Accidentally deleting files on Samsung Galaxy is one of the most common problems faced by Android users. Vacation photos, important documents or videos from memorable events can disappear in one click due to a glitch, a careless gesture or even a virus. Fortunately, in 90% of cases, deleted data can be returned - if you act quickly and correctly.

In this article we will examine 7 proven recovery methodsfrom standard tools Samsung to professional utilities that work even after completely clearing the memory. We will pay special attention to the nuances for new models (Galaxy S24 Ultra, A55 5G, Fold 6), where data storage algorithms differ from older devices. You will also learn what actions irreversibly destroy the chances of recovery this is critical if you have already tried to do something yourself.

Important: the effectiveness of the methods depends on the type of files (photos are recovered easier than application databases), time after deletion and phone models. For example, on Galaxy S23+ with a file system F2FS the chances are higher than on budget Galaxy M14 s ext4. But even in difficult cases there are solutions - read on.

The first thing to do is check the built-in "trash cans". Samsung and Google automatically save deleted files in special folders on 30 days (by default). This is the fastest and safest way to return data without the risk of damaging it.

For Samsung Gallery (standard application for all Galaxy):

  • 📁 Open the application Gallery → click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Trash.
  • 🔍 View the list of deleted files. Photos and videos will be sorted by date of deletion.
  • 🔄 Select the desired files → click Restore (down arrow icon).
  • 📌 Recovered files will return to their original folders (for example, Camera or Downloads).

For Google Photos (if synchronization was enabled):

  • 🌐 Open the application Google Photos → go to the section Library → Trash.
  • ⏳ Here the files are stored 60 days (unlike 30 days for Samsung).
  • 🔄 Select files → click Restore (they will return to the main tape).
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If you do not see the "Trash" folder in the Gallery, update the application Samsung Gallery to the latest version via Galaxy Store. In older versions, the function may not have been available.

⚠️ Attention: After restoring from basket Google Photos files can be resynchronized with the cloud. If you have limited traffic, wait until you connect to Wi-Fi.

2. Use the built-in Samsung Cloud feature - this is cloud storage that automatically backs up data on devices (if the feature is enabled). Unlike

Samsung Cloud is a cloud storage that automatically backs up data on devices Galaxy (if the feature is enabled). Unlike Google Drive, not only photos are saved here, but also contacts, notes, calendar, application settings and even some system files.

How to check backups:

  1. Go to Settings → Accounts and backup → Samsung Cloud.
  2. Click Restore data → select a device (if you have several).
  3. View the list of available backups. They are sorted by creation date.
  4. Select the desired copy → check the data types (for example, Gallery or My files) → click Restore.

Important nuances:

  • 📱 Backups are created automatically when connected to Wi-Fi and charging (once every 24 hours by default).
  • 💾 Free storage volume — 15 GB (can be expanded for a fee).
  • ⚠️ When restoring a copy The current data on the phone will be overwritten.. First, save important files to another location.
What to do if Samsung Cloud does not show backups?

If there are no copies available in Samsung Cloud check:

1. Was the account enabled Samsung at the time of file deletion (reservation does not work without authorization).

2. Is the storage limit exceeded? In this case, new copies are not created.

3. Was the archiving function manually disabled in the settings (Settings → Accounts and archiving → Backup and recovery).

If there are no copies, proceed to the following methods.

Recovery method Types files Storage period Root required?
Samsung Gallery cart Photos, videos 30 days No
Google Photos (Cart) Photos, videos, screenshots 60 days No
Samsung Cloud Photos, videos, contacts, notes Before deleting the copy No
Local backup (Smart Switch) All files Permanent No

3. Recovery via Smart Switch (for backups on a PC)

Samsung Smart Switch is an official utility for transferring data between devices and creating local backups. If you have ever saved a backup to your computer, the chances of getting your files back are very high.

Instructions for Windows/macOS:

  1. Download and install Smart Switch from Samsung official website.
  2. Connect the phone to the PC via a USB cable (mode File transfer).
  3. Run Smart Switch → select Restore.
  4. The app will automatically find all available backups. Select the one you need by date.
  5. Note the data types (eg. Images or Documents) → click Recover.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔄 Recovers all types of filesincluding messages and call logs.
  • 💻 Copies are stored on your PC - there is no risk of loss due to cloud failure.
  • 📅 You can select a copy for any period (if they saved).

⚠️ Attention: If you did not create backups in Smart Switch in advance, this method will not help. But it’s worth using in the future to protect your data - set up automatic backup once a week.

📊 Do you regularly backup your phone?
Yes, via Samsung Cloud
Yes, via Google Drive
Yes, to a computer (Smart Switch)
No, I don’t
I don’t know how to do it

4. Recovery apps without root access

If standard methods do not work, it’s time to move on to specialized utilities. Modern apps (for example, DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver or Dr.Fone) can scan the phone’s internal memory and find traces of deleted files. The main advantage is that they work without root access, which is important for maintaining the warranty.

Top 3 apps for Samsung in 2026:

  • 🛠️ DiskDigger —the best choice for photos and videos. The free version scans, but recovery costs a fee (~$15). Supports F2FS (new file system Galaxy).
  • 🔍 EaseUS MobiSaver —recovers messages, contacts and documents. There is a trial version with a limit of 2 files.
  • 📱 Dr.Fone (Wondershare) —a universal tool, but slower than competitors. Suitable for Galaxy S24 and newer.

