How to free up space before recovering photos
Free space greatly increases the chance of a successful recovery.
Why space matters
The system saves new data in the areas marked as free. The fuller the device, the faster it reuses the blocks where your deleted photos were located.
Maintaining slack in storage delays overwriting and extends the recovery window.
What to remove safely
Temporary files, application caches, and old downloads will be removed without incident. Duplicates will also be removed, provided you check them before confirming.
Avoid removing folders whose contents you don't recognize. Some belong to the system.
Send the big things to the cloud
Long videos tend to be the biggest space hogs. Uploading them to the cloud and then removing them from the device frees up a lot of space at once.
Confirm that the upload has finished before deleting the original location.
1. Gallery
It shows you what's taking up the most space and helps you declutter without deleting what matters.
Why it's worth it:
- Shows the folders that other applications create
- Organizes the albums on the device itself
- It works offline, directly from memory
2. Google Photos
Send large files to the cloud and free up device storage, keeping everything accessible.
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. DiskDigger
With plenty of space available, it performs memory scanning with a much higher chance of retrieving complete images.
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
What can be removed without risk?
Before deleting any images, start with those that aren't your memories.
- Application cache, which resets itself.
- Videos and audios received from old conversations.
- Downloaded files that you have already used, such as PDFs and installers.
- Apps you haven't opened in months.
What to send to the cloud first
- Long videos, which tend to be the largest files.
- Photos taken in bursts, where dozens of almost identical images remain.
- Old screenshots.
- Albums of events that have already concluded.
- Photographed documents that you don't need in your daily life.
How to avoid losing photos again
- Check for available space before trips and events.
- Leave automatic backup enabled on Wi-Fi.
- Check the trash can before emptying it.
- Do not delete in bulk without looking at the thumbnails.
- Store irreplaceable items in two different places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing the cache delete my photos?
No. Cache is a temporary application file.
How much free space should I leave?
The more, the better. A fifth of the capacity already helps a lot.
Can I delete folders that I don't recognize?
It's best not to. Some are part of the system.
Does freeing up space erase what was already deleted?
No, but using your phone after that might record over it.
Do I do this before or after the search?
Beforehand, and without installing anything heavy along the way.