Recover Files on Android Easy Data Recovery Guide

Nextwave Now August 29, 2025

Retrieve Lost Files on Android: Your Guide to Android Data Recovery

Everyone knows the pain of accidentally deleting a file that they did not mean to. It's a heart-sinking moment when you realize what you've done. Losing files is bad, but it's a part of life in the digital age. All is not lost, though, as there may be a way to retrieve your lost files. That's where Android data recovery comes in. Depending on the nature of the file, how thoroughly you deleted it, and how lucky you are, a few recovery methods may work. Here are some of the best techniques for retrieving lost files on Android. See also: How to back up your Android phone.

This guide walks you through Android data recovery methods step by step, so you know exactly what to do when disaster strikes.

Recover Files on Android: Easy Data Recovery Guide

Quick Answer

To recover lost files on Android, first stop using your phone immediately to prevent overwriting data. You can use methods to recover your lost files, from simply checking the recycle bin, checking your cloud backups, using recovery apps for PC or Android, and even contacting the developer. However, it's important to remember that there is no guarantee of retrieving lost Android files.

Stop Using Your Phone (Enable Airplane Mode)

Before you do anything else, the most important thing to know about Android data recovery is that you should stop using your phone as soon as possible. This will give you the best chance of getting your file back if it is lost. When you delete a file, the data isn't gone at all. Android just marks the space where the information is stored as “empty.” That means you won't find the file, and Android will treat it as missing. It also means the slots that once contained that data are marked as ready to write over, should new files need space.

Only when this happens does the data really become lost, and you can't get it back. This is why it is so important that you stop using your phone and stop taking new photos or installing new apps. We would highly recommend that you put your phone in airplane mode. This way, you will prevent it from downloading emails, photos, and updates.

The first and most important rule of Android recovery: stop using your phone immediately.

Here’s why:

When you delete a file, Android only marks the storage space as “empty.”

That data is still there, but can be overwritten by new apps, photos, or updates.

If overwritten, the file is gone permanently.

To maximize recovery chances, switch your phone to Airplane Mode. This prevents background downloads and updates that might overwrite your lost data.

Check the Recycle Bin

If you are lucky, you won’t have deleted your files at all. Just like a PC, many Android apps have a recycle bin, meaning that files are not completely removed right away. For example, the Gallery app that ships with Samsung phones has such a safety net. (This can also explain why deleting photos does not free up any space on your device.) To check the recycle bin, you need to return to the top level on the Pictures or Albums tab and tap the menu in the top right. This will open up a menu that includes a Recycle Bin option. Select it and you'll be taken to a folder with all of your deleted photos. Other apps also have this option, Such as the popular file manager Astor File Manager.

Many Android apps now include a recycle bin, similar to a PC. For example:

Samsung Gallery App → Menu > Recycle Bin

Google Photos → Stores deleted photos for 60 days

File managers like Astro File Manager also have a trash folder

If you’re lucky, your deleted photo, video, or document may still be sitting there waiting to be restored.

Check Cloud Backups

Google Photos also has a bin that stores photos for 60 days, but it works a little bit differently by backing up your photos to Google Drive. This means even if you completely deleted a photo via another app, it may still be salvageable via Google Photos. If you don't see your photo or video here, check the bin from the hamburger menu in the top left. If you still don't have any luck, then try visiting photos.google.com. Check the Trash folder from the hamburger menu too.

Even if you remove your photos from the bin in Google Photos, there is still a chance these changes haven't yet been reflected in Google Drive. So check quickly here, too. Something you may not know about Google Drive is that you can ask it to back up any folder on your device. Just open Photos -> Settings -> Back up and Sync -> Back up device folders. Of course, many other apps, Such as Gmail, will also store your files on the cloud by default.

Cloud backups are your next best friend. Some places to check:

Google Photos Trash → photos.google.com > Menu > Trash

Google Drive → May have synced your deleted files

Gmail Attachments → Often stores photos or files you’ve shared

Device folder backups → Photos > Settings > Backup & Sync > Back up device folders

Since cloud services sync automatically, there’s a good chance your file is safe online even if deleted locally.

Recover Deleted WhatsApp Photos

You accidentally deleted; there are several options to try and get those photos back. First, check the backup built into WhatsApp itself. Head to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. You should see some information telling you when the last backup was carried out. If it was recent, uninstall the app and reinstall it from the Play Store.

This will then give you the option to restore your old chats and media. You'll also see the option to back up photos to Google Drive, so try looking here, too, if that option is enabled. But what if you accidentally wrote over your last backup? Even then, there is still hope. That's because WhatsApp will keep several backup files on your device, telling it which photos to retrieve from the servers.

Use the file browser of your choice and head to WhatsApp -> Databases. Here, you will see several files with names like store-2022-01-05.crypt12. Find the most recent one and rename it to store-1997.crypt12 (or whatever you like). Now, WhatsApp will defer to the second most recent backup file when retrieving your photos. You can also look in the WhatsApp media folder in your Google Photos library to see if your photos are there.

WhatsApp stores copies of the photos you send, as well as the ones you receive. So if you sent someone a photo but then deleted it from your phone's camera folder, there may still be a copy in the WhatsApp Media folder.

If your missing files are from WhatsApp, here’s what to try:

1. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and check the last backup date.

2. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp. Restore from the latest backup.

3. Check Google Drive WhatsApp backups.

4. Look inside WhatsApp > Databases folder for older backup files.

5. Explore your WhatsApp Media folder in Google Photos sometimes duplicates remain.

Try Android Data Recovery Apps

Depending on how desperate and wealthy you are, another option may be to use a data recovery service. These services offer to recover data from any device using various methods. For example, one company called On Track promises “if data can be stored on it, we can recover it " and boasts a 90 % Success rate.

These companies need to collect your device in person and will likely use a combination of the strategies listed here, along with the afferent Ironed file restoration processes. The good news is you will only be charged if they assess that the file is recoverable. The only issue is that they are a lot more expensive than other options on this list, so you need to think long and hard about whether you need those files.

If recycle bins and backups don’t help, recovery apps may. Options include:

DiskDigger Photo Recovery (Android app)

Dr.Fone Data Recovery (desktop tool)

Recuva (PC-based recovery for SD cards)

⚠️ Caution: Installing apps directly on your phone might overwrite files. For best results, use desktop recovery tools first.

Use Professional Recovery Services

If the file is mission-critical, you can turn to data recovery specialists. Companies like Ontrack Data Recovery claim up to 90% success rates.

However, these services are expensive, so consider carefully whether the lost file is worth the cost.

Contact the App Developer

As a last resort, reach out to the app developer. Many apps store data on their own servers. Developers may help restore lost in-app files or provide recovery instructions.

A Final Word on Android File Recovery

While Android data recovery can work, it’s not guaranteed. If your file isn’t recoverable, don’t beat yourself up. Consider it a reminder to start backing up regularly.

See also:

Mobile Tips Unlock Hidden Features

Android Tricks: Recover Files, Improve Battery & Wi-Fi Hotspot

Remember, sometimes it’s quicker (and less stressful) to recreate a lost file than to spend days chasing recovery.

Secret Code HUB:

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