Step-by-step guide (using example DiskDigger):

  1. Install the app on your PC and connect your phone via USB (turn on USB debugging v Settings → About phone → Build number → press 7 times to unlock developer mode).
  2. Run DiskDigger → select Basic scan (for photos/videos) or Full scan (for all files).
  3. Wait for scanning to complete (may take up to 1 hour for 256 GB of memory).
  4. Browse the found files → mark the ones you need → click Recover and save them to your PC.

✅ Make sure the phone is charged 50% or more

✅ Use original USB cable (not cheap analogues)

✅ Disable all background applications on the phone

✅ Do not connect other USB devices to the PC during the process-->

⚠️ Attention: Do not save the recovered files back to the phone - this may overwrite the remaining data. First, transfer them to your PC or cloud, and then copy them to your device.

5. Recovery with root access: risks and opportunities

If the files are critical, and other methods have not helped, there remains a last resort - obtaining root access deep memory scan. This gives access to system partitions where fragments of deleted data may remain. However, the method has serious disadvantages:

Risks:

  • 🚨 Loss of warranty — Samsung cancels warranty service if root is detected.
  • 🛡️ Security vulnerability —the phone becomes vulnerable to viruses and hacker attacks.
  • 🔄 Operation failures —errors in system applications are possible (for example, Samsung Pay will stop working).

If you are ready for risks, follow instructions:

  1. Unlock OEM Unlock in Settings → For developers.
  2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) via Odín (for Samsung).
  3. Flash Magisk to get root access.
  4. Use Root Explorer or Undeleter Recover Files & Data to scan partitions /data and /sdcard.

⚠️ Attention: On new Galaxy (for example, S24+) Samsung blocks the ability to roll back to standard firmware after installing custom software. This means that you you will forever lose access to official updates via OTA.

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root access give the maximum chance of recovery, but use them only if other methods have not worked. For most users, apps without root are sufficient (section 4).

6. Samsung

If the files are critical (for example, these are the only photos from an important event or work documents), and independent attempts are unsuccessful, you should consider contacting Samsung official service centerThe company has specialized tools for retrieving data even from damaged drives.

What you need to know:

  • 💰 The cost of the service starts from 5 000–15 000 ₽ (depending on the model and complexity of the work).
  • ⏳ Recovery period - from 3 to 10 working days.
  • 📋 You will need a passport and a receipt (warranty card) to confirm ownership of the device.
  • 🔒 Data is restored in the presence of the client - you will receive it on an external drive (flash drive or disk).

How to find the official service:

  1. Go to the website Samsung Support → select the country → enter the phone model.
  2. In the section Service centers indicate your city.
  3. Check reviews of the center (not all official partners work equally well with data).

⚠️ Attention: Do not contact unofficial workshops! There is a high risk that your data will be stolen or permanently lost due to unqualified actions.

7. How to prevent data loss in the future

The best protection against file loss is proactive measures. Even if you were able to recover your data now, set up a backup system to avoid repeated problems. Here are proven methods:

Automatic archiving:

  • ☁️ Samsung Cloud — enable automatic synchronization for Galleries, Contacts i Notes v Settings → Accounts and archiving.
  • 📁 Google Photos — set up backup in Settings → Backup and synchronization (select quality Original to save without compression).
  • 💻 Smart Switch — create local copies on your PC once a month.

Additional measures:

  • 🔄 Use SD card (if your phone supports it) to store important files - it can be extracted and read on another device.
  • 📴 Install Dropsync or FolderSync to automatically upload files to Dropbox/Yandex Disk.
  • 🚫 Avoid "memory cleaners" (for example, Clean Master) - they often delete files beyond recovery.

- Check free space in Samsung Cloud

- Synchronize Google Photos

- Make a copy via Smart Switch

- Check operation auto-sync

This will take 5 minutes a month, but will save data in a critical situation.-->

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about recovering files on Samsung

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

Yes, but the chances are extreme low. A reset does not immediately erase the data; it marks it as available for overwriting. If you immediately send your phone to a service center for diagnostics (without turning it on or writing new files), specialists can extract up to 30–50% of the data. It is almost impossible to do this on your own.

Will freezing the phone help to recover files?

This is a myth. Freezing the phone (for example, in the freezer) supposedly “slows down data degradation”, but in practice this does not work and can damage the battery. The only effective way is to minimize the use of your phone after deleting files so as not to overwrite the memory.

Is it possible to recover WhatsApp messages after deletion?

Yes, if you have a backup. WhatsApp automatically saves chats to Google Drive (once a day when connected to Wi-Fi). To restore:

  1. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
  2. When you first start the app, it will offer to restore chats from a copy.
  3. Confirm the restoration - the messages will return.

If there is no copy, try apps like Dr.Fone — WhatsApp Recovery (works without root on Samsung).

Why do recovery apps find files, but cannot open them?

This happens due to data fragmentation. When a file is deleted, its “pieces” remain in different parts of memory. apps find these fragments, but cannot assemble them into a complete file.

  • Try another app (for example DiskDigger instead of EaseUS).
  • Use the function Deep Scan (deep scan), but it will take longer.
  • If the file is critical, contact the service center - they have professional equipment for “assembling” fragments.
How to recover files from a damaged phone (does not turn on, broken screen)?

If the phone does not respond to turning on or the screen is broken, but the device is detected by the computer:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.
  2. Use Smart Switch or ADB commands to extract data:
adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Samsung_Backup\

If the phone is not detected, repair (screen/battery replacement) or removal of the memory chip at a service center will be required center.