Have you accidentally deleted an important file on Samsung Galaxy A50 and now you can’t find it? Or just want to figure out where the trash bin with deleted data is stored on this smartphone? The problem is that Android —unlike Windows or macOS —there is no universal system recycle bin. Its location and even its presence depend on the type of files, the application through which they were deleted, and the firmware version of your Galaxy A50.

In this article we will analyze in detail all possible options: from the standard recycle bin in Samsung Gallery to hidden folders in the file manager, and also explain why some files disappear irrevocably immediately after deletion. You will learn not only where to look for the recycle binbut also how to set up its operation, recover data from it and what to do if the required file is not there.

We will pay special attention to the nuances Samsung Galaxy A50 s firmware One UI 1.0–4.1 (Android 9–12), since the interface and logic of the shopping cart changed with updates. If your smartphone has received a more recent version of the software, some points may differ - we will also warn you about this.

The most obvious place to look for deleted files on Galaxy A50 is the Recycle Bin in the application Gallery from Samsung. It works on the principle of “soft deletion”: photos and videos are not erased immediately, but are sent to temporary storage, from where they can be restored within 15–60 days (the period depends on the firmware version).

To open the trash can in Gallery:

  • 📱 Open the application Gallery (icon with multi-colored photos).
  • 🔍 Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.
  • 🗑️ Select item Trash (or Deleted in older versions).
  • 🔄 Here you will see all files deleted in the last days. To restore, select the ones you need and click Restore.

Important: the recycle bin in the Gallery stores media files only (photos, videos, GIFs). Documents, APKs, or browser downloads are not shown here. It also does not work if you deleted files through Explorer or third-party applications like Google Photos.

⚠️ Attention: If you cleared the cache or application data Gallery in the settings (Settings → Applications → Gallery → Memory), the recycle bin could be reset, and the files will be lost forever.
📊 How often do you check the recycle bin on your phone?
Never
Once a month
Only when I'm looking for a deleted file
I don't know where it is

2. Google Photos Recycle Bin: an alternative recovery method

If you use Google Photos for backup, you have a second chance to get back deleted photos. This application also has its own recycle bin, but with different storage rules:

  • 🌐 Files are stored in the recycle bin 60 days (as opposed to 15-30 days in Samsung Gallery).
  • ☁️ Even if you deleted a photo from your phone, it may remain in the cloud if synchronization was enabled.
  • 🔄 Recovered files are returned to the main gallery and to the device (if there is space).

To check the trash in Google Photos:

  1. Open the application Google Photos.
  2. Click on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Trash.
  4. Select the desired files and click Restore.

If you don't see the trash can, synchronization may have been disabled. You can check this in the application settings: Settings → Backup and synchronization. Also note that files deleted before connecting your Google accountwill not appear in the Recycle Bin. Google Photos will not be displayed.

💡

To avoid losing photos, turn on the Google Photos function Automatic backup. To do this, go to Settings → Backup and synchronization and activate the switch.

3. Searching for the recycle bin in the file manager: hidden folders and nuances

Many users mistakenly believe that Samsung Galaxy A50 there is a single recycle bin for all files, like on a computer. In fact, the standard Explorer (or My files) does not have a built-in basket. However, some files may be temporarily stored in hidden folders:

File type Where to look Storage period
Photos/videos (deleted via the Gallery) /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/.trash or /DCIM/.thumbnails 15–60 days
Downloads from the browser /storage/emulated/0/Download/.trash 7–30 days (depending on the browser)
Documents (PDF, DOC) No recycle bin, deleted immediately —
APK files No recycle bin, deleted immediately —

To see hidden folders (for example, .trash), you need to:

  1. Open My files (standard Samsung Explorer).
  2. Click on three dots (⋮) → Settings.
  3. Enable option Show hidden files.
  4. Go to the folder where the deleted files were stored (for example, Pictures or Download) and search folder with a dot at the beginning of the name.
⚠️ Attention: Not all files end up in hidden folders .trash. For example, documents and APKs are permanently deleted. Also, these folders can be automatically cleared when there is not enough memory on the device.

4. Why there is no recycle bin: 5 reasons and what to do with them

If you do not find the recycle bin on your Galaxy A50, the reasons may be the following:

  • 📱 Deleting via Explorer: Files erased through My files or third-party managers (for example, ES Explorer), are usually deleted permanently.
  • 🗑️ Emptying the cart manually: You or another application (for example, a junk cleaner) may have already cleared cart.
  • 🔄 Firmware update: After major updates (for example, from One UI 2.5 to 4.1) the cart settings may be reset.
  • 📂 File type: As mentioned earlier, the recycle bin in the Gallery only works for media files.
  • ⚙️ Disabled synchronization: If Google Photos or Samsung Cloud were not configured, there are no backups.

What to do in each case:

  • For files deleted through Explorer, try recovery apps (more on them in the next section).
  • Check the Recycle Bin settings in Gallery: Settings → Recycle Bin → Auto Cleanup (disable if you want to save files longer).
  • After updating the firmware, you may need to re-authorize in Samsung Cloud or Google Account.
What to do if the Recycle Bin is empty, but the files have definitely been deleted?

