The iPhone, with its powerful camera and intuitive editing tools, has revolutionized how we capture and share our lives. However, sometimes, we make edits that we later regret. Maybe a filter looked better in our head than in practice, or perhaps we cropped the video too aggressively. Thankfully, Apple provides a simple and effective way to revert your edited videos back to their original, pristine state. This article dives deep into the process, exploring different scenarios and offering troubleshooting tips to ensure you can always retrieve your unedited footage.
Understanding Non-Destructive Editing on iPhone
Before we delve into the “how-to,” it’s crucial to grasp the concept of non-destructive editing. When you edit a video directly within the iPhone’s Photos app, the original video file remains untouched. The edits are stored as instructions, layered on top of the original. This means that reverting to the original is not only possible but also incredibly easy. This approach preserves the quality of your original video and saves valuable storage space by avoiding the creation of multiple copies.
Benefits of Non-Destructive Editing
The benefits of non-destructive editing are numerous. First and foremost, it allows for complete reversibility. You can experiment with different looks and effects without the fear of permanently damaging your video. Secondly, it’s space-efficient. Instead of creating a duplicate video file for each version, the iPhone only stores the editing instructions. Finally, it preserves the original video’s quality. Since the core video file is unaltered, you avoid any potential loss in resolution or detail that might occur during traditional destructive editing workflows.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reverting Videos on iPhone
Reverting a video to its original state on your iPhone is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Open the Photos app on your iPhone. This is where all your photos and videos are stored.
Locate the edited video you want to revert. You can scroll through your library or use the search function to find it quickly.
Tap on the video to open it in full-screen mode.
Tap the “Edit” button located in the top-right corner of the screen. This will open the video editing interface.
In the editing interface, look for the “Revert” button in the bottom-right corner. It’s usually represented by a circular arrow.
Tap the “Revert” button. A confirmation prompt will appear, asking if you’re sure you want to revert to the original.
Tap “Revert to Original” to confirm. The iPhone will then discard all the edits you made, restoring the video to its unedited state.
Tap “Done” to save the changes. The video in your Photos library will now be the original, unedited version.
What Happens After Reverting?
After reverting your video, all edits, including trimming, filters, adjustments, and cropping, will be removed. The video will return to its original length, color, and aspect ratio. It’s important to remember that this action is permanent. Once you revert the video, the edits are gone, and you’ll need to reapply them if you change your mind.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Reverting Videos
While the process of reverting videos on iPhone is generally reliable, you might encounter some issues. Here’s a guide to troubleshoot common problems:
“Revert” Button is Missing
If you don’t see the “Revert” button, it could mean that the video wasn’t edited using the iPhone’s built-in Photos app. If you used a third-party app for editing and that app employs destructive editing methods (where the original video is overwritten), the “Revert” option won’t be available in the Photos app. In this case, you might need to check the original app for its own revert or undo functionality, if available.
Also, confirm that the video is stored locally on your iPhone and is not only available in iCloud. Videos that have not been fully downloaded from iCloud might have limited editing options.
Video Doesn’t Revert Correctly
In rare cases, the video might not revert to its true original state. This could be due to a software glitch or a corrupted video file. Here are some steps you can take:
- Restart your iPhone: A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches.
- Update to the latest iOS version: Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Apple regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates.
- Check iCloud Photos settings: Ensure that “Download and Keep Originals” is selected in your iCloud Photos settings (Settings > Photos). This ensures that the full-resolution original videos are stored on your device, not just optimized versions.
- Free up storage space: Insufficient storage space on your iPhone can sometimes lead to unexpected issues. Delete unnecessary files and apps to free up space.
- Try reverting on another device: If you have another Apple device signed in to the same iCloud account, try reverting the video on that device.
- Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps work, there might be a more serious issue. Contact Apple Support for assistance.
Edits Made Before iOS Update
If the video was edited using an older version of iOS and you’ve since updated your iPhone, the revert functionality might be affected. Apple makes changes to its editing tools with each iOS update, and older edits might not be fully compatible with the new version. In such cases, the “Revert” button might not work as expected. Your best bet is to try the general troubleshooting steps mentioned above.
Alternative Solutions for Restoring Original Videos
While the built-in revert feature is the easiest and most reliable method, there are alternative approaches you can try if it fails:
Restoring from a Backup
If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer, you might be able to restore an older version of your Photos library that contains the original, unedited video. However, this is a drastic measure, as it will revert your entire Photos library (and potentially other data) to the state it was in at the time of the backup. Therefore, only consider this option if the video is extremely important and you have a recent backup available.
Checking Cloud Storage Services
If you use cloud storage services like Google Photos, Dropbox, or Amazon Photos to back up your iPhone’s photos and videos, there’s a chance that the original, unedited version of the video is stored in the cloud. Check these services to see if you can download the original video from there.
Third-Party Data Recovery Software
As a last resort, you could try using third-party data recovery software to scan your iPhone’s storage for deleted files. However, the success rate of data recovery software varies, and it’s not guaranteed to recover the original video file, especially if it has been overwritten. Also, be cautious when using third-party software, as some programs may be malicious. Do thorough research and choose reputable software from trusted developers.
Tips for Preventing Accidental Edits
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to avoid accidentally making unwanted edits to your videos:
- Create duplicates before editing: Before making significant edits, consider creating a duplicate of the video. This way, you’ll always have the original version readily available. You can duplicate a video by tapping the “Share” button and selecting “Duplicate.”
- Be mindful of Auto Enhance: The iPhone’s Auto Enhance feature can sometimes make unwanted adjustments to your videos. Pay attention to the changes it makes and adjust them manually if necessary.
- Avoid editing while distracted: Editing videos requires focus and attention. Avoid editing when you’re distracted or tired, as you’re more likely to make mistakes.
