Clear and search for photos in memory

Without a recycle bin and without backups, searching directly in memory is the only remaining option.

How the search works

Deleting a file does not erase its contents. The system only notifies you that that space can be used again. As long as nothing new is written there, the old data remains.

The recovery app scans your memory for these remnants, recognizes the beginning and end of each image, and assembles a preview for you to choose what to save.

On non-rooted phones, scans usually find mostly thumbnails and cached copies, often at a lower resolution. Even so, sometimes that's what saves the memory.

Step-by-step search

Any new file can replace the photo that's still in memory, so the order of the steps matters.

1Stop what is recording data on its own

Pause automatic updates from the Play Store and close any open apps. WhatsApp, for example, downloads photos and videos from groups without permission.

2Install DiskDigger and enable airplane mode

Download the app and, once the installation is complete, turn on airplane mode to stop synchronizations. Do not take photos or download files until the end.

3Leave your cell phone on the charger

If the battery runs out mid-scan, you'll have to start over.

4Start your photo search

Choose the basic search, which works without root access. It takes from fifteen minutes to over an hour, so avoid leaving the app while it's running.

5Separate what was found

Look first at the clear thumbnails, which are more likely to be complete. Skip the very small files, which are almost always icons and stickers.

6Save outside of internal memory

It's best to send them to the cloud or a memory card in small groups. Saving to the same memory card that's currently being read can overwrite other photos that haven't yet appeared.

What to expect from the result

Some photos come back intact, others cropped, blurry, or with colored bands. This happens when part of the file has already been overwritten.

There is no guarantee of results. What appears depends on the time elapsed since the deletion, the available free space, and the phone model.

If you haven't checked your Google Photos trash yet, do so before you begin. When the deletion is recent, the photo will be restored intact and effortlessly.