How to check and recover deleted files on Android: a complete guide

Have you deleted an important file from your Android smartphone and don’t know how to get it back? Don't panic: in most cases, data can be recovered, even if it was erased days or weeks ago. Modern versions Android (starting from Android 11) automatically save copies of files in the “recycle bin”, and older devices allow you to use backup copies or specialized utilities. The main thing is to act quickly and not write new data to the device, so as not to overwrite deleted files.

In this article we will look 7 proven methodshow to find and recover deleted photos, videos, documents and other files on Android. From standard tools (for example, Google Photos or Samsung Gallery) to professional apps like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver. You will also learn in which cases recovery is impossible, and how to avoid data loss in the future.

1. Checking the "Trash" in standard applications

Starting from Android 11, many manufacturers have added the “Trash” function to their shells - temporary storage for deleted files. If you used standard applications (Gallery, Files, Google Photos), there is a high chance that the files have not yet been completely lost. The storage period in the basket is usually from 15 to 60 days, after which the data is deleted permanently.

How to check:

• 📱 Samsung Galaxy: open Gallery → Menu (⋮) → Trash. Photos and videos deleted in the last 15-30 days are stored here. To restore, select the files and click Restore.
• 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: in the application Files go to the tab Trash (icon trash can). Deleted files are stored for up to 30 days.
• 📱 Google Photos: open the application, tap on the avatar in the upper right corner → Trash. The files remain here for 60 days. Recovery is available only for photos and videos.
• 📱 Other brands (Oppo, Vivo, Realme): look for the section Trash or Recently deleted in applications Gallery or File manager.

⚠️ Attention: If you emptied the trash manually or used the function Clear everything, the files will be deleted irreversible and without the possibility of recovery through standard means. In this case, proceed to the following methods.

2. Restoring via Google backups

If your device was enabled synchronization with Google Account, there is a chance to return files from cloud storage. Google automatically backs up:

• 📸 Photos and videos is enabled (via Google Photos, if the function Backup and synchronization).
• 📄 Contacts, messages, notes (via Google Contacts and Google Drive).
• 📱 Settings system (list of applications, Wi-Fi networks, wallpapers, etc.).

How to restore:

1. Open Settings → Google → Backup and check if the option is enabled Backup to Google Disk.
2. For photos: go to Google Photos → Library → Archive or Trash (if the files were recently deleted).
3. For other data: go to drive.google.com in the browser, find the folder Backup and check for the necessary files.

If there is a backup, but the files are not displayed in the gallery, try:

• 🔄 Reboot device.
• 🔗 Reconnect Google Account (go to Settings → Accounts, delete the account and add again).
• 📥 Install the application Google Photos or Google Driveif it was deleted.

3. Using a file manager with a recovery function

If standard methods do not help, try specialized file managers that can scan the device’s memory for “remnants” of deleted files. The best options:

• 📂 DiskDigger - supports recovery of photos, videos and documents even without root-rights (but with them the efficiency is higher).
• 📂 EaseUS MobiSaver - scans internal and external memory, recovers more than 1000 file formats.
• 📂 Dumpster — works like an extended recycle bin, but requires preliminary installation (it will not help if the file was deleted before installing the application).

Instructions for DiskDigger (without root):

1. Download and install the application from Google Play.
2. Run scanning (select Basic scan for internal memory or Full scan for card microSD).
3. After the process is complete, check the boxes for the files you want to recover and press Recover.
4. Save files to a cloud drive or other storage device (not to the same device!).

⚠️ Attention: Applications without root access will only restore low-resolution thumbnails of photos and videos For complete recovery (for example, documents .docx or archives .zip) will be required superuser rights.

Application	Root required	File types	Free version
DiskDigger	No (restrictions)	Photos, videos	Yes (with watermarks)
EaseUS MobiSaver	No	Photos, videos, documents, audio	Yes (50 MB limit)
Undeleter	Yes	Any files	No
Dumpster	No	Any (only after installation)	Yes

4. Recovery using a PC and apps for Windows/macOS

If the files were deleted a long time ago or standard methods did not work, connect the device to the computer and use professional recovery apps. This method is more effective, since the PC has direct access to the smartphone’s memory (provided that USB debugging is enabled. USB debugging).

Best apps:

• 💻 Recuva (free, simple, but requires root for deep scanning).
• 💻 Dr.Fone (paid, supports Android without root, but with limitations).
• 💻 7-Data Recovery (works with memory cards microSD and internal memory).

Step-by-step guide for Recuva:

1. Download and install the app on your PC.
2. Connect your smartphone via USB, turn on File transfer mode (MTP) and Debug by USB (Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) → For developers → USB debugging).
3. In Recuva select the file type (for example, Images or Documents) and specify the path to the smartphone memory.
4. Start scanning and wait for the results. Save the recovered files to your PC's hard drive.

What to do if the PC does not recognize the smartphone?

