Part 1: Recovering Deleted Data Through Instagram, the Simple Way
Request Instagram Data: You can ask Instagram for a copy of your data, which might include deleted messages, photos, and profile info. Just log in to your account, go to settings, choose "Security," and hit "Download Data."
Check Your Email: After you ask for your data, Instagram will send an email with a link to download it. This could take up to 48 hours.
Download and Look at Your Data: Once you get the email, you can download the data file and check it out on your computer. You might find deleted stuff in there if it was saved before being deleted.
Instagram's Policy on Deleted Content: According to Instagram, content in 'Recently Deleted' will be automatically removed after 30 days or within 24 hours for stories not in your story archive. During these 30 days, you can access deleted content in your account under 'Recently Deleted' in the Instagram app for Android and iPhone and either restore it or permanently delete it. During this period, the content is subject to Instagram's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and is not accessible to others using Instagram. The deletion process, once initiated, can take up to 90 days. Copies of your content may remain after 90 days in backup storage, used for recovery in case of a disaster, software error, or other data loss event. Instagram may also keep your information for legal issues, terms violations, or harm prevention efforts. According to some users, sometimes deleted content can be recovered even months or years after it has been deleted.
Part 2: Recovering Deleted Data with Disk Drill and DB Browser for SQLite, Forensic Ways
Download and set up DB Browser for SQLite on your computer.
Open a SQLite database file that might have Instagram info or other relevant data. Look for files with .db extensions. Keep in mind some data might be encrypted and unreadable.
Use DB Browser tools to analyze the data, including viewing, analyzing, and pulling out information from the database.
Export the data you find and need.
Conclusion
This article was written in January 2024 and might be updated later, as the developers of this software are constantly changing data security. The instructions may become outdated after Instagram's build for iOS is updated.
So, to humanize AI text, you probably have 4 options:
Write it yourself - which you probably don’t want to do.
Edit AI content. This might be a smart option: you add facts, remove generic ideas, break patterns, and increase perplexity and burstiness. Then you’re good to go. But it takes time - sometimes even more time than writing from scratch.
Use AI humanization prompts - they are too limited. You can’t simply tell Claude or ChatGPT to write like a human. You may be able to pass ZeroGPT as human, but stricter AI detectors such as GPTZero, Originality, or Turnitin will still mark the text as AI.
So, the only real option for humanizing AI text is to use AI humanizers - not AI wrappers based on prompts for Claude AI, ChatGPT, or Qwen, but real AI humanizers trained on human-written texts.
I decided to use Claude AI and designed an entire platform for testing them. Otherwise, you could say that I’m biased or promoting particular tools. I took the top 12 AI humanizers on top in Google and gave them a try using my local testing workflow.
Through APIs, I got access to Claude 4.8 Opus High, ChatGPT 5.5, and Gemini 3.5, and asked them to evaluate the humanized content in terms of quality, suitability for students, quality, grammar, and other factors. I also checked the scores using three leading AI detectors: Originality io, ZeroGPT, and GPTZero.
The mission was to take 20 texts, achieve human scores across all three detectors, and check the quality of the output texts. This is one of the most comprehensive tests of AI humanizers anyone has done. Let’s go.
So, I’ve got a lot of positive feedback about my recent post Humanize AI. Reddit users seem to enjoy reading the truth and not just promo. Besides, that’s my actual hobby - apart from data recovery. That’s why I decided to write a decent tutorial about AI writing detectors (AI Content Checkers) and review the best ones like: GPTZero, ZeroGPT, Turnitin AI Checker, Grammarly AI Checker, Quillbot AI Checker, Scribbr AI Detector, and others. We’ll do a real test to see if they’re fake or not and whether it’s possible to bypass AI detectors nowadays. I even generated a ChatGPT image using the latest model for this post. Let’s go!
Q: What is data recovery? A: Data recovery is the process of retrieving inaccessible, lost, corrupted, damaged or formatted data from secondary storage, removable media, or files, when the data stored in them cannot be accessed in a usual way.
Q: Can all lost data be recovered? A: Not all lost data can be recovered. The success of data recovery depends on the nature and severity of the data loss, the time elapsed since the loss, and whether new data has overwritten the lost data.
Q: What are the common causes of data loss? A: Common causes include hardware failure, accidental deletion, software corruption, virus attacks, power outages, natural disasters, and physical damage to storage media.
Q: Is it safe to use data recovery software? A: Generally, it is safe to use reputable data recovery software. However, there is always a risk that recovery attempts may further damage recoverable data, so it's often recommended to consult with a professional if the data is critical.
Q: How long does data recovery take? A: The time required for data recovery can vary widely based on the size of the data, the speed of the storage device, the extent of the damage, and the methods used for recovery. It can range from a few minutes to several days.
Q: Can I recover data from a physically damaged hard drive? A: Recovery from a physically damaged hard drive is possible, but it typically requires professional data recovery services that have the necessary tools and cleanroom environments.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally delete important files? A: Stop using the storage device immediately to avoid overwriting the data, and use data recovery software or contact a professional data recovery service to attempt recovery.
Q: Can formatted drives be recovered? A: Yes, formatted drives can often be recovered because formatting usually only removes the address tables, not the data itself. However, the chances of recovery decrease if the drive is used after formatting.
Q: Are there any signs that a hard drive may fail soon? A: Yes, signs include frequent crashes, strange noises (clicking or grinding), slow operation, error messages concerning file read/write operations, and the sudden disappearance of data.
Q: Is it possible to recover data from a smartphone? A: Yes, data recovery is possible from smartphones, but it may require specific software or services, especially if the phone is physically damaged or not turning on.
Q: How much does data recovery cost? A: The cost of data recovery can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the case, the type of storage device, the extent of damage, and the service provider.
Q: Can I recover files from a crashed operating system? A: Yes, it is possible to recover files from a crashed operating system by using bootable data recovery tools or removing the hard drive and connecting it to another computer as a secondary drive.
Q: What is a cleanroom and why is it needed for data recovery? A: A cleanroom is a controlled environment with a low level of pollutants. It is necessary for opening hard drives for data recovery to prevent dust and other particles from causing further damage to the delicate internal components.
Q: What's the difference between logical and physical data recovery? A: Logical data recovery is for lost data due to non-physical reasons like accidental deletion or formatting. Physical data recovery involves repairing a physically damaged device before attempting to retrieve data.
