Losing call history on a smartphone Samsung is a problem faced by both owners of new Galaxy S24 Ultraand users of budget models like Galaxy A14. The reasons may be different: from accidental deletion to a failure after an update One UI or a settings reset. Fortunately, in 90% of cases, the data can be returned - even if you did not make backup copies in advance.

In this article we will analyze all working recovery methodsincluding official tools Samsung and Googlehidden functions of the firmware, as well as third-party utilities for deep memory scanning. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of Android (from 10 to 14) and models with chips Exynos/Snapdragon. If you have already tried standard methods without success, do not close the page: the last sections contain exclusive solutions for cases when the phone does not turn on or the data is overwritten.

1. Recovery via Google Account (the fastest way)

If on yours Samsung synchronization with Googleis enabled, the chances of returning the call log are 85-90%. Data is stored in the cloud for up to 30 days, even after deletion on the device. Here's how to extract them:

Open the application on your phone Google Contacts (if it doesn't exist, install it from Play Market). Go to menu Settings → Restore contacts. The system will show available backups with dates. Select the latest one until data loss and confirm the restoration. The call log will be returned along with contacts within 5-10 minutes.

  • ✅ Pros: does not require root access, works on all versions of Android, free.
  • ⚠️ Cons: restores only numbers, without the time and duration of calls.
  • 🔄 Nuance: if >30 days have passed since deletion, the copy could have been deleted from the cloud.
⚠️ Attention: If you use Samsung Account instead of Google, check the backups in Settings → Accounts and archiving → Backup and recovery. More complete data can be stored here, including call time.
📊 How often do you back up your smartphone?
Weekly
Once a month
Only before updating
Never

2. Using the built-in utility Samsung Smart Switch

Smart Switch is a proprietary solution from Samsung for transferring and restoring data. Few people know that the app can extract call logs even from old backupsmade on other devices. Instructions:

  1. Install Smart Switch on PC (official website).
  2. Connect your phone via USB (turn on USB debugging v Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times).
  3. Select Restore and specify the backup file (look in the folder Samsung\SmartSwitch\backup on PC).
  4. Tick the checkbox Call log and start the process.

If there is no backup, try creating one now (even with an empty log), and then use the function Export data to Smart Switch. Sometimes this helps to retrieve fragments of deleted information.

Samsung model Smart Switch support Max. recovery depth
Galaxy S22/S23/S24 Full Up to 6 months
Galaxy A5x/A7x (2020-2023) Full Up to 3 months
Galaxy Note 10/20 Partial (without time stamps) Up to 1 month
Galaxy J-series Limited Current data only

Enable USB debugging|Update Smart Switch to the latest version|Connect the original USB cable|Charge phone >50%|Disable screen lock for the duration of the process-->

3. Manual recovery from the file system (for advanced)

The call log on Android is stored in the database contacts2.db on the path /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/If you have root access, you can try to extract the file and restore the data using SQL editors. Step-by-step guide:

1. Install a file manager with root access (for example, Root Explorer).

2. Go to the folder /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/.


3. Copy the contacts2.db file to your PC.


4. Open it in the app DB Browser for SQLite.


5. Execute the request:


SELECT * FROM calls WHERE type=1 OR type=2 OR type=3;


(where 1 is incoming, 2 is outgoing, 3 is missed call)

If you do not have root access, but the phone unlocked OEMcan be used ADB:

adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect manipulations with contacts2.db can lead to loss all contacts. Before editing, make a backup copy of the file!
What to do if the contacts2.db file is damaged?

If when opening the file you see the error "file is encrypted or not a database", try:

1. Restore it from a backup copy TWRP (if any).

2. Use the utility SQLite Database Recovery Tool (paid, but effective for partially damaged files).

3. Check the folder /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases-journal/ - sometimes temporary copies are stored there.

4. recovery

If standard methods do not work, specialized utilities will come to the rescue. We tested 15 apps and selected top 3that actually work in Samsung in 2026:

  • 🥇 Dr.Fone (Wondershare) —restores calls within 1-2 years, supports One UI 6.0, but requires root for deep scanning. Cost: from 590 RUR.
  • 🥈 EaseUS MobiSaver —free mode scans up to 10 records, full version - 990 RUR. Works without root, but shows less data.
  • 🥉 GT Recovery - the only application that supports Knox, but the interface is overloaded with advertising. Suitable for models. Galaxy S20 and newer.

