How to recover deleted downloads on your phone. Step-by-step guide to recover deleted files on Android

Sometimes programs on Android are deleted accidentally or due to a deliberate action. However, it can be installed again. How to recover a deleted application on Android is described in this article.

Reasons for deletion

Programs may be deleted for various reasons. Here are some of them:

  • random action;
  • special removal;
  • reset the device to factory settings;
  • exposure to malware;
  • uninstallation by antivirus.

Restoring the application

To restore a deleted program, you can use the Play Market (if you have a Google account) or a previously created backup copy of the data.

Google Play Market

This is an easy way to install remote software when you have an active Internet connection.

If the required application is not in the list, it means that you are using a different Google account in the Play Market or it was installed manually using an apk file.

Third party programs

There are programs that make backup copies of deleted information (photos, music, etc.). The Dumpster program will be considered as an example.

After this, the object will be restored and available for use.

conclusions

There are several answers to the question “how to recover a deleted application on Android,” including: installation via the Play Market using the required Google account or restoring the program from a backup made manually or using third-party software.

Restoring an erroneously deleted photo is a fairly common problem faced by users of Android phones and tablets. By default, this operating system does not have the Recycle Bin, which is familiar to us on personal computers and laptops running Windows. However, it is possible to recover deleted photos on Samsung phones, and it is not difficult to do.

Recovering deleted photos using standard Samsung Galaxy tools

By default, synchronization with cloud storage is enabled on Samsung phones and tablets. This is a proprietary Samsung Cloud service, where a new user is allocated at least 15 GB of space.

Check your internet connection

To restore a file using the Samsung Cloud Recycle Bin. It is better to use free or home Wi-Fi. P

Check if the Gallery sync option is enabled

Photos on Samsung Galaxy phones are initially sent to the Gallery. If the synchronization option with a proprietary cloud is enabled, a copy is sent to Samsung Cloud. If the user or some program deletes a photo, it disappears from the gadget’s local memory, but a copy remains in the cloud.

Finding a deleted picture in Samsung Cloud

In Settings, return to the Samsung Cloud section and select the Restore option. It takes some time to search for recently made copies in the cloud, after which the system offers to choose what can be returned to the device’s memory from the cloud storage. If there is a Photos item, then click on it to restore the pictures.

Recovering deleted photos on new Samsung phone models

The latest models of Samsung Galaxy phones implement work with the Cloud Storage Recycle Bin, and the Recover mode here is intended exclusively for documents, SMS messages, phone call logs, and other things. With pictures the situation is much simpler.


How to recover deleted files on Android using special programs

A number of special programs will help you quickly carry out an operation to return a lost picture or other file. You can download and install them in the Google Market. Here are the most popular apps that are highly rated by users and have a high number of downloads and installations.

DiskDigger app

The easy-to-learn DiskDigger program has a free version, the functionality of which is sufficient to search and restore old photos and videos on your phone.

The advantage of the DiskDigger program is the ability to return deleted image files without rooting the gadget. To start the search, click on the big button and wait for the scan results.

Deleted files and images from the application cache are scanned. This significantly increases your chance of finding the photo you need if it was opened in a graphics editor or other application before being deleted from the drive. To narrow down your search, use the filter hidden under the gear icon in the upper right corner.

You can specify a minimum image size to cut out small thumbnails from game cache folders from scanning. A useful option is to select file date boundaries. If the user knows when the lost photo was taken, then the date can be specified to the nearest day or week. The number of options will be reduced to several dozen. Files can be restored to the gadget’s local disk or sent to cloud storage. The action is selected in the context menu, which opens using the button with three dots.

The user can select several restored images at once to perform an action on a group of images.

The professional version of DiskDigger has advanced features. There will be even more recovery options after Rooting the gadget, but this mode is recommended for use only by experienced users.

Digdeep program

The application is downloaded and installed from the Google Market.

The advantages include the following points:

  • Work without rooting the gadget. No changes are made to the gadget's software; only media accessible to the application is scanned.
  • A convenient form for selecting restored pictures with large thumbnails and grouping.
  • Restore with one Restore button. Even an untrained user can handle it.

