First check whether your photos are already safe: sign in at icloud.com and open Photos, and look for an iCloud or computer backup. If they're not there, the only way to recover them is to get the original iPhone working again, because its storage is encrypted and tied to its logic board. A board-level repair specialist can often do that, even for phones that won't turn on.
Step 1: Check iCloud Photos
Sign in at icloud.com on any computer and open Photos. If iCloud Photos was turned on, your library is already there. Check Shared Albums too.
Step 2: Look for a backup
- iCloud backup: on another Apple device, open Settings → your name → iCloud → Manage Storage → Backups.
- Computer backup: check Finder on a Mac, or the Apple Devices app or iTunes on a PC.
- Other apps: Google Photos, OneDrive, Dropbox or your carrier's backup service.
Step 3: Try the basics
Charge it, force restart it, and try an Update in recovery mode. None of these erase data. See iPhone won't turn on for the steps. Don't Restore or DFU restore it, because that erases everything.
Why you can't just pull the memory chip
iPhone storage is encrypted with keys held inside the iPhone's own processor. Moving the storage to another phone doesn't work, so recovery means repairing the original board until it starts up again.
What professional recovery involves
A data recovery technician diagnoses why the phone won't start, repairs the damaged parts of the board under a microscope, and backs up your data as soon as it boots.
You'll need your passcode to unlock the recovered phone. A reputable shop never bypasses passcodes or Activation Lock.
Improve your chances
- Stop trying to charge a phone that got wet.
- Don't Restore or DFU restore it.
- Get it to a specialist sooner rather than later, especially after liquid damage.
Frequently asked questions
Can photos be recovered from an iPhone that won't turn on?
Often, yes. If they're not in iCloud or a backup, a board-level repair can usually get the phone running long enough to save them.
Can you recover data without my passcode?
No. iPhone data is encrypted, and the passcode is needed to unlock it. That's true for every repair shop.
How long does iPhone data recovery take?
Typically several days, depending on the damage. You'll get a free evaluation first.
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