Sometimes files are not displayed in the Recycle Bin due to a cache failure. Try:

1. Close the Gallery via Recent applications.

2. Clear the cache: Settings → Applications → Gallery → Storage → Clear cache.

3. Reboot your phone.

If this does not help, the files may have been permanently deleted.

5. Restoring files without a recycle bin: apps and services

If the recycle bin is empty or does not exist, there are two options left: restore files using specialized apps or turn to backup copies. Let's consider both methods.

Recovery apps:

  • 🛠️ DiskDigger —works without root access, but with limitations.
  • 🔍 Recuva (requires connecting the phone to a PC).
  • 📱 Dumpster —an application that creates its own recycle bin for all files (needs to be installed in advance).

Instructions for DiskDigger:

  1. Download the application from Google Play.
  2. Select the scan type: Without root (superficial) or With root (deep).
  3. Wait for the analysis to complete (may take up to an hour).
  4. Select the found files and click Recover.

Recovery from backups:

  • ☁️ Samsung Cloud: Settings → Accounts and backup → Samsung Cloud → Restore data.
  • 🌐 Google Drive: check the section Backups in the web version.
⚠️ Attention: When restoring through apps do not save files to the same drivefrom which they were deleted! Use an SD card or the cloud, otherwise the data may be overwritten.

Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data (to prevent memory sectors from being overwritten)

Charge the phone for at least 50%

Install a recovery app (for example, DiskDigger)

Prepare an SD card or cloud to save the recovered files-->

6. Setting up a recycle bin on the Samsung Galaxy A50: how to increase storage life

By default, the recycle bin in the Samsung Gallery stores files 15 days (on new firmware - up to 60). You can change this period or disable auto-cleaning altogether. To do this:

  1. Open Gallery.
  2. Click ⋮ → Settings.
  3. Select Trash.
  4. Configure the settings:
    • 🔄 Auto-cleaning — disable if you want to store files indefinitely.
    • ⏳ Retention period —select the maximum value (60 days).

For Google Photos cart settings can be changed via the web version:

  1. Go to photos.google.com from your computer.
  2. Click on the avatar → Settings.
  3. In the section Recycle Bin select the storage period (maximum 60 days).

    4. If you often work with important files, it makes sense to install a third-party recycle bin, for example Dumpster. It intercepts the deletion of any files (not just media) and allows you to restore them within a specified period.

    💡

    Setting up a recycle bin in Samsung Gallery takes less than a minute, but can save years of memories. Even if you do not plan to restore files, increase the storage period to the maximum - this does not take up additional space on the device.

    7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    When working with the shopping cart on Samsung Galaxy A50 users often make mistakes that lead to irretrievable loss of data. Let's look at the most common of them:

    • 🧹 Emptying the Trash without checking: Many people empty the Recycle Bin without making sure that the necessary files are not there. Always check the contents before clicking Empty everything.
    • 🔄 Ignoring backups: Relying only on the Trash is risky. Set up automatic backup to Google Photos or Samsung Cloud.
    • 📲 Deleting via Explorer: Files erased via My filesdo not go into the trash Galleries. To delete media, use only the application itself Gallery.
    • 🔋 Lack of memory: When the level of free space is critically low, Android can automatically empty the trash. Monitor the device memory.

    How to avoid data loss:

    • Check the recycle bin periodically (every 1-2 weeks).
    • Set up notifications about new files in the recycle bin (in some firmware this is available in Gallery settings).
    • Use cloud services for the most important files.
    ⚠️ Attention: If you use trash cleaning applications (for example, CCleaner or Files by Google), add trash folders to exceptions. These apps often clear temporary files, including the contents .trash.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to recover files if the Recycle Bin has already been emptied?

    Yes, but the chances depend on how long ago they were deleted and whether they were used device after that. Try apps like DiskDigger or Recuva. If the files were in the cloud (Google Photos or Samsung Cloud), check the trash there - the storage period may vary.

    Why are there no files in the Gallery trash that I deleted?

    Probable reasons:

    • The files were deleted not through the Gallery, but through Explorer or another application.
    • The Recycle Bin was emptied automatically (check the auto-cleanup settings).
    • The files were deleted before the firmware update, and the Recycle Bin was reset.
    • This not media files (such as documents or APKs) that do not end up in the Gallery Recycle Bin.

How to transfer files from the Recycle Bin to your computer?

Transfer methods:

  1. Recover files from the Recycle Bin back to the Gallery, then connect your phone to the PC via USB and copy them.
  2. Use Samsung Smart Switch to transfer files to your computer.
  3. Download files from the recycle bin Google Photos to the cloud, then download them to your PC via a browser.

Do not extract files directly from folders .trash —this may damage them.

Is there a trash can for messages and contacts?

There is no trash bin in standard form for SMS and contacts, but:

  • 📩 Messages: In application Messages from Samsung has an archive (press ⋮ → Settings → Archive). Deleted SMS are stored there for 30 days.
  • 👥 Contacts: When synchronized with Google Account deleted contacts can be restored to within 30 days through contacts.google.com (section Cart).

Can I increase the cart size?

No, the size of the recycle bin is strictly tied to the free space on the device. However, you can:

  • Disable auto-cleaning (see section 6).
  • Regularly free up memory so that the recycle bin is not emptied automatically.
  • Use cloud services to store backups copies.