You accidentally deleted an important file on your smartphone and are now looking for it where is the trash can on Androidto recover data? Or just want to understand how the mechanism for temporarily storing deleted files in the system works? Unlike Windows or macOS, where the Recycle Bin is a separate folder on the desktop, things work differently on Android. There is no single standard here: the path to the “recycle bin” depends on the device manufacturer, firmware version, and even on the type of files (photos, videos, documents).

In this article we will analyze all the possible locations where Android can store deleted files - from system folders to hidden application directories. You will learn how to find the recycle bin on smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands, as well as what to do if the folder with deleted dataSuddenly has disappeared or cannot be opened. Plus - instructions for restoring files if they have already been completely erased from the system.

Why there is no single recycle bin on Android like on a PC

The main reason for the lack of a universal recycle bin in Android is fragmented file system. Unlike desktop OS, where all deleted files end up in one folder (Recycle Bin or Trash), Android distributes them into different directories depending on:

  • 📱 Device manufacturer — Samsung, Google Pixel and Xiaomi different approaches to storing deleted data.
  • 📁 File type —photos, videos and documents can stored in different “recycle bins.”
  • 🔧 Android versions — starting from Android 11, Google introduced a standard API for the recycle bin, but not all manufacturers support it.
  • 📱 Applications —some apps (for example, Google Photos or Xiaomi Gallery) create their own baskets.

Another nuance: on Android the basket often works according to the principle "soft deletion". The files are not erased immediately, but are marked as “deleted” and hidden from the user. They can be restored within a limited time (usually 30 days, but for some brands - only 7-15 days). After that, they are permanently cleared.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a file manager from a third-party developer (for example, ES Explorer or Solid Explorer), its recycle bin may be located in a different location than systemic. Check the settings of a specific application.

Where to look for the recycle bin on stock Android (Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokia)

On “pure” Android (devices Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokia etc.) system the shopping cart is integrated into the application "Files" (Files by Google). To find it:

  1. Open the application "Files" (icon with a blue folder).
  2. In the bottom menu, tap on the section Trash (trash can icon).
  3. If there is no section, update the application to the latest version in Google Play.

Path to the trash folder in the file system:

/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.google.android.apps.nbu.files/files/Trash

Files deleted via "Files" from Googleare stored here, but not those erased from other applications (for example Google Photos or Gallery). If you do not find the deleted file in this folder, check the trash in other apps (more on this below).

📊 Which file manager do you use on Android?
Files by Google
Stock manager from the manufacturer
ES Explorer
Solid Explorer
Other

Trash on Samsung: where it is stored and how to restore files

On smartphones Samsung (series Galaxy S, Note, A) the shopping cart is built into the standard application "My Files". To open it: My Files data-i="101">(or

  1. Run My files (yellow folder icon).
  2. From the bottom menu select Trash (or Trash in English firmware).
  3. If there is no section, check the settings: ⋮ → Settings → Show trash.

Physical path to the recycle bin folder Samsung:

/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.sec.android.app.myfiles/files/Trash

Recycle Bin Features Samsung:

  • 🗑️ Files are stored 15 days (by default), after which they are automatically deleted.
  • 📸 Photos and videos from Samsung Galleries fall into a separate basket (see below).
  • 🔒 The folder is hidden from standard file managers - it can only be seen through My Files or Root explorer.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ i One UI 4.0+ the recycle bin may be disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings → Device care → Storage → Advanced → Trash.

Open "My files" → Trash

Select the required files (long press)

Tap "Recover" (or "Restore")

Check the original folder where the files were returned -->

Trash in Google Photos and other galleries

If you deleted a photo or video, you need to look for them not in the system trash, but in the application through which they were erased. For example:

Application Path to cart Retention period
Google Photos Open application → Library → Cart 60 days
Samsung Gallery Gallery → ⋮ → Cart 15–30 days
Xiaomi Gallery Gallery → Albums → Cart 30 days
Huawei Gallery Gallery → More → Cart 30 days

Important: if you deleted a photo not through the gallery (for example, through a file manager), it will not go to the trash Google Photos or Samsung Galleries. In this case, look for it in the system recycle bin (see sections above).

What to do if the recycle bin in Google Photos is empty?

