How to clear memory and find deleted photos
Even with the trash can now empty, directly accessing the memory still brings back some of the images.
Why it's still possible to recover
Deleting a file does not erase the data. The system only marks that space as free for future use. As long as nothing new is written over it, the bytes of the image remain there.
That's what the application looks for. It reads the memory block by block looking for known image signatures, assembles a preview of what it found, and lets you save it.
Prepare the device beforehand
Stop using your phone for other things. Every new photo, download, or update takes up space and can overwrite exactly what you want back.
Plug the device into a power outlet. The process consumes battery power and can take more than an hour on phones with ample storage.
How long does it take and what to expect?
On 64 GB devices it usually takes fifteen to forty minutes. On 256 GB models it can take more than an hour, especially with the memory almost full.
Some photos will come back perfect. Others will appear cropped or with colored bands, a sign that a piece has already been overwritten. Save everything, including the partial versions.
1. DiskDigger
It scans the internal memory for images that haven't yet been overwritten by new data. It shows a preview before saving, so you can see what you've got.
Why it's worth it:
- Search for traces of images that have already been deleted
- Basic mode does not require root access
- Lets you choose what to save before restoring
2. Google Photos
It's worth checking the recycle bin before any memory scan. If the deletion occurred within the last 60 days, the recovery will be complete and take only seconds.
Why it's worth it:
- 60-day recycle bin for everything you delete
- Automatic backup as soon as Wi-Fi connects
- Search by date, place, and even by what appears in the photo
3. Dumpster
After recovering, it keeps a recycle bin active on the device so that the next accidental deletion doesn't become a permanent loss.
Why it's worth it:
- Save what you accidentally delete
- Restores with one touch, no extra steps required
- No root access is required for it to work
What to do before running the search
The less the device writes to memory, the greater the chance that traces of the photos will remain there.
- Stop taking photos and downloading files until you're finished.
- Activate airplane mode to hold background synchronizations.
- Close any apps that are running in the background.
- Leave your phone charging, because reading the entire process consumes battery power.
With the device stationary, the scan has a much better chance of finding intact old images.
Where else to look before giving up?
- Google Photos' trash bin, which keeps photos for 60 days.
- The "Archive" folder is where images that were accidentally archived are stored.
- WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram folders are stored in the memory.
- Memory card, if the device has one.
- An old backup on another account you've used on your phone before.
How to avoid losing photos again
- Keep automatic backup enabled on Wi-Fi.
- Check the trash can before emptying it.
- Store irreplaceable items in two different places.
- Avoid using apps that delete storage in batches to free up storage.
- Check the available space before a trip or event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a computer?
No. The entire process runs on the phone itself.
Why do some photos come back cropped?
Because part of the file has already been overwritten. What's left is reassembled, but the missing piece doesn't come back.
Can I pause and continue later?
It's not worth it. If you close it halfway through, you have to start reading again from the beginning.
How much free space is ideal?
The more, the better. With limited space, the system reuses old blocks more quickly.
Does it work with a memory card?
It works, and usually gives better results, because the card undergoes fewer writes than the internal memory.