Have you accidentally deleted an important photo, video or document on your Samsung Galaxy A51 and now you don’t know where to look for the recycle bin? Don't panic—Samsung Android devices have several layers of protection against permanent data deletion. However, the location of the recycle bin depends on in what way you deleted the file and what application you used.

Unlike computers, where the recycle bin is always visible, on smartphones Samsung its location is not so obvious. Moreover, depending on the firmware version (One UI 2.5/3.1/4.0/5.0/6.0) and installed applications, access paths may differ. In this article we will analyze all possible options: from the standard recycle bin My file to hidden folders Google Photos and third-party managers.

If you deleted a smaller file 30 days ago, the chances of recovery are very high. But there are nuances: some types of data (for example, messages or notes) may not end up in the trash at all. Next are step-by-step guide with visual cues and a table of shelf life.

1. Standard recycle bin in the My File application. The main place where deleted files are stored is the built-in application. It is preinstalled on all devices with the shell

The main place where Samsung Galaxy A51 stores deleted files - this is a built-in application My file (English) My Files). It is pre-installed on all devices with the shell One UI and works regardless of Google Photos or other services.

To open the trash:

  1. Launch the application My file (blue folder icon).
  2. In the bottom menu, tap on the three dots (⋮) → select Trash.
  3. You will see a list of files sorted by date of deletion.

This basket stores:

  • 📷 Photos and videos from the gallery (if deleted via My file or standard Gallery).
  • 📄 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel) and archives (ZIP, RAR).
  • 🎵 Audio files (MP3, WAV) and voice recorder recordings.
  • 📁 Folders (but not system catalogues!).
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If there is no “Trash” item in the menu, update the application My file via Galaxy Store. In older versions (before One UI 3.1), the basket may have been missing.

Storage period in the standard recycle bin - 15 days (by default). After this, the files are deleted permanently. However, this period can be changed:

  1. Open My file → ⋮ → Settings → Cart.
  2. Select period: 1 day, 7 days, 15 days or 30 days.
⚠️ Attention: If you manually emptied the Trash after Empty Trash, the files will be deleted immediately, even if the storage period has not yet expired.

2. Recycle Bin in Google Photos (for photos and videos)

If you deleted photos or videos through the app Google Photos, they go into a separate recycle bin for this service. It works independently of the standard recycle bin Samsung and has different storage rules.

How to find:

  1. Open the application Google Photos (multi-colored flower icon).
  2. Tap on your avatar in the upper right corner → Trash.
  3. All deleted media files for the last 60 days will be displayed here.

Trash features Google Photos:

  • 🔄 Files are automatically deleted after 60 days (regardless of the settings Samsung).
  • ☁️ If the photos were synchronized with the cloud, they can be restored even after resetting the phone.
  • 🚫 Files deleted here are not displayed in the trash My file —and vice versa.
  • 📶 To restore, you need the Internet (files are downloaded again).

To restore:

  1. Select the required files with a long tap.
  2. Click Restore (down arrow icon).
  3. The files will be returned to Gallery i Google Photos.
⚠️ Attention: If you deleted photos from the recycle bin Google Photos manually, you can only restore them through a backup (if it was enabled).
📊 Which application do you most often use to view photos?
Standard Gallery
Google Photos
Another application
I don’t know

On some firmware Samsung Galaxy A51 (especially with One UI 4.0 and higher), the basket can be integrated directly into the application Gallery. This duplicates the functionality My file, but is more convenient for working with media.

Instructions:

  1. Open Gallery (camera icon).
  2. Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Cart (or Recently deleted in the English version).

What is the difference from My file:

Option Trash in “My File” Trash in “Gallery”
File types Any (photos, videos, documents) Only photos and videos
Storage period 15–30 days (configurable) 30 days (fixed)
Access without the Internet Yes Yes
Folder recovery Yes No

If your version One UI does not have a recycle bin in Gallery, then the function is disabled by default:

  1. Open Gallery → ⋮ → Settings.
  2. Find the item Trash and activate the switch.

4. Finding hidden trash bins in the file manager

Not everyone knows, but Samsung Galaxy A51 there are hidden system folders where temporary copies of deleted files can be stored. They are not visible in the standard interface, but can be found through My file with display of hidden files enabled.