If you do not find deleted photos in the trash Google Photos, check:

1. Google account —the photos may have been uploaded under another account.

2. Archive folder —sometimes files are moved there instead of the trash.

3. Settings synchronization —if autoupload was disabled, photos could only remain in local storage.

4. Deletion time —if more than 60 days have passed, the files are irrevocably erased from Google servers.

How to find the recycle bin on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO

On devices Xiaomi (including Redmi and POCO) the recycle bin is divided into two parts:

  1. System Recycle Bin — for files deleted through Explorer (application MI File Manager). Path: 
    /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Trash
  2. Cart Gallery —for photos and videos erased through the app Gallery. Path: 
    /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails/trash

To open the cart:

  • 📂 In Explorer: open the application → Categories → Cart.
  • 📷 In Gallery: open the application → Albums → Recycle Bin.

Recycle Bin Features Xiaomi:

  • 🕒 Files are stored 10 days (by default), and then cleared automatically.
  • 🔄 Recovered files are returned to folder DCIM/Camera or Download, depending on the type.
  • 🚫 If you use MIUI 12+ with the Deep cleaningfunction, the recycle bin may be emptied ahead of schedule.
💡

On Xiaomi, you can increase the storage period of files in the trash to 30 days. To do this, go to Settings → Storage → Trash → Storage period and select the maximum value.

Trash on Huawei and Honor: where to look for deleted files

On smartphones Huawei and Honor (with firmware EMUI or Magic UI) the cart is integrated into the application "Files". To open it:

  1. Run the application Files.
  2. In the bottom menu, select Trash (or Recycle Bin).
  3. If there is no section, update the application via AppGallery.

Path to the trash folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.huawei.filemanager/files/Trash

Trash features Huawei/Honor:

  • 🗓️ Shelf life - 30 days (not regulated).
  • 📂 Files deleted via Huawei Galleryare placed in a separate trash bin inside this application.
  • 🔍 If you use Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), some files may be stored in a cloud recycle bin Huawei Cloud.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with EMUI 10 and lower the recycle bin may not be present at all. In this case, deleted files are erased immediately, without the possibility of recovery through system tools.

What to do if the recycle bin is empty or files cannot be restored

If you did not find the deleted file in the recycle bin, the following reasons are possible:

  • ⏳ The storage period has expired (usually 15–60 days, depending on the brand).
  • 🧹 The file was deleted bypassing the recycle bin (for example, via adb or Root explorer).
  • 📱 The recycle bin is disabled in the settings (relevant for Samsung i Xiaomi).
  • 🔄 The file was erased from cloud storage (for example, Google Drive or Yandex Drive).

In these cases, try the following methods recovery:

  1. Check backups:
    • 📱 Local backups: /storage/emulated/0/backup or /sdcard/backup.
    • ☁️ Cloud copies: Google Drive, Yandex Disk, Huawei Cloud.
  2. Use third-party utilities:
    • 🛠️ DiskDigger —to restore photos and videos.
    • 📄 Recuva (via PC) —if you connect the phone as a drive.
    • 🔍 EaseUS MobiSaver —supports deep scanning.
  • Check temporary folders: 
    /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/{package_name}/cache

    /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails

    Sometimes thumbnails or copies of deleted files remain here.

    • 💡

    If the file was deleted less than a day ago, the chances of recovery are maximum. The longer the time has passed, the higher the likelihood that its space on the disk was lost. overwritten with new data.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the recycle bin on Android

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

    Yes, on some devices. For example, on Xiaomi go to Settings → Storage → Cart and select a period of up to 30 days. On Samsung and Huawei the period is fixed (15 and 30 days, respectively).

    Why is the cart not displayed in file manager?

    Possible reasons:

    • Outdated version of the application (update via Google Play or AppGallery).
    • Trash disabled in settings (check section Storage or Additional).
    • The manufacturer did not provide a basket in your model (relevant for budget smartphones).

    How to recover files if the basket cleared?

    If the files are missing from the recycle bin, try:

    1. Check Google Photos (section Archive or Trash).
    2. Connect the phone to the PC and scan with the app Recuva or PhotoRec.
    3. Check the folder /storage/emulated/0/lost.dir - damaged ones sometimes end up here files.

    Is it possible to restore files after resetting the settings?

    No, Hard Reset completely clears the internal memory, including the recycle bin. The only chance is if the files were synchronized with the cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive etc.).

    Where is the document recycle bin (PDF, Word, Excel) stored?

    Documents deleted through standard means Android, go to the system trash (see sections above). If you used third-party applications (for example Microsoft Office or WPS Office), check the trash inside these apps:

    • 📄 WPS Office: Menu → Trash.
    • 📊 Microsoft Word/Excel: File → Open → Recycle Bin.