The operating algorithm in all utilities is similar:

  1. Connect your phone to the PC (or start scanning directly on the device).
  2. Select the data type - Call log.
  3. Wait for the analysis to complete (may take up to 1 hour).
  4. View the found entries and save them in CSV or HTML.

Important: Do not install recovery apps on the same phone from which data was lost - this may overwrite the remaining fragments!

💡

Before scanning, turn off mobile data and Wi-Fi on your phone. This will prevent automatic synchronization and overwriting of deleted data.

5. Recovery via TWRP (for unlocked phones)

If your Samsung custom recovery is installed TWRP, the chances of getting your call log back increase to 95%. The method is suitable even if the phone does not turn on (but boots into Recovery Mode). Instructions:

  1. Boot into TWRP (press Power + Volume Up + Bixby).
  2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
  3. Find the folder /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/.
  4. Copy the file contacts2.db to SD card or connected OTG drive.
  5. Restore the file on the working device (see section 3).

If TWRP is not installed, but the phone supports unlocking the bootloader, you can flash it via Odin:

1. Download the official one. TWRP for your model from the website twrp.me.

2. Boot the phone into Download Mode (Power + Volume Down).


3. Connect to the PC and flash via Odin (file in the AP field).


4. After installation, immediately make a backup of the partition data.

⚠️ Attention: Installation TWRP on new models Samsung (with One UI 5.0+) resets Knox and may block Samsung Pay, Secure Folder and the warranty.

6. Alternative methods: SIM card and telecom operator

If calls were saved on SIM card (relevant for older models like Galaxy J5 2016), remove it and insert it into another phone. Most devices will display call history for the last 10-30 records (depending on the operator).

For subscribers MTS, Beeline, Megafon i Tele2 Another method is available:

  • 📞 Order call details via your personal account or USSD command (for example, *111*55# for Megafon).
  • 📄 The operator will send a report for the last month in the format PDF or Excel.
  • 🔄 Import data to Google Contacts via Import/Export.

Please note: detail shows only successful calls (without missing ones) and may not include numbers in international format.

💡

Operators store call data from 3 months to 1 year (depending on the tariff, the sooner you request details, the more complete the history will be.

7. What to do if nothing helps?

If all of the above methods do not work, there remain extreme measures:

  1. Contact the service center SamsungThey have access to internal tools like Samsung Flash Tool, which can extract data even from damaged partitions. Service cost: from 1500₽.
  2. Use professional recovery services. Companies like Ontrack or Kroll work with physically damaged drives. The price starts from 5000₽.
  3. Check cloud services. If you used Dropbox, Yandex.Disk or iCloud (to synchronize with Mac), look there for exported files with the extension .vcf or .csv.

If your phone is recessed, broken or does not turn on, do not try to restore the data yourself - this may lead to irreversible loss of remaining fragments. It is better to immediately contact specialists.

After successful recovery required:

  • 🔒 Enable automatic synchronization c Google (Settings → Accounts → Google → Synchronization).
  • 📱 Install a backup application like SMS Backup & Restore (saves calls too).
  • 🔄 Export the log regularly in CSV via Smart Switch.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about restoring call logs

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

Yes, but only if synchronization with was enabled before the reset. Google or Samsung Account. In this case, the data is stored in the cloud for 30 days. If synchronization was disabled, the chances are minimal - try the methods from section 3 (manual recovery).

Why is the time and duration of calls not displayed after recovery?

This is a limitation Google Contacts - when restoring from the cloud, only numbers and names are returned. To return complete information, use Smart Switch or third-party utilities like Dr.Fonethat work with the local database.

Is it possible to restore the journal on a phone with a broken screen?

Yes, if the phone turns on and responds to touches. Connect it to your PC via Smart Switch or use ADB-commands to extract data. If the screen is completely non-functional, you will need to replace the display or contact a service center.

Is it true that after updating One UI, the call history is cleared?

No, a firmware update should not delete the call history. If the data is lost after the update, most likely there was a synchronization failure. Try:

  1. Reboot your phone.
  2. Log in/out of your account Google.
  3. Recover data via Smart Switch (see section 2).
How to protect your call log from being lost in future?

To avoid repeated data loss:

  • Enable automatic backup in Google Drive (Settings → System → Backup).
  • Install the application Automatic Call Recorder - it saves not only numbers, but also call records.
  • Regularly export the log to Excel via Smart Switch.
  • Avoid "cleaners" like Clean Master —they often delete system files.