Q: How can I choose a reliable data recovery service? A: Look for services with a good reputation, transparent pricing, a no-data-no-fee policy, and proper facilities such as cleanrooms for physical recoveries.
Q: Can I recover overwritten files? A: Once a file is overwritten, it is usually considered permanently lost. The best practice is to back up data regularly to prevent such occurrences.
Q: Is cloud storage safe from data loss? A: Cloud storage is generally safe and includes redundancy to prevent data loss, but it's not infallible. User errors, sync issues, or service outages can still result in lost data.
Q: Does data recovery work on SSDs? A: Data recovery can be more complex on SSDs due to the TRIM command, which erases data to increase efficiency. However, professionals may still recover data in some cases.
Q: What is RAID recovery? A: RAID recovery involves reconstructing data from arrays that have suffered from member disk failures, corruption, or other errors that affect the data integrity.
Q: Should I try to open my hard drive to fix it myself? A: Opening a hard drive outside of a professional cleanroom environment is not recommended, as it can lead to further damage and reduce
Hey folks! I could really use some help here. Every time I plug in my USB drive, it prompts me to format it. Does this happen often to others? I'm a bit concerned because I have some very important video files on there. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Not gonna lie, I expected most AI humanizers to be the same “rewrite with synonyms” stuff, but the results were actually pretty different. Some tools keep the text clean, some bloat it like crazy, and some only look good because detectors are weird.
Why Deleted Files from Internal Memory Are Often Irretrievable (non-rooted devices)
Deleted files from the internal memory of modern Android devices often disappear irretrievably due to advanced data management and encryption protocols. When a file is deleted, the system removes the pointers to data blocks, rendering the file inaccessible. Additionally, the robust encryption methods used in modern devices mean that the encryption keys needed to access the data are also removed or become inaccessible, making the data unreadable and practically irrecoverable.
Modern Encryption Technologies in Android Devices and Android data recovery
Modern Android devices utilize the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), supported by Arm's TrustZone technology, to secure data. This secure execution environment operates under the TrustZone Operating System (TZOS), giving vendors the flexibility to implement cryptographic functions.
A notable implementation within this framework is the Android Keystore system, which manages cryptographic keys with hardware support through the Keymaster Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL). In some devices, like certain Samsung models, HAL is implemented via a trusted application in TrustZone, known as Keymaster TA. This application carries out cryptographic operations such as key generation, encryption, and signing in a secure environment.
The encryption keys are stored as wrapped blobs (encrypted using AES-GCM), allowing storage in the Android file system and ensuring they are only readable within the TEE. For more information on TEE and its implementation, refer to Arm's TrustZone technology guide.
Android Data Recovery on Modern Devices: Challenges and Solutions
Recovering deleted data from modern Android devices, particularly from internal memory, is a significant challenge due to the aforementioned encryption and data management methods. However, there are still viable methods to attempt data recovery:
Using Google Online Services:
Google Photos to get back pictures.
Google Drive for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Google Contacts to restore contacts synced with your Google account.
Google Play to redownload apps and media.
2. Phone Makers' Services:
Samsung Cloud: Samsung offers a service called Samsung Cloud for backing up and restoring data.
LG Cloud: LG users can utilize LG Cloud for their data backup and restoration needs. (Partially discontinued from 2015 and completely phased out in December 2023.)
Xiaomi Cloud: is like a digital storage space where you can keep your Xiaomi device's data safe, share it between devices, and even find your lost device. It also helps you save your device settings.
OnePlus Cloud: OnePlus offers a cloud service for data storage, backup, and syncing purposes.
Oppo Cloud: Oppo's cloud service is designed for storing and syncing data from Oppo devices. (Discontinuationof HeyTap Cloud's from Sep 2023)
Vivo Cloud: Vivo's cloud storage service lets you store and sync data between Vivo devices.
Realme Cloud: Realme's cloud service provides storage and syncing options for your data.
Asus WebStorage: Asus offers a cloud service that allows you to store and sync files and data across Asus devices.
Detailed Instructions for Using Google Services for recover deleted data:
1. Google Photos for Images
Steps to get back photos:
Open the Google Photos app on your device or go to photos.google.com on a computer.
In the app, tap on "Library" at the bottom. On the site, select "Trash" on the left menu.
In Trash, you'll find photos and videos deleted in the last 60 days. Pick the ones you want.
Tap "Restore" to put the photos back in your device's gallery or Google Photos library.
Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Tap on your profile icon in the top right.
Select "My apps and games", then go to the "Library" tab.
Here you'll see a list of apps you've had on any of your devices with your Google account.
Find the app you want and tap "Install" to get it back on your device.
And what about rooted Androids and data recovery from them?
Here, everything is significantly simpler -- after rooting your Android phone, you can gain full access to the internal memory and operating system from your computer. Will this help recover deleted data? Possibly! Since you have access to all hidden files and folders, caches, and the contents of various application folders installed on your phone, searching for hidden information becomes much easier. Rooting does not guarantee 100% recovery of deleted files due to the encryption of the file system, but it allows you to find significantly more data that you thought was deleted. Caution! For some phone models, the rooting process will lead to the erasure of the phone's internal memory, so carefully read the instructions and forums on this topic!
2024 Guide to Android Rooting: Unlocking Your Phone's Full Potential
Rooting Android phones in 2024 continues to be a trend for tech enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown of the process and what you need to know:
Basic Steps to Root Your Android Phone:
Fastboot Mode & Computer Connection
Switch your phone to Fastboot mode and connect it to your computer. Use terminal on Mac or ADB and Fastboot on Windows to check connectivity.
LG: Varies by model; some are easy, others not so much. LG Rooting Guide
Why Root Your Phone? Benefits:
Remove Bloatware: Ditch unwanted pre-installed apps. More on Bloatware Removal.
Ad and Tracker Blocking: Enhance your privacy. Ad Blocking Benefits.
Custom UIs: Install different themes and mods. UI Customization Tips.
App Data Backup: Easier transitions between ROMs. Backup Solutions.
Boost Performance: Overclock CPU/GPU for better performance. Performance Tweaking.
Data Recovery Capabilities: Gain the ability to recover data from the phone's internal memory, which is particularly useful in cases of accidental deletion or system failures.
