If you have ever synced your phone to a computer, you can restore that backup for free using official Apple software [4].

Check iCloud.com or Google Photos (and the "Trash" folders within them). Often, data is backed up automatically without users realizing it [4].

These sites often require you to click through sketchy ads or fill out "surveys" that harvest your personal information [3].

If you need a completely free solution, consider these safer paths:

For recovering files from SD cards or Android devices connected as mass storage, Recuva is a well-known, legitimate free tool.

If the price is a barrier, check the official site for seasonal sales or student discounts, which are common. Free Alternatives for Data Recovery