How to enable the display of hidden folders:

  1. Open My file.
  2. Tap on ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files.
  3. Confirm the action.

Now check these folders:

  • 🗃️ /storage/emulated/0/.Trash — main Android trash.
  • 🗃️ /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.sec.android.gallery3d/cache/.trash — cache galleries.
  • 🗃️ /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails —thumbnails of deleted photos.

If you find the files you need, copy them to a safe place (for example, to a memory card or to the cloud). Do not move files from hidden folders - this may disrupt the system.

What to do if the hidden folders are empty?

If there are no files in the folders .Trash or .thumbnails it means that:

1) The Trash has already been emptied automatically.

2) Files were deleted without being placed in the Recycle Bin (for example, via ES Explorer or Root access).

3) You used the “Clear all” function in the storage settings.

In this case, try specialized recovery apps (see section 6).

5. Recycle bin in cloud services (Samsung Cloud, Dropbox, Yandex Disk)

If you used cloud services, deleted files could be saved in their trash bins. For example, Samsung Cloud (not available in all regions) or Dropbox have their own backup mechanisms.

Samsung Cloud (if enabled):

  1. Open Settings → Accounts and archiving → Samsung Cloud.
  2. Select Gallery or My file.
  3. Check section Trash or Recently deleted.

Dropbox/Yandex Disk:

  • 🌐 In the web version of the service, open the section Trash (Dropbox) or Cart (Yandex Disk).
  • 📱 In the mobile application: Menu → Cart.

Storage periods in cloud baskets:

  • 🔵 Samsung Cloud: 15–30 days (depending on the region).
  • 🟢 Dropbox: 30 days (for free accounts), 180 days (for paid ones).
  • 🟡 Yandex Disk: 30 days.
⚠️ Attention: Cloud recycle bins are emptied automatically when the storage limit is exceeded. If your account is 90%+ full, files may be deleted early.

6. Recovering files without a recycle bin (special apps)

If the files are not found in any of the recycle bins, your last chance is to use apps for deep memory scanning. They work on the principle of searching for “traces” of deleted data on the internal drive.

The best tools for Samsung Galaxy A51:

  • 🛠️ DiskDigger —recovers photos and videos without root access.
  • 🔍 Recuva (Android) —supports documents and archives.
  • 📱 Dumpster —an alternative recycle bin with advanced settings.

Instructions for DiskDigger:

Download the application from Google Play

Launch and select “Start simple search”

Tick file types (JPG, PNG, MP4, etc.)

Wait until the scan is completed

Select the necessary files and click “Recover”-->

Important nuances:

  • 🚫 Do not install apps on the same diskwhere files are lost - this reduces the chances of recovery.
  • 🔋 The battery charge must be >50% - scanning may take several hours.
  • 📛 To restore system files or application data (for example, messages) you will need root access.

If the files were on memory card, remove it and connect it to the computer via a card reader. Use desktop apps like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery - they are more effective than their mobile counterparts.

💡

The faster you begin recovery after deletion, the higher the chances of success. Each new write to the disk (installing applications, taking photos) reduces the likelihood of returning files.

7. Why don't files go to the Recycle Bin?

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that deleted files do not appear in any Recycle Bin. The reasons may be different:

Common cases:

  • 🗑️ Deletion via ES Explorer or other file managers - they often bypass the recycle bin.
  • 🧹 Using the function Clear all in the storage settings (Settings → Device care → Storage).
  • 🔄 Formatting a memory card or resetting the phone to factory settings.
  • 📵 Deleting files via ADB or Root Explorer.
  • 🕒 The storage period in the trash has expired (15–60 days depending on the service).