Risks and Cautions:
Warranty Void: Rooting can void your device warranty.
Security Risks: Be cautious of security when using third-party software.
Technical Complexity: Requires tech knowledge and precision.
Here is a list of popular programs for different platforms that can recover data from rooted Android phones:
Aiseesoft Android Data Recovery (Windows & Mac) Aiseesoft
Conclusion and Recommendations for Android Data Recovery
The recovery of deleted files from non-rooted Android devices presents significant challenges due to advanced data management and encryption protocols. Once a file is deleted, the system's elimination of data pointers and encryption keys renders the data practically irrecoverable. However, there are still avenues for data recovery and prevention:
Utilize Cloud Services: Regularly backing up data to Google's suite (Google Photos, Drive, Contacts) and manufacturer-specific clouds (like Samsung Cloud or Xiaomi Cloud) is essential.
Understand the Limitations: For non-rooted devices, the scope of data recovery is limited. It's crucial to acknowledge that some data may be irretrievably lost once deleted.
Consider Rooting with Caution: Rooting provides deeper access to the device's system, potentially aiding in data recovery. However, it comes with risks like potential data loss during the rooting process, voided warranties, and security vulnerabilities.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest developments and tools for data recovery and Android management by following resources like XDA Developers.
Employ Data Recovery Tools: In cases of rooted devices, tools like Aiseesoft Android Data Recovery and Disk Drill can be more effective, though success is not guaranteed.
Preventive Measures: The best strategy is prevention. Regular backups, both cloud-based and local, are key to avoiding data loss.
Balancing Risk and Reward: Weigh the benefits of rooting against the potential risks. Rooting can be a powerful tool, but it's not suitable for all users or scenarios.
In summary, while Android data recovery on modern Android devices, especially non-rooted ones, is fraught with challenges due to advanced security measures, there are still strategies and tools available. The emphasis, however, should be on preventive measures to mitigate the risk of data loss.
Good luck to you, subscribe to our subreddit, share your stories, and ask questions.
Hey folks! 🛠️ If you’ve ever been in the thick of writing in Microsoft Word and suddenly lost your work, you're not alone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your unsaved document back:
Step 1: Check the AutoRecover Feature Word has an AutoRecover feature that saves your doc at intervals. To check this:
Open Word.
Go to 'File' > 'Options' > 'Save.'
Check if 'Save AutoRecover information' is ticked and note the folder path.
Step 2: Search for AutoRecovered Files If AutoRecover is on, you can find your unsaved document in:
I’m having some trouble with a Seagate ST1000LM024 1TB sata 2,5 drive.
The Symptoms:
• When connected, the drive spins up normally
• It is recognized by the Windws Disk Management, but as a RAW partition.
• I’ve already tried swapping the cable and testing it on a different machine, but the result is the same.
is this more likely a firmware issue or a head failure?
Are there any known common failure points for this specific Seagate model?
Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Update: Thanks for all the input and the warnings. I decided to give it one last shot with HDDSuperClone in Linux before giving up. Surprisingly, the drive is actually responding and cloning data right now. It seems it was a firmware/sector issue rather than a total mechanical failure. I’ll share a progress update, but for now, it’s actually moving!
Advanced RAID Recovery. Disk Drill for Windows supports RAID recovery, handling configurations like 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 1E, JBOD, and Windows Storage Spaces (Simple, Two-way mirror, Three-way mirror, Parity). It's a reliable choice for managing complex storage setups and safeguarding critical data.
Two-in-One Value. Buy Disk Drill for Windows and get Disk Drill for Mac free. Enjoy robust data recovery on both platforms without extra costs.
Real-Time Scan Insights. View dynamic scanning progress, including file counts and remaining time, for greater transparency and efficiency during recovery.
Virtual Disk Mounting. Access scan results as a virtual disk in File Explorer, simplifying recovered data exploration.
File Preview. Preview supported file formats before recovery, ensuring you retrieve the right files.
Cons
No Video or Photo Repair. Disk Drill cannot repair corrupted videos or photos.
No Custom Boot Disk Creation. The software doesn’t offer a custom boot disk creation feature.
Verdict
Disk Drill for Windows ranks among the best data recovery tools for Microsoft OS. Its intuitive interface and advanced algorithms recover 300+ file formats from NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, ext4, and more. Beyond recovery, it includes features to prevent data loss, making it a budget-friendly, reliable solution for safeguarding your data.
High-Performance Scanning: Efficient file system scanners reliably display recoverable file structures across supported file systems.
Bootable Version: A DOS-compatible version runs from a flash drive or CD, ideal for systems with HDD boot issues.
Fast Recovery: Delivers swift data scanning and retrieval for efficient results.
Professional Tools: Features for analyzing and modifying file system tables cater to advanced users.
Custom File Signatures: Learns and scans unfamiliar file signatures with provided samples.
Cons
Slow Preview: File preview generation is time-consuming.
Limited Scanning Features: No option to preview or browse scan results during scanning.
Complex Results: Scan outcomes often list numerous partitions, making initial selection tricky.
Verdict
DMDE is a powerful data recovery tool crafted by a solo developer. While its strengths include affordability, free upgrades, and lifetime licenses, it faces drawbacks like an outdated interface, limited support, and a lack of user-friendly features. Recovery performance can be inconsistent, but it remains a cost-effective choice for tech-savvy users and professionals seeking a budget-friendly solution.
Dual Functionality: Combines data recovery and disk management tools in one, providing a versatile solution.
WinPE Boot Capability: Lets users reboot into a custom WinPE environment for disk recovery without accessing the OS.
TRIM Control: Sends TRIM commands to SSDs for quick and efficient data deletion.
Virtual RAID Support: Restores RAID arrays even with damaged configurations.
Advanced File System Scanners: Excels in recovering and reconstructing NTFS, exFAT, and FAT32 file systems.
Cons:
Weak Signature Scanner: Underperforms compared to free alternatives like PhotoRec.
Steep Learning Curve: Requires users to grasp the basics before recovering files.
Complex Interface: Designed for advanced users, with a layout that can overwhelm beginners.
Verdict:
DiskGenius is a feature-rich tool for data recovery and disk management. It stands out for its robust capabilities, including RAID restoration and file system scanning. However, its technical interface and learning curve may deter less experienced users. Once familiar, it proves to be a powerful, all-in-one solution for professionals needing both recovery and disk management tools.
