Accidentally deleting important photos or files is one of the most frustrating moments for any smartphone user. Whether it’s a memory, a document, or an essential work file, losing data can feel permanent. The good news is that most deleted items can be recovered if you act quickly and follow the right steps. Modern smartphones come with built-in recovery options, cloud backups, and third-party tools that can restore deleted content with a high success rate.

This guide explains how to recover deleted photos and files on Android and iPhone using various methods. It also covers what works, what does not, and how to avoid data loss in the future.

Why Deleted Files Can Often Be Recovered

When you delete a photo or file on your phone, it is usually not erased permanently. Instead, the system simply marks the storage space as available for reuse. Until new data overwrites that space, your deleted files remain recoverable. That is why quick action increases your chances of success.

Both Android and iOS provide temporary recycle folders, cloud backups, and local storage options that help in data recovery.

Recover Deleted Photos and Files on Android

1. Use the Trash (Recycle Bin) in Gallery Apps

Most Android phones keep deleted photos in a dedicated Trash or Recently Deleted folder for 30 days.

Steps:

Open your Gallery or Photos app.

Find the Trash or Recently Deleted option.

Select the photos or videos you want to restore.

Tap Restore.

This is the simplest and most reliable method, as files never leave your device during this period.

2. Check Google Photos Backup

Google Photos automatically backs up pictures and videos if sync is enabled.

Steps:

Open Google Photos.

Go to Library → Bin.

Select the photos you want to recover.

Restore them to your main gallery.

If the photos are not in the bin, search using keywords or check your Google account backups.

3. Recover Files Using Google Drive

For documents and other files, Google Drive automatically stores uploaded or synced data.

Steps:

Open Google Drive.

Go to the Trash folder.

Restore any file you find there.

Trash files in Google Drive remain recoverable for up to 30 days.

4. Use the File Manager Trash

Some Android file managers, such as Samsung My Files, Realme File Manager, and Xiaomi File Manager, include a Trash option for deleted files.

Steps:

Open your File Manager.

Look for Trash or Recently Deleted.

Restore your files.

This works for documents, audio files, app data, and more.

5. Use a Professional Data Recovery App

If the files are not in your gallery or cloud backups, you can try recovery apps such as:

DiskDigger Photo Recovery

Dr.Fone Data Recovery

EaseUS MobiSaver

These apps scan your internal storage for traces of deleted files. Success varies depending on your phone model and whether the deleted data has been overwritten.

Note: For deep recovery, some tools may require a PC connection.

Recover Deleted Photos and Files on iPhone

1. Use the Recently Deleted Folder

iPhones automatically store deleted photos for 30 days.

Steps:

Open the Photos app.

Scroll to Recently Deleted.

Select the photos or videos.

Tap Recover.

This method works almost every time if the deleted file is less than 30 days old.

2. Recover from iCloud Photos

If you use iCloud Photos, your deleted images remain in the iCloud Recently Deleted folder as well.

Steps:

Go to icloud.com on a browser.

Open Photos → Recently Deleted.

Restore the files.

This works even if the files are not available on the device.

3. Restore from iCloud Backup

This recovers everything backed up before the deletion.

Steps:

Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Erase All Content and Settings.

Restore from iCloud Backup during setup.

Note: This will overwrite current data with the backup version.

4. Recover Through iTunes or Finder Backup

If you regularly back up your iPhone to a PC or Mac, this method works well.

Steps:

Connect iPhone to your computer.

Open iTunes or Finder.

Choose Restore Backup.

Select a backup dated before the deletion.

5. Use Professional iPhone Recovery Tools

Apps like the following can scan and recover deleted files:

Dr.Fone iOS Recovery

iMobie PhoneRescue

Tenorshare UltData

These can retrieve photos, messages, WhatsApp data, contacts, and more.

What Not to Do After Accidental Deletion

To increase your chances of recovery, avoid:

Installing new apps immediately

Recording new videos or downloading large files

Clearing cache or cleaning storage

Resetting the phone without checking backups

New data could overwrite your deleted files, making them unrecoverable.

Tips to Prevent Data Loss in the Future

1. Turn On Automatic Cloud Backup

Enable Google Photos, iCloud Photos, Google Drive, or OneDrive to auto-sync your data.

2. Create Regular Local Backups

Use a PC or external drive to manually back up your device every few weeks.

3. Use File Manager Apps with Trash Support

This gives you extra protection by keeping deleted files for a limited time.

4. Keep Storage Clean to Avoid System Errors

Low storage can cause corrupted files. Clean unused apps and data regularly.

5. Avoid Unsafe Third-Party Apps

Malicious apps may delete or corrupt your files unexpectedly.

Final Thoughts

Recovering deleted photos and files on a mobile device is possible if you act quickly and use the right method. Most users can restore data instantly using built-in Trash folders or cloud backups like Google Photos, iCloud, or Google Drive. For more complex situations, professional recovery tools can help retrieve deeper deleted files. To avoid future loss, always keep cloud backups enabled and regularly store your important data on a secondary device.

Repur Tech

How to Recover Deleted Photos and Files on Mobile

Why Deleted Files Can Often Be Recovered

Recover Deleted Photos and Files on Android