Restore photos from your phone's recycle bin
If you deleted it recently, your phone's recycle bin can fix it in just a few taps.
First, look at what the phone already has
Before installing any tool, open the photo app that came with your device and look for the deleted items section. Almost all phones keep deleted files for a few weeks.
This method doesn't download anything, doesn't take up space, and doesn't overwrite the photos you want back with new files.
If your data plan is limited, it's best to restore via Wi-Fi. Photos that are only stored in the cloud will need to be downloaded again to your device.
Step-by-step on-screen instructions
The method below uses Google Photos, which comes pre-installed on most Android devices.
Tap on the profile picture and check which account is connected. Many people have a personal email and a work email on the same device and end up looking in the wrong trash folder.
Tap Collections or Library, depending on the version, and then Trash. Each photo shows how many days are left before it is permanently deleted.
Hold down the first image to enter selection mode and select the others you want to keep.
The photos are returned to the album from which they came, with the original date and quality.
On Samsung, Motorola, or Xiaomi phones, the manufacturer's gallery usually has a separate trash can. It's worth checking both, because each one stores different things.
An empty trash can doesn't mean the end
Switch accounts in the app and check the trash bins for each one. They are separate.
Next, check if backup was enabled. If you deleted it through the manufacturer's gallery or used the option to free up space, the copy in the cloud may still be there.
If backup has never been enabled and the recycle bin is empty, the next step is to search the device's memory. This takes longer and the result varies.
Where else to look before giving up?
Some photos weren't deleted, they were just moved. It's worth taking a look at these corners:
- The Archive folder, where photos that were accidentally archived are stored.
- The WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram folders in the file manager.
- Searching Google Photos by typing in something that appears in the image.
- Old Google accounts that were previously used on the device.
1. Google Photos
Google Play
It has its own trash bin, automatic backup, and date-based search. When the deletion was recent, it's usually the quickest way to remove it.
The trash can stores backed-up items for up to 60 days.
Download on Google Play
2. Files by Google
Google Play
It shows folders created by other apps, such as WhatsApp and Telegram. It helps find photos that disappeared from the gallery but are still on the device.
Download on Google Play
3. Dumpster
Google Play
Create an extra trash can on the device so that the next accidental deletion can be recovered.
It works without root access.
Download on Google PlayFrequently Asked Questions
Does restoring consume my data?
Only when the photo is stored in the cloud. If it's still on the device, it doesn't cost anything.
What is the deadline?
Up to 60 days for items with backups and about 30 days for those that were only on the phone.
Can this be done on a computer?
Yes, go to the Google Photos website using the same account as your phone, open the Trash in the left-hand menu, select the photos, and click Restore.
Can it be done without internet?
Yes, if the photos are still on the device.
Can I restore multiple ones at once?
Yes. Hold down the first photo to open the selection and select the others.