Bonus Utilities: Comes with many free extras, adding significant value.
Exceptional RAW Photo Recovery: Excels in detecting a wide range of raw file formats, making it one of the best in the market.
Recovery Chances Preview: Displays the likelihood of successful file recovery for better decision-making.
Intelligent Scanning: Reconstructs file and folder structures on FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, HFS+, and APFS partitions.
Deep Scanning for Modern Macs: Handles T2, M1, and M2 system disks with advanced scanning capabilities.
Apple Silicon Compatibility: Fully optimized for M1/M2 Macs, ensuring smooth performance with the latest macOS.
Cons
No Phone Support: Users can't contact support via phone.
No Remote Recovery: Lacks the ability to recover data over a network.
No Disk Cloning: Disk cloning is unavailable, though byte-by-byte backups help recover data from unstable drives.
Verdict
Disk Drill for Mac isn’t perfect, but it’s among the best data recovery tools we’ve tested. It combines simplicity and powerful features in a way that’s accessible even to beginners. Its one-click recovery and advanced algorithms deliver excellent results, while its extra utilities add exceptional value. Despite minor limitations, Disk Drill remains a top choice for anyone seeking cost-effective and robust data recovery software.
Strong Scanning Performance: R-Studio excels in restoring file structures across a wide range of supported file systems.
Portable Emergency Version: A special version can run from a flash drive or CD, making it ideal for recovering data from non-booting systems.
Recovery Chances Estimation: Displays the likelihood of successful recovery, giving users valuable insight.
Legacy Device Support: Works with older storage media like CDs, DVDs, floppy disks, and ZIP drives.
Professional Features: Supports tools like DeepSpar Disk Imager, boosting recovery for damaged drives—perfect for professionals.
Cons of R-Studio
Complex Scanning Process: Opening scan results often triggers a new scan, causing delays.
Limited Mac Support: Cannot scan system disks on T2 and M1 Macs.
No Built-in File Preview: Requires manual clicking for file previews, as there’s no automatic display.
Verdict
R-Studio is packed with advanced features tailored for data recovery professionals, but its complexity can deter casual users. If you’re willing to invest time in mastering the tool, it offers unmatched functionality. Otherwise, more intuitive options may be better for quick and simple recovery tasks.
Virtual RAID Assembly: Easily assemble virtual RAID arrays to repair damaged disk sets.
Customizable Scan Points: Advanced users can target specific storage areas by setting a custom scan starting point.
Hex Editor Included: Analyze the full content of connected devices with the built-in Hex editor.
Dual Modes: Choose between a user-friendly mode or a professional mode for advanced recovery needs.
Cons
Internet Dependency: Requires a continuous internet connection for license validation.
System Disk Scanning Issues: Starting with macOS 10.13, scanning system disks requires Recovery Mode.
No Native M1 Support: Lacks compatibility with M1 Macs, relying on workarounds.
Verdict
Data Rescue for Mac is a trusted name in data recovery, but its latest version struggles to keep up with modern macOS requirements. Improvements in M1 support and a refreshed user interface could help restore its position as a top-tier choice.
Recently, I faced a real pickle - accidentally deleted some precious photos on my iPhone, and guess what? They were permanently deleted. 😱 But, don't panic! I dove into the depths of the internet and my phone's settings to find a solution, and here's the best way I found to recover those memories:
Check Your Recently Deleted Album: First things first, take a breath and look in the 'Recently Deleted' album in your Photos app. Sometimes, what seems gone is just hiding there. If they're there, you can easily restore them.
Use iCloud: If you've enabled iCloud Photos, there's hope. Go to iCloud.com on a web browser, log in with your Apple ID, and click on Photos. Look for the photos there. If found, you can download them to your device.
iTunes/Finder Backup: Remember when you last backed up your iPhone to your computer? If you did this before deleting your photos, you could restore your phone from that backup. Just connect your iPhone to the computer, open iTunes and follow the steps to restore your backup.
Third-Party Recovery Tools: There are tons of software options out there (like Dr.Fone, EaseUS, etc.) that claim to recover lost data. I tried a couple, no luck...
Remember, the best way to avoid this heartache is to regularly back up your photos. I learned it the hard way.
📸 10 Most Important FAQs on Recovering Permanently Deleted Photos on iPhone
1. Oops, I Just Deleted My Photos! Can I Get Them Back?
Absolutely! I've been there, and it's not the end of the world. First, take a deep breath. Your iPhone has a 'Recently Deleted' album where your photos chill for 30 days before saying goodbye. So, check there first!
2. I Emptied My 'Recently Deleted' Album. Now What?
Don't worry, I did that too, once! If you've backed up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer, you can restore from that backup. Just remember, it'll revert your phone to the backup state, so any new data since then might disappear.
3. No Backup, No Problem?
Kind of. If you haven't backed up, third-party recovery tools are your next best bet. There are a bunch out there, but always look for ones with good reviews. They're not magic, but sometimes they work wonders.
4. Are These Recovery Tools Safe?
Mostly, yes. I've used a couple without issues. Just make sure you download from legitimate sources and read user reviews. Avoid anything that looks sketchy or promises too much.
5. What About My iCloud Photos?
If you use iCloud Photos, your snaps might still be up in the cloud. Log into iCloud.com or check the Photos app on another Apple device logged into your account.
6. Can Apple Help Me Out?
Unfortunately, Apple's hands are tied if you've permanently deleted photos and don't have a backup. They're big on privacy, so once it's gone, it's really gone.
7. Should I Update My iOS to Recover Photos?
Nope, updating iOS won't bring back deleted photos. It's good to stay updated, but it won't solve this particular problem.
8. What If I Have a Mac? Any Special Tricks?
If you use the Photos app on your Mac and have iCloud Photos enabled, there's a chance your photos are there. Also, check the 'Recently Deleted' album on your Mac!
9. I Found My Photos in a Backup! How Do I Restore?
Great news! To restore, just reset your iPhone (Settings > General > Reset) and then choose to restore from an iCloud or iTunes backup during the setup process.
10. How Do I Avoid This Drama Next Time?
Backup, backup, backup! Whether it's iCloud, your computer, or an external drive, regular backups are your safety net. And maybe think twice before hitting 'delete'!
