Deleting an important video from your phone Huawei is a situation familiar to many. It’s especially annoying when files disappear from the gallery after clearing memory, resetting settings, or accidentally clicking. Fortunately, even if you didn’t make backups, there are still chances to recover lost videos - thanks to the features of the file system Android and built-in tools Huawei.

In this article we will analyze 7 working recovery methods, from simple (checking the recycle bin) to complex (using deep scanning software). Important: the effectiveness of the methods depends on how much time has passed since the deletion and whether you have used the phone after the incident. The sooner you start, the higher the likelihood of success.

If the video was deleted from memory card (microSD), the algorithm of actions will be different - we will also talk about this separately. And for owners of models Huawei P60 Pro, Mate 50 or Nova 11 we will add specific recommendations taking into account their firmware EMUI 13/14.

📊 What Huawei model do you have?
P-series (P60, P50 and etc.)
Mate-series (Mate 50, Mate X3)
Nova (Nova 11, Nova 10)
Y-series (Y9, Y7)
Other model

Many users do not know that smartphones Huawei have a built-in multimedia cartwhere files end up after deletion. By default, they are stored there 30 days (on some models - 15 days), after which they are completely erased. Here's how to check:

  1. Open the standard application Gallery (icon with multi-colored squares).
  2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Trash.
  3. Find the video you want, hold your finger on it → tap Restore.

If the trash is empty or there is no video there, go to the next one way. Please note: files from the recycle bin take up space in the phone's memory, so their number is limited.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware EMUI the recycle bin is disabled by default. To activate it, go to Gallery settings → Cart → Enable.

2. Restoring through Huawei Cloud backups

If synchronization with Huawei , the videos could be automatically saved in the cloud. This is relevant for users who have logged in under the account Huawei Cloudwas enabled on your Huawei ID and have not disabled backup.

Instructions:

  • 📱 Open Settings → Huawei ID → Cloud → Backup and recovery.
  • 🔍 Check the list of available backups. Look for the date when the video was still on the phone.
  • 📥 Click Restore and select only Gallery (so as not to overwrite other data).

Free Huawei Cloud provides 5 GB memory. If the video is large, it may not fit in the cloud. In this case, try the following method.

💡

Before restoring from the cloud, connect to Wi-Fi - this will speed up downloading and save mobile traffic.

3. Using data recovery software (without root)

If the video is not in the recycle bin and there is no backup copy, specialized software will help. For Android without superuser rights (root), apps like DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver or Dr.Foneare suitable. They scan the phone's memory for "remnants" of deleted files.

Step-by-step guide for DiskDigger (free version):

  1. Download the app from Google Play (if it is available on your Huawei) or from official website.
  2. Start scanning (select Basic scan for photos/videos).
  3. Wait for the process to complete (may take 10-60 minutes).
  4. Mark the found videos and click Recover.

Important: Do not save the recovered files to the same phone —use a computer or other memory card. Otherwise, new data may overwrite the old ones.

app Huawei support Without root Paid version
DiskDigger Yes Yes (Basic scan) From $14.99
EaseUS MobiSaver Yes Yes From $39.95
Dr.Fone Yes (except for the new EMUI 14) Partially From $59.95
⚠️ Attention: On models with EMUI 13/14 some apps may not see the internal memory due to Huawei restrictions. In this case, connect the phone to the PC in File transfer (MTP) and scan through the desktop version of the software.

4. Recovery from a memory card (microSD)

If the video was stored on memory card, the chances of recovery are higher - flash drives are less likely to be overwritten by system processes. To do this:

  1. Remove the card from the phone and do not use it until recovery.
  2. Connect to the computer via a card reader.
  3. Use apps like Recuva (Windows) or PhotoRec (cross-platform).

B Recuva select:

  • 📁 Type files: Video.
  • 🔍 Search location: your microSD.
  • ⚙️ Scanning mode: Deep analysis (takes longer, but is more effective).

After scanning, the app will show files marked:

  • 🟢 Green —high chances of recovery.
  • 🟡 Yellow —files are damaged, but partially recoverable.
  • 🔴 Red —recovery is unlikely.

