How to make sure your photos, texts and browsing history are REALLY deleted – plus the sneaky ways your phone and Google store them

Nobody likes a snitch, but sometimes your favorite gadgets give you away.

Like the British man whose wife found text messages to a prostitute on his iPhone that he thought he had deleted. Now he is suing Apple for $6 million for storing the messages in iCloud.

But even if you don’t do anything suspicious, the messages, photos, and other files you delete won’t disappear immediately.

They usually stay in use for at least a month, so you want to get them back as soon as possible. This can be a problem if you sell or lend your phone to someone, or if you share your device with your children or partner.

This is how you ensure that your personal photos and documents do not return from the digital grave.

Your deleted messages still exist

That’s the whole basis of that scumbag’s lawsuit. He was setting up a secret meeting — not realizing that when you’re signed in to iCloud, messages are synced across devices, even when you delete them from a device.

On an iPhone:

● Tap Filters at the top of your messages list.

● Select Recently Deleted to retrieve texts or delete them permanently.

On Android, the default Google Messages app doesn’t have a trash bin. If you delete a text there, it’s gone forever.

But if you use another messaging app, see if there’s a section that was recently deleted.

Photos and videos

This is generally a good thing because you can find back photos you deleted and later changed your mind about, like that selfie where you looked great.

In Photos on an iPhone:

● Go to Albums and scroll down to Recently Deleted.

● You can recover recently deleted photos and videos or permanently delete them.

In Google Photos:

● Go to Library > Recycle Bin to check for deleted files and take action.

Other photo apps have a similar section. Just search for terms like deleted or trash.

Other files

Your phone also has lockers for general files. Here you’ll find items you’ve downloaded and anything that doesn’t fit neatly into another category.

On the iPhone:

● Open Files > Browse > Recently Deleted.

On Android:

● Open Files > Menu (the three lines, top left) > Trash.

Stay in sync

If you have sync turned on, your apps and devices will always sync with the cloud and other gadgets. But there’s a lot to keep in mind.

If you’re planning to sell your device, you’ll want to know how to turn it off. And if you accidentally turn off syncing, something you delete on one device might stay on another.

For Apple devices: Tap your name at the top of Settings on an iPhone or iPad and choose iCloud to see what’s syncing. On a Mac, it’s System Settings, then your name, then iCloud.

If you use a mix of Windows, Android and Apple…

Radio host Kim Komando offers advice to help people navigate the world of technology

It’s a bit more complicated. First, check your sync settings in your browser.

For Chrome on Windows and macOS:

● Click on the three dots in the top right corner > Settings.

● Open You & Google > Sync & Google services.

● Click Manage what you sync.

● Make sure Sync Everything is selected.

If you’re using the Phone Link app on Windows to sync your Android device or iPhone and you want to stop the syncing, make sure to disconnect your phone.

● Start menu > Phone link > Click the gear icon (top right).

● Select My Devices.

● Click the three dots next to a phone and then click Remove to disconnect.

iCloud for Windows is another tool you may have set up if you use an iPhone or a Mac (or both) running Windows. Launch the app from your Start menu to check what’s syncing, including photos, videos, and files.

And don’t forget what other apps you use to share files, like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

Keep your digital life private

In today’s tech-driven world, your gadgets know more about you than your best friend. Ensuring your privacy is more than just locking down your phone – it’s about understanding how your devices interact with your personal data.

Apple fans, take note: Your iPhone and iPad have built-in tools to keep your data safe, but don’t get too comfortable. Periodically dive into your Photos app and clean out your Recently Deleted folder.

Those ‘deleted’ selfies and screenshots stick around longer than you think.

Keep an eye on your Mac’s iCloud settings to make sure you’re not unintentionally sharing more than you intend to.

Windows warriors, this one’s for you: Integrating services like iCloud for Windows and the Phone Link app can be a lifesaver, but it also requires careful management. Don’t let old devices hang around in your sync settings—unlink them to prevent unwanted data access.

Regardless of your platform, make sure your software is up to date. Outdated apps and systems are like unlocked doors to hackers. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication to give your accounts an extra layer of security.

Let’s not forget your browser. Whether you use Chrome, Safari, or Edge, sync settings can reveal more information about your habits than you’d like. Make sure you’re only syncing what you need.

By following these tips, you can keep your personal information out of the wrong hands and maintain control over your digital footprint. Remember, a little vigilance goes a long way in our interconnected world.