If the computer does not recognize the device, try:

1. Change the USB cable (use the original one).

2. Switch the connection mode in the notification shade of your smartphone (from Charging to File transfer).

3. Install drivers for your model (download from the manufacturer’s website, for example Samsung Smart Switch or Xiaomi PC Suite).

4. Disable the antivirus on the PC (sometimes it blocks access to the device memory).

5. Recovering from a microSD memory card

If the files were stored on the microSDcard, the chances of recovery are higher, since flash memory is less susceptible to overwriting. To do this:

1. Remove the card from the smartphone and connect it to the PC via a card reader (do not use the smartphone as an intermediary - this will reduce efficiency).
2. Use apps like PhotoRec (free, cross-platform) or R-Studio (paid, but with demo mode).
3. In PhotoRec select the disk with the memory card, specify the file format (for example, .jpg, .mp4) and start scanning.
4. After completion, save the recovered files to your hard drive PC disk (not to the same card!).

Important: if the memory card physically damaged (is not detected by devices, makes strange sounds when connected), do not try to recover the data yourself. Contact the laboratory - attempts to read it may worsen the damage.

6. When recovery is impossible

Unfortunately, not all files can be recovered. Restoration impossibleif:

• 🗑️ Files were deleted more than 60 days ago (even from the recycle bin).
• 🔄 New data (photos, videos, applications) were recorded on the device, which overwrote memory sectors with deleted files.
• 🧹 Was performed full wipe via Settings → Reset or fastboot.
• 🔧 Device memory encrypted (starting from Android 6.0), and you don’t know password.
• 💾 The memory card microSD was formatted in a different file system (for example, from FAT32 to exFAT).

If none of the methods worked, the last option remains - contact c data recovery laboratory. It is expensive (from 5,000 to 30,000 rubles), but specialists can extract data even from damaged memory chips. However, before doing this, make sure that the files are really worth the cost.

7. How to avoid data loss in the future

In order not to look for recovery methods, just follow simple rules:

• ☁️ Enable automatic backup to Google Photos, Google Drive or the manufacturer's cloud (Samsung Cloud, Xiaomi Cloud).
• 📁 Use the file recycle bin: install an application like Dumpster, which will store deleted files in a separate folder.
• 🔄 Regularly copy important files on your PC or external drive (once a month).
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes) to avoid data loss due to malware.
• 📱 Do not store important data only on the memory card — microSD It fails more often than the built-in memory.

For maximum reliability, use the 3-2-1 rule:

• 3 copies data (original + 2 backups).
• 2 different media (for example, cloud + external hard drive).
• 1 copy outside the home (cloud storage or safe deposit box).

⚠️ Attention: Backup and synchronization functions (for example, in Google Photos) may vary depending on the version Android and manufacturer's policies. Check your settings manually, as some brands (for example Huawei) limit cloud storage for users outside of China.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about file recovery on Android

Is it possible to restore files after resetting to factory settings?

If the reset was performed via Settings → Reset, the chances are minimal. However, if synchronization with Google Accountwas enabled before the reset, some of the data (contacts, photos, some settings) can be returned after re-authorization. To recover the remaining files, you will need professional tools (for example, Dr.Fone), but success is not guaranteed.

How to recover deleted messages on WhatsApp?

WhatsApp creates backup copies of chats daily in 2:00 (if the option in Settings → Chat → Backupis enabled). To restore messages: Settings → Chat → Backup or

1. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
2. When you first launch the application, you will be prompted to restore history from Google Drive (For Android) or iCloud (for iPhone).
3. Confirm the restoration.

If there is no backup, use apps like WAMR or Notification History (required root).

Will root access help in recovering files?

Yes, root access significantly increases the chances, as it allows apps (for example, Undeleter or GT Recovery) scan system memory sections where there is usually no access. However, there are risks:

• Loss of warranty (manufacturers consider rooting a violation of the terms and conditions).
• Vulnerability to viruses (applications with root access can harm the system).
• Unstable operation of the device (failures are possible after incorrect rooting).

If you are an inexperienced user, it is better to contact a specialist.

Is it possible to recover files from a damaged smartphone (does not turn on, broken screen)?

If the device does not turns on, but reacts to connection to the PC (vibrates, makes a sound), try:

1. Connect your smartphone to the computer and use apps like Dr.Fone or 7-Data Recovery.
2. If the screen is broken, but the sensor works, connect the mouse via USB OTG and unlock the device.
3. For devices with Samsung DeX or Huawei Desktop Mode connect the smartphone to the monitor via HDMI and control it like a PC.

If the phone is not shows signs of life, will need replacing the memory board (chip-off recovery) in the laboratory. This is expensive and not always possible.

How to recover deleted files on Android without a computer?

Without a PC you can try:

1. Check cart in standard applications (Gallery, Google Photos).
2. Use mobile applications: DiskDigger, Dumpster or Restore Image (only for photos).
3. Recover from cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex Drive, Dropbox).
4. If the files were sent to instant messengers (Telegram, Viber), check the history chats.

Limitation: without a PC you will not be able to spend deep scanning memory, so the efficiency is lower.