Deleted photos: how to try to recover them

What do you want?

The chance of recovery is greater in the first few hours after exclusion.

Time is working against us

The deleted photo remains in memory for a while, but the space it occupies is already freed up for other files. Each new photo, audio, or update may end up there.

While you're trying to recover your phone, use it as little as possible. Leave camera, downloads, and installations for later.

Which path to choose?

See which of the situations below applies to you and start with that one.

Deleted recently: restore via the recycle bin

Google Photos comes pre-installed on almost every Android device and has a trash bin that stores deleted items for up to 60 days when there was a backup, or about 30 days when the photo was only stored on the device. Resolving the issue there takes only a few minutes.

There's no more trash can: search your memory

If the deadline has passed or someone emptied the recycle bin, the only option left is to search directly in memory. Recovery applications scour storage for parts of images that haven't yet been overwritten.

The result varies considerably. It may yield entire photos, just thumbnails, or nothing at all, depending on the device and the time that has passed.

Want to avoid the next loss? Activate protection

An extra trash bin on your phone will hold everything you delete from now on, for the period you choose.

Images from messaging apps

WhatsApp and Telegram store received images in separate folders, distinct from the camera. Removing a photo from the gallery doesn't always remove the file from these folders.

Before trying any more time-consuming method, open your file manager and take a look at them. It's also worth reopening the conversation where the photo was sent.

HOW TO RECOVER PHOTOS →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take?

Searching through the trash can takes a few minutes. Searching through memory takes anywhere from fifteen minutes to over an hour, depending on the storage location.

Does it only work on mobile phones?

Yes. None of the methods here require a computer.

And the videos?

They follow the same logic. Because they are larger, it is more common for them to be returned incomplete.

Is there a cost?

The listed apps can be used for free. Some have optional paid features.

Can I use my cell phone normally during this time?

It's best to avoid it. Every new piece of data recorded decreases the chance of recovery.