How to avoid data loss in the future:

  • 🔄 Set up automatic backup to Google Photos or Samsung Cloud.
  • 📁 Before important operations (update, reset) copy files to a PC or external drive.
  • ⚙️ Increase the storage period of the recycle bin to the maximum (30 days in My file).
  • 📱 Use applications with the "Recycle Bin" function (for example, Files by Google).

If you often work with important files, consider purchasing an external SSD drive with an adapter USB-C. This is more reliable than cloud services and does not depend on your phone settings.

8. data-i="285">When working with the recycle bin on

When working with the cart on Samsung Galaxy A51 users often make mistakes that lead to irretrievable loss of data. Here are the most common ones:

Error 1: Emptying the recycle bin manually

Many people immediately see the “Trash is full” notification. click Clear allwithout checking the contents. Always review files before cleaning —sometimes important data remains there, deleted by mistake.

Error 2: Ignoring backups

Samsung and Google constantly remind you of the need for backup, but most users put it off “for later.” Set up automatic synchronization at least for photos and contacts:

  1. Settings → Accounts and archiving → Backup. data.
  2. Turn on the switches for Google Drive and Samsung Cloud.

Error 3: Using unreliable file managers

Applications like ES Explorer or FX File Explorer can delete files without placing them in the Recycle Bin. If you often work with files, use only My file or Files by Google —they are guaranteed to support the Recycle Bin.

Error 4: Storing a single copy on the phone

Even if the files are in the trash, they may disappear after the phone is reset or broken. Important data should be duplicated in at least two places: on the phone + in the cloud/on a PC/on a flash drive.

📊 Have you ever lost important files due to accidental deletion?
Yes, several times
Yes, but restored
No, always neat
I don’t know how to check

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to recover files deleted more than 30 days ago?

If the files were not in the recycle bin (for example, they were deleted via ADB or a third-party explorer), the chances are minimal. Try apps like DiskDigger with deep scanning. For photos, searching for thumbnails in the folder sometimes helps. /DCIM/.thumbnails.

If the files were in the trash, but the storage period has expired, it is impossible to restore them - they are physically deleted from the drive.

Why are they in the trash "My" file" are deleted photos not displayed?

Probable reasons:

  1. Photos were deleted via Google Photos —check the trash of this application.
  2. In settings My file media backup is disabled.
  3. The files are deleted from the memory card - it has a separate recycle bin (if supported).
  4. You used the “Delete permanently” function (bypassing the recycle bin).

Solution: check all possible recycle bins (see sections 1–3) and enable synchronization in Settings → Accounts and archiving.

How to increase the storage period of files in the recycle bin?

For the standard recycle bin My file:

  1. Open My file → ⋮ → Settings → Cart.
  2. Select the maximum period - 30 days.

For Google Photos the period is fixed - 60 days. Samsung Cloud settings depend on the region (usually 15-30 days).

Tip: if you need to store files longer, manually copy them to the cloud or external disk before the expiration date.

Is it possible to recover deleted messages or contacts?

Messages and contacts not. fall to the standard trash SamsungTo restore them:

  • 📱 Contact: check Google Contacts (contacts.google.com) → Trash (stored for 30 days).
  • 💬 Messages: if backup is enabled Google or Samsung Cloud, restore from the archive. Without a backup, it is impossible to return SMS.

For the future: enable automatic synchronization of contacts in Settings → Accounts and archiving → Account management → Google → Synchronization.

What to do if the recycle bin is empty, but the space on the phone is still occupied?

This means that the files are deleted without being placed in the recycle bin, but their “traces” remain in memory. Possible solutions:

  1. Check the cache folders: /Android/data/ and /Android/obb/ - sometimes large temporary files remain there.
  2. Use Storage Analyzer (from Google Play) to search for large files.
  3. If all else fails, make a backup copy of important data and reset the phone (Settings → Master reset).

The reason often lies in damaged files or application cache (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp can take up gigabytes of invisible data).