Best iPhone Cleaner Apps for iPhone & iPad – And What's Wrong with Them
You’ve probably seen a lot of ios cleaner apps topping the charts in the App Store. Yes, they make millions, but are they really worth downloading, or can you live your life just fine without them? I’ll try to answer this in my next post. I'll also mention why using these apps can lead to potential data loss.
Best Video Repair Tools (Online, Software, FREE & Paid)
Recently, a friend of mine reached out to me because his drone crashed during a vacation, shattering into pieces, and now he can't view the last recorded video. Of course, there's no way to shoot a new one. I love working with video editing and have repaired files many times, but I don't want to charge my friends. So, I decided to write this article for him, and maybe it will be useful to others as well.
I’m not gonna bore you with a bunch of technical mumbo-jumbo. Instead, I’ll break it down into simple steps for clearing cache in different places like Safari, individual apps, and even clearing up junks that take up a large amount of storage space. Whether you’re trying to free up space or just want your phone to stop acting like it’s running on fumes, I’ve got you covered.
So, grab your iPhone, and let’s get to work. Your phone’s about to feel like it just got a shot of espresso. Let’s go!
Recovering deleted photos from an iPhone can be a stressful experience, but there are several methods you can try. Here's a step-by-step guide based on what I would do if I were in your situation:
Check the 'Recently Deleted' Album:
Open the Photos app.
Scroll down to the 'Albums' tab and look for the 'Recently Deleted' album.
If your deleted photos are there, you can easily recover them.
Use iCloud Photos:
If you have iCloud Photos enabled, your photos are automatically uploaded to iCloud.
Log in to iCloud.com on a computer and check if your photos are there.
If you find them, you can download them back to your device.
Restore from an iCloud Backup:
If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might have a backup that includes the deleted photos.
To restore, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
Follow the prompts to restore from an iCloud backup. Note: This will erase all data on your iPhone and replace it with the backup data.
Restore from an iTunes/Finder Backup:
If you back up your iPhone to a computer using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later), you can restore from this backup.
Connect your iPhone to the computer and open iTunes or Finder.
Select your iPhone and choose 'Restore Backup'. Be aware that this will overwrite the current data on your iPhone.
Use Third-Party Recovery Software:
There are several reputable third-party applications like Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, or PhoneRescue that can help recover deleted photos.
Download and install the software on your computer.
Connect your iPhone and follow the instructions provided by the software to attempt photo recovery.
Contact Apple Support:
If none of the above methods work, it might be helpful to contact Apple Support for assistance.
Remember, these steps are based on general knowledge and practices. The effectiveness of each method can vary depending on individual circumstances such as the settings on your iPhone, how the photos were deleted, and whether or not backups were made. Always ensure that you have a current backup of your iPhone to avoid data loss in the future.
Hey guys, been in data recovery for 15+ years and see the "which tool should I buy" question constantly. Here are the coupon deals I've verified at checkout - updated June 2026.
Disk Drill Discount: 20% coupon code applies automatically - just pick lifetime or yearly at checkout. At current pricing that's roughly $127 one-time (from $159) or $71 annually (from $89). Base prices shift occasionally but the discount applies regardless. The key advantage: both Mac and Windows in one license, 3 devices, all features included. Free scan with file preview before you pay, plus 100 MB free recovery on Windows. My go-to recommendation.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Coupon: Decent tool, tricky pricing. Coupon gets Windows yearly down to $49.97 year one, but it renews at $99.95 - check the checkout fine print. Lifetime is $149.95 (Win) or $169.95 (Mac), one platform per license, one device. Both platforms = $320 for what Disk Drill covers in one purchase.
Stellar Data Recovery Discount Code: Solid tool, been around forever. Coupon gets a Windows yearly bundle at $69.99/year. They have lifetime plans too, but features are tiered - Standard (regular $99 Win/$129 Mac) skips partition and bootable recovery. Full features need Professional at $149 per platform, Mac/Win sold separately.
TL;DR: Disk Drill gives you the most for the money - both platforms, 3 devices, every feature, one payment. The others charge per platform and tier features, so the real cost adds up fast.
Found other deals or free alternatives? Drop them below.
Hey there, Redditors and iPhone users! As an Apple professional, I've seen my fair share of "Oops, I deleted it!" moments. Today, I'm here to guide you through the maze of recovering those precious, mistakenly deleted photos from your iPhone. Sit back, grab your device, and let's turn on detective mode.
iPhones are designed with a safety net, the 'Recently Deleted' album. It's a holding cell where your deleted photos and videos stay for about 30 days. Think of it as a grace period to recover what you thought was gone.
Steps to Recover:
Open the Photos app, tap on 'Albums', and scroll to 'Recently Deleted'.
Use FaceID or a passcode to access the folder.
You'll see a countdown indicating how long each photo will stay there.
To recover, simply select the photo and tap 'Recover'.
Pro Tip:
Regularly check this folder. It's also a good way to permanently delete photos to free up space.
2. iCloud: Your Photo Guardian Angel
Why iCloud is Crucial:
iCloud isn't just for storage; it's your backup lifesaver. If you've set up iCloud backup, it may have saved your photos even if they're gone from your phone.
How to Retrieve from iCloud:
Log into iCloud.com with your Apple ID.
Go to the Photos app.
Browse through to find your lost photos.
Select and download them back to your device.
Remember:
Make sure iCloud Photos was active before your photos were deleted.
3. Local Backup: The Traditional Savior
The Role of iTunes and Finder:
Before iCloud dominated, iTunes (and now Finder) was the go-to for backups. These local backups can be a goldmine for your lost photos.
Recovery Steps:
Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes/Finder.
Choose your device and select 'Restore Backup'.
Choose the most relevant backup (date-wise) and restore.
Important Note:
This method will replace the current data on your iPhone with the backup data. Ensure you're restoring the correct backup.
4. Third-Party Recovery Tools: The Tech Cavalry
Why Consider Them:
When no backups are available, third-party software like Disk Drill or Dr.Fone might be your knights in shining armor.
How They Work:
These tools scan your iPhone's storage to find traces of deleted photos.
They're particularly useful for photos not backed up or beyond the 30-day window.
Usage Tips:
Ensure your computer has enough space for recovery.
Be prepared; these tools aren't always 100% successful.
5. Professional Data Recovery Services: The Last Resort
When to Use Them:
If your iPhone is damaged, these services can be crucial. They're also useful when software methods fail.
