Deleting files on a smartphone is a routine operation, but what to do if you accidentally erased an important document or photo? On Honor 10 (as on most Android devices) there is no familiar Windows-style “recycle bin”, but there are hidden mechanisms for temporary storage of deleted data. The problem is that they work in a non-obvious way: some files are sent to an “intermediate” folder, others are deleted permanently, and others can only be restored through third-party utilities.

Many users mistakenly look for the recycle bin in the "Gallery" or "Files" menu, but on Honor 10 with the shell EMUI 8.x/9.x (in depending on the firmware version), the logic for storing deleted data depends on the type of file and the method of deleting it. For example, photos from the standard Gallery application end up in a temporary folder, but files deleted through File Explorer do not. Let's take a look at exactly where to look for the "recycle bin" and how to increase the chances of data recovery.

⚠️ Attention: If you used the Storage & Performance function in the settings or third-party "cleaners" (for example, CCleaner), the chances of recovering files are minimal - such utilities bypass temporary folders and delete data permanently.

In this article we will look at:

  • 📂 Where the “recycle bin” for photos and videos is stored in the standard gallery Honor 10.
  • 🗑️ Why some files are deleted permanently and how to fix it.
  • 🔍 How to restore data if it is not in the temporary folder.
  • ⚙️ Backup settings to avoid future losses.
📊 Have you ever lost important files on your smartphone?
Yes, photos
Yes, documents
Yes, contacts
No, I always make backups
I don’t remember

On Honor 10 the standard application is responsible for temporary storage of deleted media files "Gallery"** (icon with a multi-colored flower). When you delete a photo or video through this application, the file does not disappear immediately, but is moved to a hidden folder Recycle Bin (or Cart in the Russian version). The storage period is 30 days, after which the data is deleted automatically.

To find the cart:

  1. Open application "Gallery"**.
  2. Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.
  3. Select item Cart (or Recycle Bin).
  4. Before You will see a list of deleted files with the ability to recover.

⚠️ Attention: If you deleted photos through "Explorer"** (the "Files" application), they will not be added to the gallery basket will be erased permanently. The same applies to files deleted through Google Photos or other third-party applications - each of them has its own. storage logic.

In the gallery basket you can:

  • 🔄 Restore files one at a time or all at once (button Restore at the bottom of the screen).
  • 🗑️ Empty Trash early (button Clear).
  • ⏳ View the remaining time until automatic deletion (displayed under each file).

☑️ What to do if the photo is not in the trash

Done: 0 / 4

2 Why some files are deleted. irrevocably

On Honor 10 (as on other Android smartphones) there is no universal recycle bin for all types of data. That's why some files disappear forever:

1. Deletion method:

  • ✅ Deletion via "Gallery"** → the file goes into the trash for 30 days.
  • ❌ Deletion via "Explorer"**, ES File Explorer or Total Commander → the file is erased immediately.
  • ❌ Delete via "Memory clearing"** in settings → data is deleted permanently.

2. File type:

  • 📷 Photos/videos → trash can in the “Gallery”.
  • 📄 Documents/APK → are deleted immediately (if cloud services were not used).
  • 🎵 Music → depends on the player (for example Google Play Music has its own cart).

3. Firmware settings:

In some versions EMUI (especially on older firmware Honor 10) the basket in the gallery may be disabled. To check:

  1. Open "Gallery"** → ⋮ → Settings.
  2. Find the item Trash or Recycle Bin.
  3. Make sure the switch is active.
💡

If you often lose files, enable the “Automatic backup” option in the gallery settings in Huawei Cloud or Google Photos. This will save copies of all media files in the cloud.

3. How to restore files if they are not in the recycle bin

If the files were not deleted through “Gallery” or the recycle bin is already empty, try the following methods:

1. Check hidden folders in Explorer

Some applications create their “recycle bins” as hidden folders. Go to "Explorer"** (or Files by Google) and turn on the display of hidden folders. files:

  1. Open "Files"** → ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files.
  2. Go to memory device and find the folders:
    • .trash —the general recycle bin of some file managers.
    • Recycle or Recycle Bin —can be created by third-party applications.
    • Pictures/.thumbnails —sometimes thumbnails of deleted photos remain here.

2. Use apps. for recovery

If files are not found, try specialized utilities:

  • 📱 DiskDigger - scans the internal memory and SD card for deleted files (root access is required for deep scanning).
  • 💻 Recuva (for PC) - connect Honor 10 to the computer in mode File transfer and scan the memory.
  • 🌐 EaseUS MobiSaver - recovers photos, messages and contacts (there is a free version).

⚠️ Attention: Do not install recovery apps on the same memory from which you deleted the files! This will overwrite the data and reduce the chances of success. Use a memory card or another. media.

3. Recovery from cloud services

If synchronization was enabled on Honor 10 check:

  • 🖼️ Google Photos → Cart (stores 60 files days).
  • ☁️ Huawei Cloud → Gallery → Cart (30 days).
  • 📎 Yandex.Disk/Mail.ru Cloud → section Deleted files.
What to do if the phone does not see the memory card?

If Honor 10 does not recognize the SD card, try:

1. Restart the smartphone.

2. Remove and reinsert the card.

3. Check the card on another device (it may be damaged).

4. Format the card (the data will be lost!).

4. Setting up backup: how to avoid losses in the future

To avoid searching for the trash can after each deletion, set up automatic backup on Honor 10Here are the main methods:

1. (cloud from the manufacturer)

  • 📱 Go to Settings → Accounts → Huawei ID.
  • Select Huawei Cloud → Backup.
  • Activate options for Galleries, Contacts and Notes.
  • Click Backup now to immediately create a copy.

