How to recover deleted photos from your cell phone
Taking action immediately after deletion greatly increases the chance of getting your photos back.
The clock starts when you turn it off
When a photo is deleted, the file remains in storage for a while. The system only marks that space as free, and that's where the risk lies: any new data can occupy that space.
So the number one rule is to leave your phone alone. Avoid taking photos, downloading videos, or updating apps until you're finished trying.
Which path to choose?
See which situation applies to you and follow the guide that matches it.
Deleted recently: start by recycling Google Photos' trash
If the app is installed, it's the first place to look. The trash can stores backed-up photos for up to 60 days, and the whole process takes a minute or two.
Go to Library and tap Trash. Press and hold a photo until the selection appears, select the others, and choose Restore.
The recycle bin didn't help: scan the memory
If the deadline has passed or someone emptied the recycle bin, the only option left is to scan the memory. Some applications search the storage for leftover images that haven't yet been overwritten.
The result varies considerably. It depends on the model, the available space, and how much the phone was used after the deletion.
Want to prevent it from happening again? Activate protection
With an extra trash bin, the app intercepts what you delete and saves it for the period you set.
The protection only applies to what is deleted after it is activated. The sooner, the better.
Don't forget the WhatsApp photos
WhatsApp stores received images in a separate folder, outside of the camera app. Deleting from the gallery doesn't always delete them from there.
Open your file manager and take a look at that folder before attempting anything more time-consuming.
HOW TO RECOVER PHOTOS →Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take?
Using the recycle bin takes one or two minutes. Scanning the memory takes anywhere from fifteen minutes to over an hour.
Do I need a computer?
No. You can do everything on your cell phone.
Will the video also return?
It can be reverted. Because it takes up more space, there's a greater chance that part of it has already been overwritten.
Do I have to pay?
The apps mentioned have a free version, which is sufficient to give them a try.
Can I continue using my cell phone?
Ideally, no. Each new file decreases the chance.
Download the apps
Tap the app you want to install. The button opens its official page on Google Play.