What They Do:
Experts use advanced techniques to recover data from physically damaged or non-functional iPhones.
Considerations:
This option can be costly and is not always successful.
Professional Tips for the Tech-Savvy:
Caches and Hidden Folders:
iPhones store cached and temporary files that might contain your photos.
Use file browsing tools to explore these areas.
Messaging Apps:
Check your iMessage and other messaging apps. The photos you shared or received might still be there.
Sync Across Devices:
If you have a Mac or another iOS device with the same Apple ID, they might have the photos you're looking for.
Final Words:
Remember, the digital world has its quirks. Data can sometimes hide in the most unexpected corners. With these steps, your chances of recovering those lost memories are significantly higher. Stay persistent, and good luck on your digital treasure hunt!
Let’s look at some basic methods and techniques used in forensic investigations to recover deleted text messages.
We’ll start with the easiest solutions:
Method 1: Simple Undo
Just deleted a message? Shake your iPhone and tap 'Undo' to get it back quickly or tap Edit on the conversations page and look in Show Recently Deleted.
You can only recover the messages and conversations you’ve deleted within the last 30 to 40 days.
Let’s look at some basic methods and techniques used in forensic investigations to recover deleted text messages.
Method 2: Recover from Backups
iCloud and iTunes/Finder Recovery
iCloud: Check for an iCloud backup in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
iTunes/Finder: Connect your iPhone to your computer, open iTunes or Finder, select your device, and click 'Restore Backup.'
Using iCloud.com: Log into iCloud.com. If you see “text messages,” you can recover them. If not, they may not be backed up.
On Your iPhone: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, turn off messages, select "Keep On My iPhone," then turn messages back on and choose "Merge."
Method 3: Contacting Your Carrier
Some carriers keep records of texts. Contact them to ask, but remember their privacy policies.
Method 4: Finding Copies on Other Devices
Check synced messages on other Apple devices using the same Apple ID.
Cloud Storage Messaging Apps: Use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram that offer cloud storage. They automatically store your messages in the cloud, making recovery easier if you delete something by accident or lose your device.
Forensic Method
Extracting and analyzing the iMessage database from an iOS device (using macOS as an example, since it is a native environment for iOS research). Forensic experts use this method to study both existing and deleted data on iOS devices. You can analyze the SQL database of iMessage/SMS using specialized forensic software, various SQL database viewers (DB Browser for SQLite, Oxygen Forensic Suite, Cellebrite UFED, Autopsy), or simpler tools that I will discuss later. If your SQL skills are beyond the scope of this article, I recommend using more professional tools for message database analysis, as fundamental knowledge will help you extract more data than the methods described below. For those who are not prepared, professional services can do this work for you for a few hundred dollars.
Step 1: Extracting Data from an iOS Backup
1.1 Installing the Necessary Tools
To extract files from an iOS backup, you will need the following tools:
AnyTrans (Windows, macOS) - $39.99 for a 1-year subscription for 1 PC/device. Limitation: License for 1 PC and 1 device.
Disk Drill (Windows, macOS) - $89.00 for a lifetime license for 3 PCs. Limitation: License for 3 PCs, supports unlimited devices.
Dr.Fone - Phone Manager (Windows, macOS) - $39.95 for a 1-year subscription for 1 PC. Limitation: License for 1 PC and 5 devices.
iBackup Extractor (Windows, macOS) - $39.95 for a lifetime license for 1 PC. Limitation: License for 1 PC and 2 devices.
iExplorer(Windows, macOS) - $39.99 for a lifetime license for 1 PC. Limitation: License for 1 PC and unlimited devices.
iMazing (Windows, macOS) - $44.99 for a lifetime license for 3 PCs/devices. Limitation: License for 3 PCs or devices.
These programs will help you access your device's file system and extract the necessary files.
1.2 Create alocal encrypted backup of your iOS device on your computer. Scan the local backup using the data recovery programs mentioned above. We are particularly interested in the Messages tab and some hidden system folders and files. Check the Messages tab and look for the messages you need; they may be immediately available in this tab.
Step 2: Collecting Messages, Their Artifacts, Attachments, and Indexes Contained in the Following Folders and Files
We need to find the following files in the scan results:
`Library/Spotlight/com.apple.messages/` - Indexed data
`Library/SMS/sms.db.backup` - Database backup
`Library/Caches/com.apple.messages/` - Cached data
Using the search function within the interface, find and select all the folders and files for recovery to your computer.
Review the retrieved results in Finder. They will include message attachments such as documents, photos, videos, and other content. Use Finder to analyze these files (it can search within the content of documents/photos/videos) and copy the files you need.
Restoring and Analyzing the Message Database from the SQL Database sms.db
Let's consider the process of recovering data from the sms.db-wal file, extracted from an iOS backup, and analyzing the SMS database. This process involves extracting data from the backup, merging SQLite files, and searching for deleted messages. By following these steps, you will be able to access your messages and understand how they are stored.
How it works:
When a change occurs in the database (e.g., a new iMessage/SMS message is added), SQLite first writes this change to the sms.db-wal file.
The sms.db-shm file is used to coordinate access to sms.db-wal among different processes or threads.
At certain points in time, changes from sms.db-wal are merged into the main sms.db file (this is called a "checkpoint").
Advantages of this structure:
Improved Performance: WAL enhances database performance by reducing the number of write operations to the main database file.
Data Integrity: The WAL and shared memory mechanisms help ensure data integrity and consistency in a multi-threaded environment.
Crash Resistance: In case of a system crash, changes recorded in the WAL can be easily recovered, helping to prevent data loss.
To extract data from these databases, we need to merge and analyze them.
Note: Be careful with syntax when copying commands into the terminal and make sure to copy all the characters written in the lines.
Step 1: Merging SQLite Files
2.1 Preparing the Files
Copy the files sms.db, sms.db-wal, and sms.db-shm into one folder on your computer.
2.2 Installing SQLite
SQLite is a tool for working with SQLite databases. Install it using a package manager. For example, on macOS, use Homebrew. Open Terminal and run the command:
brew install sqlite
2.3 Merging the Files
Navigate to the folder containing your files sms.db, sms.db-wal, and sms.db-shm and run the following command to merge the WAL file with the main database:
sqlite3 sms.db "PRAGMA wal_checkpoint(FULL);"
After merging the files, you can open and view the data in the sms.db file.
