Deleted photos on your phone: how to recover them
Those who act quickly after deleting images have a better chance of recovering them.
Every minute of use counts
The deleted photo doesn't disappear from storage instantly. It only loses its reserved space, and that space becomes free for the next file the phone needs to save.
Therefore, before anything else, reduce your device usage. Put the camera aside, postpone downloads, and don't install large applications while you try to recover your data.
Which path to choose?
Find out which case applies to you and follow the guide provided for it.
Deleted a few days ago: use the trash can
Those who use Google Photos have a trash bin at their disposal. It keeps photos backed up for up to 60 days, and restoring them takes only a few minutes.
In the app, go to Library and open the Trash. Tap and hold the first photo, select the others, and confirm by tapping Restore.
The deadline has passed: search your memory directly
With the recycle bin empty or the data retention period expired, the solution is to search directly in the memory. There are applications that read the storage in search of images that have not yet been replaced by new data.
There is no guarantee with this method. Some phones show dozens of photos, others show almost none.
Want to prevent it from happening again? Activate protection
An extra trash can works in the background and holds everything that is deleted for the period you choose.
Only what is deleted after activation will be protected. So don't leave it for later.
WhatsApp images are stored in a separate folder
Photos received in conversations are saved by WhatsApp in a folder separate from the camera. Many remain there even after disappearing from the gallery.
Search for this folder in your file manager before embarking on a more extensive search.
HOW TO RECOVER PHOTOS →Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take?
In the trash can, a few minutes. Reading from memory, between fifteen minutes and more than an hour.
Does it work without a computer?
Yes. The entire process is done on the mobile phone.
Does it also recover videos?
You can recover them, but videos take up more space and are more likely to already be partially overwritten.
Will I have to spend anything?
Don't try it. The apps listed have a free version.
What if I continue using my cell phone?
Each photo, download, or update saves new data and reduces the chance of further damage.
Download the apps
Tap the app you want to install. The button opens its official page on Google Play.
