Tuesday, 22 July 2025

How to Recover Deleted Photos and Videos on Android

Accidentally deleting photos or videos on your Android phone can feel like a nightmare, especially when they hold precious memories or important files. The good news is that most of the time, your data isn’t gone forever. In 2025, there are several effective ways to recover deleted media, ranging from built-in Android features to specialized apps and professional recovery services. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.

Why Do Photos and Videos Get Deleted?

Before we start, it’s helpful to understand why files disappear:

Accidental deletion when cleaning up storage.
Software glitches during updates or transfers.
Malware infections that corrupt or remove files.
Factory resets or formatting without proper backups.
Sync errors with cloud services.

Knowing the cause can guide your recovery strategy.

Step 1: Check the Trash or Recently Deleted Folder

Most modern Android devices come with a Trash or Recently Deleted folder in the Gallery app:

Open your Gallery or Photos app.
Tap Trash or Recently Deleted.
Browse for your missing photos or videos.
Select the files and tap Restore.

Files usually stay in the trash for 30 days before permanent deletion.

Step 2: Look in Google Photos Backup

If you’ve enabled Google Photos backup, your deleted files might still be safe:

Open the Google Photos app.
Tap Library > Trash.
Select your files and tap Restore.

Remember, Google Photos retains deleted files for 60 days before permanent removal.

Step 3: Check Other Cloud Services

Did you use other backup services like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Samsung Cloud? Log into these accounts and search for your lost files. Many of these services also keep deleted files in a trash folder for a limited time.

Step 4: Use File Recovery Apps

If your files aren’t in any trash or cloud service, you can try Android data recovery apps. Popular options in 2025 include:

DiskDigger Photo Recovery
EaseUS MobiSaver
Dr.Fone - Data Recovery
Tenorshare UltData

How to Use Them:

Download and install a trusted recovery app from the Google Play Store.
Grant the necessary permissions.
Run a deep scan of your device’s storage.
Preview and restore the deleted photos or videos.

Note: Recovery success depends on how soon you attempt it. Using your phone after deletion can overwrite files, making recovery harder.

Step 5: Use a PC-Based Recovery Tool

For deeper recovery, connect your phone to a PC and use software like Recuva or iMyFone D-Back. These tools can access more sectors of your storage and have higher recovery rates.

Step 6: Contact Professional Data Recovery Services

If your files are irreplaceable and software solutions fail, consider professional services. They can retrieve data even from physically damaged phones. Keep in mind these services can be expensive, so weigh the importance of your files before proceeding.

Preventing Future Data Loss

Enable automatic backups using Google Photos or another cloud service.
Regularly transfer important files to a secure PC or external drive.
Avoid using task killers or cleaners that might accidentally delete files.
Invest in reliable security software to guard against malware.

What to Avoid When Trying to Recover Files

Don’t keep using your phone – New data can overwrite deleted files.
Avoid untrusted recovery apps – Some may contain malware.
Don’t factory reset your phone unless recovery attempts have failed.

Final Thoughts

Losing photos and videos can be stressful, but with the right tools and quick action, recovery is often possible. Whether it’s through built-in Android features, cloud backups, or professional services, the key is to act fast and minimize usage of your device after deletion.

In 2025, data recovery technology is more advanced than ever, giving you a better chance of getting your precious memories back. To avoid future panic, always keep backups and regularly sync your data to a trusted cloud service.

Photo by Plann

Tag : Android, Tutorial

SapiraTech