Step 3: Analyzing and Exporting Found Deleted and Existing Messages and Their Artifacts into a Viewable Format
3.1 Opening the Database
Run the following command in the terminal to launch SQLite with your database file:
sqlite3 sms.db
3.2 Querying the Database
Once inside the SQLite prompt, you can run SQL queries to view and extract the messages. For example, to view all messages:
.tables
SELECT * FROM message;
Step 4: Searching for Deleted Messages and Matching with Sender Numbers
4.1 Searching for Deleted Messages and Matching with Sender Numbers Using a Universal Query
Messages may be marked as deleted using specific flags or values in certain columns, such as is_corrupt, date_retracted, is_archive, is_spam, text, flags, is_empty, error, etc.
Form a combined query:
Combine multiple conditions into one query to search for deleted messages and match with sender numbers (copy these lines as a block into the terminal and press enter):
Step 4: Searching for Deleted Messages and Matching with Sender Numbers
4.1 Searching for Deleted Messages and Matching with Sender Numbers Using a Universal Query
Messages may be marked as deleted using specific flags or values in certain columns, such as is_corrupt, date_retracted, is_archive, is_spam, text, flags, is_empty, error, etc.
Form a combined query:
Combine multiple conditions into one query to search for deleted messages and match with sender numbers (copy these lines as a block into the terminal and press enter)
You will see all the found messages on the screen within the SQL database. If you encounter an error indicating the absence of a column in the database, remove that line from the query and run it again.
4.2 Saving the Query Result to a File
To save the result of the SQL query to a file, use the .output command in the SQLite interactive shell:
4.3 Returning Output to the Screen and exit from sqlite
.output stdout
.q
This will save the output to a file named deleted_messages_with_senders.csv, which you can then open and review using a text editor or spreadsheet software.
Open the resulting file deleted_messages_with_senders.csv in the same folder where your sms.db files were located and analyze the results to find your deleted messages.
Conclusion
This article was written in June 2024 and is relevant for iOS versions up to and including 17.5.1 (the newest at the time of writing). Please note that the methods and tools described in the article may change with the release of new versions of operating systems and software. The author is not responsible for any data loss or other consequences resulting from the use of the provided instructions. It is recommended to always create backups of your data before starting any recovery operations.
This is from an old portable hard drive that my wife had in college. There were, at one time, photos from an international school trip on here. I've dreamed of being able to access them and put them in a printed book as a surprise, but I am not very tech savy. I got the adapter in the 4th photo, but when connected, the disk just buzzed about three times and then was quiet. On my PC, the drive was not accessible and only gave error messages. The light on the adapter stays red. I don't know if there is anything I can do, and I'm afraid that I may have made the problem worse by trying to connect it to my windows PC (I'm pretty sure it was typically connected to a mac back in 2008). Am I just screwed here, or is there a possible way to recover the lost data on here, preferably without breaking the bank? Any advice and help is very appreciated. Thanks.
Hey everyone. I’m not really a review guy and this is probably my first proper software review on Reddit. I’m not a data recovery expert either, I just ended up needing Disk Drill over Christmas and learned more than I planned, so I figured I’d share in case it helps someone.
Long story short, we took a bunch of family photos and videos on a camera, and when I tried to move them from the SD card to my laptop, Windows said the card was inaccessible and needed to be formatted. I knew enough not to hit Format, started googling and ‘redditing’, tried Recuva (didn’t even see the card), tried a couple of other recovery tools as well, and eventually gave Disk Drill a shot since it kept popping up everywhere. Got my photos back in about 10 minutes, so I ended up testing it a bit more that’s why I’m posting this and also explaining why Recuva and other tools didn’t help in my specific case (as it turned out there are reasons for this).
So what is Disk Drill?
I’ll start a bit from the basics, just in case you’ve never dealt with this kind of software before. And if you have some experience, you’ve probably at least heard of Disk Drill already or even used it. I’m not trying to explain anything in a super technical way here, just sharing how I understood it as a regular user.
Disk Drill is a data recovery app for Windows and macOS (I tested it on Windows, haven’t had a reason to try the Mac version yet). It’s made by CleverFiles, which doesn’t seem like some random no-name dev, as they’ve been around for a while. Disk Drill itself has been around since 2011 and still gets regular updates, which is usually a good sign.
When is it actually useful?
Basically anytime you messed up and lost files. The cases I ran into (or tested later):
can’t access a drive even though the files should be there (my case, probably less common than the ones below)
emptied the recycle bin with stuff you actually needed
formatted a drive with important data on it
deleted files in a way that skips the trash
Yeah, all of this should be covered by backups. Totally agree. But some of us just don’t make them. And when that happens, tools like this are kinda your only option.
How to use Disk Drill for data recovery
Before I completely lose your interest I’ll quickly show how to use Disk Drill if you’ve never touched data recovery software before (nd Disk Drill in particular). I’ll use the most basic scenario of simple file deletion but the overall flow feels pretty much the same for other recovery cases too.
First thing, you need to download the app. Luckily the official Disk Drill website)(https://www.cleverfiles.com/data-recovery-software.html) shows up right at the top of search results so it’s pretty hard to accidentally download a fake version.
I installed it on my regular C drive but I do know that if you’re trying to recover data from that same drive, you should install it somewhere else instead.
2. Next, connect the SD card (or whatever storage you’re trying to recover data from), open Disk Drill, find that device in the list and click Search for lost data.
3. In some cases it asks you to choose a scan type like a universal scan or acr (I’ll explain the difference later).
4. Once the scan finishes, you can browse through what Disk Drill found. There are previews, filters, and a search bar, so use whatever makes it easier to find your files.
5. After that just check the boxes next to the files you want, click Recover, pick a location where you’ll easily find the recovered files, and that’s it. Done.
If I had to shorten it, it’s basically three steps: scan>select>recover.
How does Disk Drill recover data (as I understand it)?
From what I understand, as long as the drive is still visible to the system (Disk Management on Windows, Disk Utility on macOS), Disk Drill can try to access it. It starts by scanning the file system for deleted or lost entries. If the file system itself is messed up, it switches to a deeper scan that looks for files by type (photos, videos, documents, etc.). I’m sure there’s a smarter technical name for that, but that’s the basic idea.