2. Google Photos (alternative for media files)

  • 📷 Install the application Google Photos from Play Market.
  • Open it and sign in to your Google account.
  • Go in Settings → Backup and synchronization.
  • Turn on the switch and select quality (High or Original).

3. Local backup to memory card

If you do not trust the clouds, copy important files to the SD card manually:

  1. Open "Explorer"**.
  2. Select the files you need (long press).
  3. Tap Copy → select the memory card → Paste.
Backup method Free storage volume Retention period for deleted files Do you need internet?
Huawei Cloud 5 GB 30 days Yes
Google Photos (high quality) Unlimited* 60 days Yes
Google Drive 15 GB 30 days Yes
Local copy to SD Depends on the card No restrictions No

* For photos up to 16 MP and video up to 1080p.

💡

The most reliable way to avoid losses is to combine cloud backup (for example, Google Photos) and local duplication to a memory card.

5. on Honor 10

Many users encounter problems when trying to recover files. Here are common errors and how to avoid them:

1. Incorrect application for deleting

If you delete photos via "Explorer" instead of "Galleries", they do not go to the trash. Always use the application in which the file was created or. open.

2. Ignoring notifications about cleaning

The system sometimes prompts you to empty the recycle bin when there is not enough memory. agree, files are deleted ahead of schedule. To avoid this:

  • 📵 Disable automatic cleaning in the gallery settings.
  • 🔄 Check the trash regularly and restore the necessary files.

3. Using memory cleaners

Applications like CCleaner or Files by Google in the “Cleaning” mode delete files permanently, bypassing the system recycle bin. If you use them often:

  • 🛑 Before cleaning, check which files will be deleted.
  • 🔍 Exclude important folders from automatic cleaning.

4. Interrupting the recovery process

If you are restoring files through DiskDigger or similar apps, do not interrupt the scan. This may damage the data. It is better to connect the phone to a charger before starting. process.

💡

If you often work with important files, create a shortcut to the backup folder on the main screen. To do this, hold down an empty space on the screen → Widgets → Shortcuts → select the folder.

6. Alternative file managers with a recycle bin

If standard tools Honor 10 do not suit you, install a third-party file manager with a recycle bin function:

1. Files by Google

  • 🗑️ There is a built-in recycle bin for deleted files (stores for 30 days).
  • 🔍 Convenient search and sorting by file type.
  • 📱 Lightweight application from Google.

2. Solid Explorer

  • 📂 Recycle bin support with customizable storage period.
  • ☁️ Integration with cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox).
  • 🔐 Password protection of folders.

3. FX File Explorer

  • 🗃️ Recycle bin with the ability to restore and permanently delete.
  • 📎 Built-in archiver and FTP client.
  • 🎨 Dark theme and flexible settings.

To enable the recycle bin in Solid Explorer:

  1. Open the application → ⋮ → Settings.
  2. Go to File management → Trash.
  3. Activate the option and set the storage period (from 1 to 90 days).

Sometimes the recycle bin in the gallery or file managers stops functioning. Possible causes and solutions:

1. The recycle bin is not displayed in the gallery

  • 🔄 Restart your smartphone.
  • 📥 Update the "Gallery" application via AppGallery or Play Market.
  • 🛠️ Clear the gallery cache: Settings → Applications → Gallery → Memory → Clear cache.

2. Files disappear from the trash bin ahead of time

  • 📵 Check whether the automatic cleaning function is activated in the settings.
  • 🔋 Make sure that there is enough free memory on the device (if there is not enough, the system can forcefully empty the recycle bin).

3. Files cannot be restored

  • 📂 Try restoring the files to another device. (for example, on a PC).
  • 🔍 Use another application for recovery (for example, Undeleter).
  • 📧 If the files were synchronized, check their availability in the cloud.

⚠️ Attention: If after updating the firmware Honor 10 the recycle bin stops working, this may be due to changes in EMUI. In this case, try rolling back to the previous version of the software or use third-party file managers.

How to roll back the firmware on Honor 10?

Rolling back the firmware is a risky procedure that can lead to loss data. If you decide:

1. Download the required firmware version from the official website Huawei (support section).

2. Transfer the file UPDATE.APP to the folder dload memory.

3. Press Volume up + Volume down + Power to start the update.

4. Wait for the process to complete (do not interrupt!).

We recommend doing this full backup before rollback!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the recycle bin on Honor 10

Is it possible to increase the storage period of files in the gallery recycle bin?

No, in the standard gallery Honor 10 the storage period is fixed - 30 days. However, you can manually restore files. earlier or use third-party file managers (for example, Solid Explorer), where the period is configurable.

Where do deleted messages and contacts go? Is there a recycle bin for them?

Messages and contacts do not go to the recycle bin: To restore them. data-i="317">📱 Use backups in

  • 📱 Use backups in Huawei Cloud or Google Account.
  • 🔍 Try applications like Dr.Fone (root access required).

In the future set up automatic synchronization of contacts with Google or Huawei ID.

Why is the recycle bin empty after resetting the settings?

Resetting the settings (Hard Reset) completely clears the internal memory, including the temporary folders of the recycle bin. If there was no backup before the reset, files can only be restored through specialized apps (for example, EaseUS MobiSaver), and the chances are slim.

Is it possible to recover files deleted a year ago?

Unlikely. If the files were not synchronized with the cloud and there are no local backups left, after a year the data will almost certainly be overwritten by new files. The only chance is if you have not used the device all this time (which. unlikely).

How to transfer files from the recycle bin to your computer?

First, restore the files from the recycle bin to a gallery or folder on the device, then:

  1. Connect Honor 10 to your PC via USB (select mode Transfer files).
  2. Find the recovered files in the folder DCIM or Pictures.
  3. Copy them to your computer.