Recovering files on Android after a factory reset: 7 working methods

Resetting an Android smartphone to factory settings is a radical way to return the device to functionality, but it often results in the loss of personal data. Photos, correspondence, contacts and documents disappear in an instant, leaving the user at a loss. Fortunately, even after hard reset there are still chances to recover files - if you act quickly and correctly.

In this article we will look 7 proven methodshow to return data after a reset: from standard Google tools to professional utilities like Dr.Fone or DiskDigger. We will separately dwell on the nuances of working with internal memory i SD cards, and also explain why some files can be restored almost impossible without root access - and what to do about it. If you have already tried to recover data and received an error like "The files could not be found", you will find a solution here.

Why files can be restored after a reset

When resetting to factory settings, Android does not physically erase the data - it only marks memory sectors as free. This means that the files remain on the device until new data overwrites them. The chances of recovery depend on three factors:

• 🔹 Time after reset: The longer you use the phone, the higher the risk of overwriting.
• 🔹 Memory type: It is more difficult to restore internal memory than SD card.
• 🔹 Actions after the reset: Installing applications or taking new photos reduces the chances.

For example, if you reset Samsung Galaxy S22 and immediately started restoring data, the probability of success is - up to 70%. And if a week of active use has passed, the chances drop to 20–30%. Important: do not save the recovered files to the same phone —use the cloud or a computer.

Method 1: Restore via Google Account (for contacts, calendar, notes)

If the phone was turned on before resetting sync with Google, some of the data can be returned automatically. This method works for:

• 📇 Contacts (from Google Contacts)
• 📅 Calendar (Google Calendar)
• 📝 Notes (if used Google Keep)
• 📎 Some settings applications (for example, Chrome)

To restore data:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account and enable synchronization for the desired categories.
3. Wait for the process to complete (may take up to 10 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: This method does not restore photos, videos, messages in instant messengers or document files. They require other methods.

Login to the same account as before the reset

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi

Check the free space on the phone (minimum 1 GB)

Disable VPN (may interfere with synchronization)-->

Method 2: Recovering photos and videos via Google Photos

If the phone was enabled autoload to Google Photos, all media files could be saved in the cloud. Check it like this:

1. Open the application Google Photos (or install it from Play Market).
2. Log in to the same account that was used before the reset.
3. Go to the section Photo → Archive or Cart (files are stored there for 60 days).

If the photo is in the archive, their can be downloaded back to your phone:

• 📥 Click on the photo → Save to device.
• 🔄 For batch recovery: select several files → Export.

⚠️ Attention: If startup was disabled, this method will not work. In this case, proceed to methods 3–7.

File type	Recovered via Google Photo?	Alternative method
Photos and videos (autoload enabled)	✅ Yes	—
Photos and videos (autoload disabled)	❌ No	Methods 3–7 (DiskDigger, Dr.Fone)
Screenshots	⚠️ Only if saved in Google Photos	Check the folder Pictures/Screenshots via PC
Live Photos (on iPhone)	❌ No (not supported)	Use specialized utilities

Method 3: Using recovery apps (without root)

If synchronization with Google does not help, try specialized utilities. The best apps for recovery without root access:

• 🛠️ DiskDigger (free version searches for photos and videos)
• 🛠️ Dr.Fone (paid, but with trial scanning)
• 🛠️ EaseUS MobiSaver (supports messages and contacts)

Instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Install the app on your computer (Windows/macOS).
2. Connect your phone via USB in mode File transfer (MTP).
3. Select the type of files to scan (for example, JPG, PNG, MP4).
4. Wait for the analysis to complete (it may take 1–2 hours).
5. View the found files and save them on your PC.

⚠️ Attention: Free versions of apps often limit the number of files recovered. For example, DiskDigger the free version does not save files larger than 2 MB.

Method 4: Recovery using root access (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work, there remains deep scanning with root access. This allows apps like Dr.Fone or Recuva to gain access to system partitions where traces of deleted files may remain. However, there are risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (on some models, for example, Xiaomi or Samsung).
• ⚠️ Possible brick (turning the phone into a "brick") in case of an error.
• ⚠️ Vulnerability to viruses (root opens access to system files).

If you are ready to take risks, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock Bootloader (each brand has its own procedure).
2. Install Magisk or SuperSU to get root.
3. Connect your phone to the PC and run Dr.Fone in Deep Scan.
4. Select the partition to scan (usually /data or /sdcard).

Critical nuance: on phones with the F2FS file system (for example, new models Samsung or OnePlus) the chances of recovery even with root are minimal - this system is optimized for quickly overwriting data.

What to do if, after getting root, the phone stops turning on?

If the device does not boot (stuck at the logo or goes into bootloop), try:

Login. in Recovery Mode (usually Power + Volume Up).

2. Run Wipe Cache Partition.

3. Reflash the stock firmware via Odin (for Samsung) or Fastboot (for other brands).

If it doesn’t help, contact the service center, indicating that you received root.