- Regularly back up your iPhone: Regular backups ensure that you always have a copy of your original videos in case of accidental edits, data loss, or device malfunction.
Advanced Video Editing on iPhone: When to Consider Other Apps
While the iPhone’s built-in editing tools are sufficient for basic tasks, more advanced editing might require dedicated video editing apps. Apps like LumaFusion, iMovie (for iOS), and Adobe Premiere Rush offer a wider range of features, including multi-track editing, advanced color correction, audio mixing, and more.
However, it’s important to understand whether these apps use non-destructive or destructive editing workflows. If you’re concerned about preserving the original video, choose apps that offer non-destructive editing options. Even with these apps, always back up your original video before starting a complex edit.
Maintaining a Clean Photos Library
A well-organized Photos library makes it easier to find and manage your videos. Consider using features like albums and folders to categorize your videos. Regularly delete unwanted videos to free up storage space and keep your library clutter-free. Use iCloud Photos to sync your library across all your Apple devices, ensuring that your videos are always backed up and accessible.
By understanding how non-destructive editing works on your iPhone and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently edit your videos without the fear of permanently altering them. The ability to revert to the original provides peace of mind and allows you to experiment freely with different creative options.
What types of video edits can I revert on my iPhone?
The iPhone’s built-in Photos app allows you to revert edits made within the app itself. This includes changes to the video’s trim length, filters applied, adjustments to brightness, contrast, saturation, exposure, and any edits done using the video enhancement tools. If you used a third-party app for extensive editing, such as adding special effects, text overlays, or complex audio modifications, the revert functionality within the Photos app may not work, as the edits are usually saved as a new video file.
Essentially, reverting works best for non-destructive edits made directly in the Photos app. The original video data is preserved, and the edits are applied as adjustments rather than permanent changes to the source file. If you’ve saved a copy of the edited video or exported it from a third-party app, the original is likely still safe. However, if you’ve overwritten the original with an edited version within an app other than Photos, recovery might be more difficult and require specialized software.
How do I revert a video back to its original state within the Photos app?
To revert a video to its original state on your iPhone, open the Photos app and navigate to the edited video. Once the video is open, tap on the “Edit” button located in the top-right corner of the screen. This will bring you to the video editing interface where you initially made your adjustments.
Look for the “Revert” button, which is typically found in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Tapping this button will present you with a confirmation prompt. Choose “Revert to Original,” and your video will be restored to its original, unedited form. The edits you previously made will be discarded, and the original video file will be retained.
What happens if I don’t see the “Revert” button?
If you don’t see the “Revert” button within the Photos app, it usually indicates that the video wasn’t edited directly in the Photos app or that the original video file has been replaced. If you used a third-party video editing app and saved the edited version over the original, the “Revert” option will not be available in the Photos app.
In such cases, you’ll need to check the third-party app you used to see if it has its own revert or undo functionality. Alternatively, if you have a backup of your iPhone (either through iCloud or a local backup on your computer), you might be able to restore an older version of your Photos library that contains the original, unedited video file. Remember to check your recently deleted folder as well in case you accidentally deleted the original.
Does reverting a video delete the edited version?
When you revert a video to its original state using the Photos app, the edits are discarded, effectively removing the adjustments you made. The original video file is restored, and the edited version, as it existed with the applied changes, is no longer accessible within the Photos app under that particular entry. The changes are not retained in the history, meaning that you can’t “redo” those edits after reverting.
However, reverting the video only impacts that specific instance of the video within the Photos library. It doesn’t delete any other versions of the video that you might have saved or exported separately. For example, if you made a copy of the edited video before reverting, that copy will remain unaffected. Also if you exported the edited video, you can check your files app or shared location.
Can I revert edits made to a video synced from iCloud?
Yes, you can generally revert edits made to a video that’s synced from iCloud, as long as the edits were performed within the Photos app on your iPhone. The Photos app uses a non-destructive editing process, meaning the original video is preserved, and edits are stored separately. This allows for reverting to the original state regardless of iCloud syncing.
When you revert the video on your iPhone, the change will be synced across your iCloud account and reflected on all other devices connected to the same iCloud account with iCloud Photos enabled. This ensures that your video library remains consistent across your devices. The changes in the original video are maintained, so if you restore or delete the edited version, you can find the original in iCloud. It is best practice to ensure that your devices are properly synced to prevent issues.
Is there a limit to how many times I can revert and re-edit a video?
Within the Photos app, there is no specific limit to how many times you can revert a video back to its original state and then re-edit it. The non-destructive editing process allows you to freely experiment with different edits and revert back to the original as needed. This makes it easy to try out various looks without permanently altering the original video data.
However, it’s worth noting that excessive editing and reverting, especially with extensive adjustments, can potentially impact the responsiveness of the Photos app over time, particularly on older devices. This is more of a general performance consideration rather than a hard limit. The iPhone stores the original version, and the edited instructions, this allows the iPhone to produce and render an edited version of the original when you hit save. It can potentially get slow if you are doing it multiple times and on a large video.
What are some alternatives if I can’t revert the video using the Photos app?
If you can’t revert a video using the “Revert” option in the Photos app, your best bet is to look for backups of your iPhone. iCloud backups, or local backups created using iTunes or Finder on your computer, may contain an earlier version of your photo library with the original, unedited video. You can restore a previous backup to retrieve the original video file, although this will revert your entire iPhone to that point in time, so make sure to back up your current data first.
Another option is to check if the third-party video editing app you used has its own backup or versioning system. Some apps automatically save different versions of your project, allowing you to revert to a specific point in time. Also consider cloud storage services that might have backed up the video before you edited it. It is recommended to keep multiple backups, particularly for videos that are important to you.