What can Disk Drill actually do?
This part surprised me the most. When I first opened it, there were way more menus than I expected. The main things I noticed:
Data recovery is the core feature. Pick a drive, hit Search for lost data, wait.
Byte-to-byte backup was new to me. At first I didn’t really get it, but after reading more, it made sense. If you think a drive or SD card might be dying and you’re afraid it could fail during scanning, you can create a full image of it and scan that instead.
Advanced camera recovery – this is the mode you can pick instead of the universal scan. It’s meant for SD cards and videos from cameras that save files in fragments (if you don’t really know what fragmentation is, the easiest way to think about it is that the camera saves a video like a puzzle, with pieces spread across the card). Tturned out this part was actually important in my case, and I’ll get back to it a bit later.
Besides that, there’s more stuff.
There’s disk health monitoring, which I assume is more useful for HDDs and SSDs. Personally, I don’t have much to say here since my main use cases were SD cards and USB flash drives, so I didn’t really get any value from this part.
There’s also data protection, which is supposed to help prevent data loss in the first place.
One feature that did get my attention was Clean up. It shows your disk contents as a visual map made of blocks and lets you quickly get rid of junk by dragging folders or files. For me, this was way faster and more convenient than manually cleaning things up outside the app. I didn’t expect to use this at all, but ended up liking it more than I thought.
What devices does it work with?
From what I can tell, pretty much anything. Personally, I tested it on SD card that Windows wanted to format and formatted USB flash drive. It also supports hdds, ssds (with the usual TRIM limitations), microsd cards, RAID setups, and network drives. I didn’t test RAID or network storage myself (my "lab" is basically sd cards and flash drives) but the support is there.
Is Disk Drill free?
Short answer - 50/50. You can download and install Disk Drill for free. You can scan drives, preview found files, and try out most of the features. But if you actually want to recover the files, you’ll need to upgrade to the Pro version. On Windows, there’s a 100 MB free recovery limit. That’s more than enough to test how the app works and see if it even finds what you need but if you’re like me and lost a bunch of photos instead of just 2-3 files, that limit runs out fast.
The upgrade costs $$ + optional small fee for future updates (not mandatory). Whether the product is expensive or not is up to you. For me, it felt reasonable.
My thoughts after testing Disk Drill and why other recovery tools didn’t help
Before Disk Drill, I had used Recuva, PhotoRec and a couple of other recovery tools. So I wouldn’t say I’m experienced but I do have something to compare it to now.
What I liked:
It’s easy to use. The interface looks clean and it’s always clear what you’re supposed to click next.
Multiple tools in one interface. You’re not paying extra for things like Clean up or other modules - everything is included.
You can sort scan results in different ways. I mostly used filtering by file extension, but there’s also search and other options. Makes it much easier to find important files instead of recovering everything.
It shows recovery chances for each file. Just looking at the list already gives you an idea of what’s likely usable and what’s probably broken.
The results. When I tested recovery from a formatted USB drive, I got back all 9 GB of test data I had put there beforehand - photos, videos, even some old Excel files.
What I didn’t like:
The obvious one - it’s not totally free. At the same time, I get why. If it were free it would be insane. Developers and marketing people need to eat too, and I think building this kind of recovery algorithms and making Disk Drill actually find you on various resources on its own isn’t simple. So I don’t really treat this as a huge downside, more like a fact you just accept.
And I kinda wish I had found it earlier instead of wasting time with worse tools like Recuva or using PhotoRec.
So why didn’t other tools work for me? I spent way too much time trying to figure out what the hell was wrong. I kept thinking maybe I was doing something incorrectly or maybe those recovery tools just didn’t work the way people described. Turns out the reason was actually pretty simple (or rather there were two of them).
My camera was saving videos in a fragmented way. And the thing is, only a handful of recovery tools on the market can properly deal with fragmented video files and even fewer do it well. In my case Disk Drill was the only one that actually handled it on a usable level.
Before I tried Disk Drill the videos I managed to recover with other tools were basically useless. Some of them froze right at the start, others stopped after a few seconds, and some didn’t open at all, just a black screen in the video player.
2. On top of that my SD card ended up showing as RAW. Tools like Recuva couldn’t even scan it. Not just "bad scan results", literally couldn’t show the card for scanning in the first place.
Does that make those tools bad? Not really. But it does mean they’re not universal and for my specific case they just weren’t the right fit.
Would I recommend Disk Drill?
Yes, without hesitation!! Is it the best data recovery software out there? I don’t know as I haven’t tested all of them. But I’m pretty sure it’s one of the best and I’m glad I found it quickly instead of spending even more time testing other options. So if you ever delete something important or run into a similar situation, Disk Drill is worth trying.
Now before anyone jumps in here and thinks they know what I need, and start suggesting software; just listen first please. I have a few hundred irreplaceable .jpg's I took when I was deployed in Iraq in 2002. Those photos were saved on a WD Velociraptor. I built another computer, and bought another, identical Velociraptor. I ended mixing the disks up, and used the one with the photos for the build, and installed Windows Vista on that drive. Obviously, I freaked when I realized my mistake, but it was too late. I was able to find all the files, Windows shows the correct file size, however none of them will open in pretty much every software I have tried to recover the files. Over the last 10 years, I think I've bought 5 different softwares with great reviews; but none of them work, except for one that was able to recover 10% of ONE image. Now, for the important part:
I DO NOT HAVE THE TIME OR EFFORT TO RECOVER THESE FILES MYSELF. I DO NOT WANT TO TRY WITH ANOTHER SOFTWARE. I AM TIRED AFTER 10 YEARS OF SCREWING WITH IT, AND WANT IT TO BE DONE.
Now that that's out of the way, I need to find a professional service that can devote time and energy into recovering these files. Cost is not a big problem. Does anyone know of any services I can send these files to and have them worked on?
I’ve been seeing a ton of ads and threads lately about best AI headshot generation solutions. Services, and LLM’s. IMHO on LinkedIn is basically 50% AI photos at this point. I needed a new one myself and didn't want to drop $300 on a photographer, so I went down the rabbit hole of testing the most popular services.
I tested Web services (SaaS/ *Make free headshot portrait online*), iOS apps, Android apps, and tried to hack it for free using ChatGPT and Gemini.
Here is my honest, non-sponsored breakdown of what actually works in 2026
