Last updated: 2026-02-14
How to Restore Old Photos with AI – Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Old photos hold irreplaceable memories, but time, handling, and storage conditions take their toll. AI restoration tools can now repair damage, restore colors, and even colorize black-and-white images with remarkable accuracy. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process from scanning to final print.
Step 1: Scan Your Photos Properly
Use a flatbed scanner at 600-1200 DPI. Clean the scanner glass with a microfiber cloth. Handle photos with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves. Scan in color even for black-and-white photos, as the scanner captures tonal information that helps the AI. Save as TIFF (lossless) rather than JPEG. If you do not have a scanner, smartphone apps with document scanning modes work as a second option, but quality will be lower.
Step 2: Upload to AI Restoration Tool
We recommend Let's Enhance for photo restoration. Create an account and use the Let's Enhance coupon code BETTER10 for 10% OFF. Upload your scan. Do not edit or crop the image first; the AI works best on raw scans.
Step 3: Apply Restoration
Select the restoration processing mode. The AI will automatically detect and repair scratches, tears, water damage, fading, and discoloration. For severely damaged photos, you may need to process in multiple passes: first restoration, then upscaling, then optional colorization. Review results after each step before proceeding.
Step 4: Colorize (Optional)
If you want to add color to a black-and-white photo, enable the colorization option. The AI uses contextual clues (skin tones, fabric types, foliage, sky) to generate historically plausible colors. Results are impressive but not guaranteed to match the original colors exactly. High-contrast, well-exposed originals produce the most natural colorization.
Step 5: Upscale & Print
If you want to print the restored photo, upscale it to the resolution required for your desired print size (300 DPI for photo prints). Download in TIFF format for maximum quality. Use a photo printing service for the best results; home printers typically cannot match the color accuracy and detail of professional printing.