Method 5: Recovering from an SD card

If the files were stored on external SD card, they are easier to restore than from internal memory. To do this:

1. Remove the card from the phone and connect it to the computer via a card reader.
2. Use apps like Recuva (free) or R-Studio (paid).
3. Select mode Deep scan (deep scan).
4. Save the recovered files to your PC hard drive.

⚠️ Attention: Do not save the recovered data back to the SD card - this may cause to repeated overwriting not yet recovered files.

SD cards with a file system exFAT (often used in phones with support for cards >32 GB) recover worse than FAT32. If the card is formatted as exFAT, try the app TestDisk —it works better with this system.

Method 6: Recovering messages and calls

SMS, call history and correspondence in instant messengers are the most difficult to recover. Here's what you can do:

• 💬 SMS and calls: Use Dr.Fone or FonePaw in message recovery mode. The chances are low if more than a day has passed since the reset.
• 📱 WhatsApp: If there was a backup in Google Drive, reinstall the application and log in to the same account. The backup will be restored automatically.
• 📧 Telegram: Messages are stored in the cloud - just log in to your account on the new device.
• 🗣️ Viber: Backups are created manually. Check the folder Viber/Backup on the SD card or in the cloud.

For WhatsApp important: if the backup is not restored automatically, check:

1. The same phone number and Google account.
2. Is it enough space on the phone (a backup can weigh several gigabytes).
3. Connect to Wi-Fi (restore via mobile network may not work).

Method 7: Contacting a service center (as a last resort)

If independent attempts are unsuccessful, all that remains is to turn to professionals. Service centers use specialized equipment (for example, Chip-Off or JTAG), which reads data directly from memory chips. This is expensive (from 5,000 to 30,000 rubles), but sometimes the only chance to return critical files.

Before visiting the service:

• 📋 Check if they work with your phone model (for example, Samsung Exynos is restored differently than Qualcomm Snapdragon).
• 💰 Inquire about the cost of diagnostics (sometimes it is paid, even if recovery is impossible).
• 🔒 Make sure that the center guarantees data confidentiality.

⚠️ Attention: Not all services undertake recovery after a reset - some specialize only on physical damage (for example, after falling into water). Call in advance and check details.

What are Chip-Off and JTAG?

Chip-Off - method, in which the memory chip is physically removed from the board and the data is read on the programmer. Suitable for phones with a damaged logical part. JTAG - connection to test contacts on the board for direct memory access. A more gentle method, but requires support for a specific model.

Common errors and how to avoid them.

Many users aggravate the situation with incorrect actions after the reset. Here's what you cannot doif you want to restore data:

• ❌ Install new applications or updates.
• ❌ Take new photos/videos on the same phone.
• ❌ Format the SD card or internal memory.
• ❌ Use "cleaners" like CCleaner.

Also avoid these errors when restoring:

Error	Consequences	How to fix
Saving recovered files to the same phone	Overwriting the remaining ones data	Use the cloud or PC
Use the first app you come across	Viruses or incomplete recovery	Choose proven utilities (DiskDigger, Dr.Fone)
Interrupting the scanning process	File index corruption	Wait until it finishes (even if it takes hours)

If you've already made one of these mistakes, don't panic. Try repeating the recovery with another app or contact the service center.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to restore files if the phone does not turn on after a reset?

If the phone does not turn on (for example, stuck on the logo), first try logging into Recovery Mode and do Wipe Cache. If this doesn't help, connect the device to your PC and check if it is recognized as a drive. As a last resort, you will need firmware via Fastboot/Odin or contacting the service.

How much does it cost to restore data in a service center?

The cost depends on the method:

• Software recovery: 3,000–10,000 rubles.
• Chip-Off: 10,000–30,000 rubles (risk of damage to the board).
• JTAG: 8,000–20,000 rubles (depending on the model).

Diagnostics are usually free, but some centers charge 500–1,000 rubles for it.

Is it possible to recover data from a phone that was stolen and reset?

Technically, yes, but only if:

• You had enabled Find My Device (you can block the device).
• You know the IMEI of the phone (you can request blocking from the operator).
• You have a backup copy in Google or on an SD card.

Independent recovery from someone else's devices illegal. Contact the police to report the theft.

Does freezing a phone help to recover data?

This is a myth. Freezing the phone (for example, in the freezer) sometimes helps temporarily resuscitate device with physical damage (for example, after falling into water), but does not increase the chances of data recovery after a reset. Moreover, condensation can damage the board.

How to protect data from loss in the future?

To avoid problems during the next reset:

• 🔄 Enable automatic synchronization with Google (contacts, calendar, photos).
• ☁️ Use cloud storage: Google Drive, Yandex Disk or Dropbox.
• 📱 Make backups regularly via Settings → System → Backup.
• 💾 For critical files (documents, archives) use external drives.

The Samsung i Xiaomi have built-in backup tools - do not ignore them!