don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll explore both native and third-party solutions to help you recover your valuable data. Whether your emails are buried in your inbox, hiding in your archive, or accidentally deleted, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the details and get your data back!

How to Recover Old Photos and Emails from Gmail?

If you’re wondering how to recover old photos and emails from Gmail, you’re in the right place. The method you choose depends on whether the data is still in your account or has been deleted. Below, we’ll walk you through several effective methods to retrieve your lost data. Select the one that best suits your needs.

Fix 1. Search Emails Using Filters

Gmail’s powerful search filters make it easy to locate old emails or photos (in attachments), even if they’ve been buried in your inbox or archived. So, if your emails remain on your account, consider using this feature to search them quickly. This method is useful if you remember specific details about the email, such as the sender’s name or the date range. Here’s how to recover deleted emails from Gmail using filters:

Step 1: Open Gmail and locate the search bar at the top of the page.

Step 2: Search your emails and photos with operators as follows:

• from: followed by the sender’s email address.
• subject: followed by keywords from the subject line.
• older_than: followed by a specific time period.
• has:attachment

Step 3: Press Enter to view the search results. Once you find it, open it and move it to your inbox /download attachments.

Fix 2. Check Gmail's Trash Folder

If your old photos and emails have been deleted from Gmail, don’t panic—they might have been moved to the Trash folder. When you delete an email or photo in Gmail, it isn’t immediately erased. Instead, it stays in the Trash folder for 30 days before being permanently removed. This gives you a chance to recover accidentally deleted items. Follow these steps to recover old photos and emails from Gmail’s Trash:

Step 1: Open Gmail, scroll down the left sidebar to find the Trash folder, and click it.

Step 2: Browse through the deleted items to find the one you’re looking for.

Step 3: Check the box next to the one you want to move, check the Move to icon, and then choose where you want to move it.

Step 4: If the email contains a photo attachment, download it to your device.

Fix 3. Recover Photos and Emails via Google Workspace Accounts

If you’re using a Google Workspace account, you’re in luck! Google Workspace offers powerful tools that make recovering deleted photos and emails easy. Unlike personal Gmail accounts, it allows admins to recover emails deleted from the Trash folder for an additional 25 days. Here’s how to recover old photos and emails using this method:

Step 1. Log in to your Google Workspace Admin Console and search for the concerned user.

Step 2. Navigate to his page, click the MORE option, and choose RESTORE DATA from the drop-down window.

Step 3. In the pop-up window, enter the date range for which you want to restore deleted emails and specify Gmail in the Application box. Click Restore to start the process.

Fix 4. Recover Deleted Photos and Emails Using Third-Party Software

Typically, Gmail emails are are saved in the email database file. But if your emails and photos have been saved on your PC, you can use third-party software like AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery to recover them. This powerful tool is designed to recover lost or deleted files from various devices. Whether you accidentally deleted something, lost files after a system crash, or can’t access them because of a partition error, this tool can dig them up for you. 

★ Works with Various Storage Devices: Supports recovery from HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, and other common devices.
★ User-Friendly Interface: Features an intuitive interface that ensures a smooth and hassle-free recovery process.
★ Compatible with Most Windows Versions: Works across multiple Windows operating systems, including Windows 11, 10, 8, 8.1, 7, and Windows Server.
★ File Preview Before Recovery: Allows you to check files before restoring them, ensuring you recover the correct data.

Here’s how to use AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery to restore deleted photos and emails:

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your photos and emails were stored to scan.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool starts to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted or missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering ends.

Tips for Preventing Future Data Loss

While it is possible to recover old photos and emails in Gmail, it’s essential to take proactive steps to avoid future data loss. Whether you’re using Gmail for personal or professional purposes, these tips will help you minimize the risk of data loss:

☑ Archive Emails Instead of Deleting Them: Archiving removes emails from your inbox but keeps them accessible in the "All Mail" folder. It can help you restore accidentally deleted emails.
☑ Organize Emails Using Labels and Filters: Labels and filters help you organize emails automatically, making it easier to find and manage important messages.
☑ Back Up Data Regularly: It is advised to create backups of your emails and photos frequently, which ensures you have a copy in case of accidental deletion or account issues.
☑ Monitor Your Google Storage: Check your Google storage regularly. If it is full, you won’t be able to receive new emails or back up data.

Final Words

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to recover old photos and emails in Gmail. By using Gmail’s built-in tools or third-party software like AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery, you can easily retrieve lost data. Remember to act quickly and follow the steps outlined in this guide. With a little effort, you’ll be able to restore your cherished memories and important communications in no time!

FAQs

Q1: Can I recover emails deleted more than 30 days ago?

Yes! If you’re using a Google Workspace account, you can recover emails deleted from the Trash folder for an additional 25 days. Alternatively, you can try using third-party software like AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery to recover emails that have been saved on your PC.

Q2: Is it possible to recover permanently deleted emails?

You can check with the Gmail Support Team to see if they can help you recover permanently deleted emails.

Q3: How do I restore an email that was archived?

Archiving only moves your email into the All Mail folder. You can check this folder and move it back to your inbox.