Do not write new data to the card|

Use a card reader, not connecting via phone|

Scan to a PC, not to a mobile device|

Save recovered files to another drive-->

5. Recovery via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work, you can try Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a tool for low-level access to the file system. This method requires command line skills and the enabled mode USB Debugging.

Instructions:

  1. Activate Developer mode: go to Settings → About the phone → Build number and tap 7 times.
  2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → System → Developer options.
  3. Connect your phone to the PC, install ADB-tools.
  4. Run the command to search for deleted files: 
    adb shell

    su
    

    cd /sdcard/DCIM/
    

    ls -la | grep -i video

If you find files with the extension .mp4 or .mov, try copying them to your PC:

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/file_name.mp4 C:\Backup\
⚠️ Attention: Without rights root ADB will not see all deleted files. On new Huawei (with EMUI 13+), this method may not work due to blocked access to system partitions.

6. Contacting Huawei Service Center

If the video was critical (for example, recording from a security camera or the only video from an event), and independent attempts were unsuccessful, contact official Huawei service center. They have specialized equipment for recovering data from internal memory.

What you need to know:

  • 📍 Addresses of centers can be found on the website Huawei in the “Support” section.
  • 💰 The cost of the service depends on the complexity (from 1,500 to 10,000 ₽).
  • ⏳ Recovery period is from 1 to 5 business days.
  • 🔒 Confidentiality guarantee: data is not transferred to third parties.

Before your visit:

  • 🛑 Do not try to reflash your phone.
  • 📵 Do not record new data (photos, videos, applications).
  • 📋 Take a receipt or warranty card with you (if the phone is under warranty).
What to do if the service center refuses?

If the center does not undertake restoration, this may mean that:

1) Data has been overwritten by new files (the chances are close to 0%).

2) The file system is damaged (memory replacement is required).

3) The phone model does not support such recovery (relevant for some flagships with encrypted partitions).

In this case, all that remains is to contact data recovery laboratories (for example, ACE Lab or R-Studio), but the cost will be higher.—>

7. Prevention: how to avoid video loss in the future

To no longer face the problem of losing important videos, follow these rules:

  • ☁️ Automatic backup: Set up synchronization with Huawei Cloud or Google Photos (if available). Settings → Accounts → Backup Enable the option for the gallery.
  • 📁 Duplication to a memory card: Save copies of important videos to microSD. On models Huawei this is done through Gallery → Select → Copy → Memory card.
  • 🖥️ Regular export to PC: Once a month, connect the phone to the computer and copy folder DCIM (where media files are stored).
  • 🔄 Use cloud services: In addition Huawei Cloud, Yandex.Disk, Mail.ru Cloud or Dropbox.

For models with EMUI 13/14 there is a useful function "Protected folder":

  1. Open Settings → Privacy → Secure folder.
  2. Create a password or use a fingerprint.
  3. Move important videos to this folder - they will not be deleted when you reset your settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about video recovery on Huawei

Is it possible to recover a video deleted six months ago?

The chances are extremely low. Once deleted, files remain in memory until they are overwritten by new data. After 6 months this almost certainly happened. The exception is if the video was stored on a memory card that has not been used all this time.

Will resetting the phone to factory settings help restore the video?

No, reset settings (Hard Reset) deletes all user data, including hidden file remains. This is the last step, which should be done only if the phone does not turn on or is unstable.

Why don’t recovery apps find my videos?

Possible reasons:

  • 🔹 The files were overwritten with new data.
  • 🔹 The video was stored in an encrypted section (relevant for EMUI 12+).
  • 🔹 The app does not support your model Huawei.
  • 🔹 The video was deleted from the cloud storage, not from the phone.

Try other software or contact a service center.

How to restore video after updating EMUI?

Updating firmware (EMUI) rarely leads to data loss, but if this happens:

  1. Check the folder DCIM/.thumbnails - sometimes thumbnails remain there.
  2. Use DiskDigger with deep scanning.
  3. If the update is interrupted, a rollback via HiSuite may help (but this is risky).
⚠️ Attention: Rolling back the firmware may lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the phone.

Is it possible to restore video from a damaged screen?

Yes, if the phone turns on and is detected by the computer. Connect it via USB in Transferring files mode and use recovery software on your PC. If the screen does not respond, but the phone vibrates when turned on, try connecting a mouse via an OTG adapter and controlling it.