How to prevent losing pictures in the future

There are three fundamentally different ways to restore photos on Android after deletion:

  • From a copy in cloud storage. The operation is performed without loss of image quality, but Internet access is required.
  • From the cart. Since this mode is not provided for Android out of the box, you will have to install a special program.
  • From a file saved on disk. The chance that everything will be restored to its previous quality is the lowest of all methods. The file may be overwritten by another application, and the program that deleted it cannot be identified.

The only way to be sure not to lose photos is to enable or create a Recycle Bin on your gadget.

To prevent problems with photos and not have to worry about how to recover deleted photos from your phone, install Dumpster, an application that creates a trash can on your phone.

Dumpster advantages:

  • Works independently, without user intervention. When you delete a picture from the Gallery, Dumpster intercepts the event and sends it to its storage.
  • Easy restoration without loss of quality. The user is guaranteed to be able to return his photo from the Trash. The image quality is not reduced.
  • In Android 7 and higher, the Trash icon is built into the standard notification window as a separate icon, which is convenient. You can turn off Dumpster to reduce your smartphone's battery consumption or delete a file without the Recycle Bin.
  • For free. The application shows advertisements. To disable it and get the cloud backup feature, you will have to purchase a paid version.

Yandex Disk

Another guaranteed solution is to install the Yandex disk application and enable auto-upload of photos. There is also a Cart out of the box here.

How to recover deleted files on Android if you don’t have a computer at hand - every user asks the search engine or when faced with accidentally erased data.

If files are lost on a PC, information can be recovered quite easily using programs that scan a hard drive or flash drive.

Usually at least part of the information is restored in this way.

We have already written, .

If the computer is inaccessible for some reason, many consider Android data to be lost forever.

This is not true - accidentally deleted files can be saved from a mobile device.

Recovery using a computer

Let us remind you that the easiest way to recover information is using a computer and scanning the system.

You can learn how to make the connection from our material

.

In case of data loss from internal non-removable memory, you should:

  • Using a special cable, which usually comes with the gadget, connect to the PC;
  • Wait until the system automatically installs the necessary drivers (if this did not happen earlier during previous connections to the computer);
  • Select “Connect to USB storage” on your smartphone (tablet):
  • Download, install and run the appropriate file recovery program.

Recuva program

One of the best options for system recovery on a PC is Recuva, a free program that works when you connect your smartphone to your computer.

It works as follows:

  1. After launch, a window opens with the types of files that require recovery;
  2. By selecting the data that the program will look for during scanning, you can enable additional in-depth analysis. In this case, Recuva will recover more information, although it will require several hours of searching;
  3. After the scan is completed, a list of files that can be recovered appears on the PC screen. After making sure that the information you need can be returned (it will be marked in green), mark it and continue the program;
  4. Transfer the recovered files back to your mobile device.

7-Data Android Recovery Program

A popular application that recovers lost and deleted files from smartphones and tablets is 7-Data Android Recovery.

The purpose of the program is to work specifically with .

In its functionality it resembles Recuva, but is capable of working with any type of internal memory.

This means that you can recover information not only from an external or internal storage device, but even from the device’s RAM.

Recovering deleted information using 7-Data Android Recovery

After installing the program, a scan of the gadget starts, after which you will see the same list of recoverable files.

At the same time, you can even see deleted photos in “preview” mode, returning only those that you really need.

After the program finishes, the data is returned to the device.

Recovering files from a mobile device

Sometimes there is no way to connect a gadget, and the files need to be restored, or at least an attempt to do so very urgently.

In this case, it is worth downloading special applications that work from your phone.

True, some of them will require “superuser rights” or root access to start and restore - however, it is worth knowing that this automatically removes the factory warranty from your smartphone or tablet.

Basket

A simple way to get back deleted information on a smartphone is to use the “recycle bin”. Its operating principle is similar to a similar program for PC:

  • The deleted data is placed in storage;
  • If recovery is necessary, files can be returned to the same location;
  • After some time (specified by the user), the information is deleted.

The program works without root and quite simply returns the files to their place. It is convenient to use, however, if the data has already disappeared, installing the “Recycle Bin” will not return it.

To prevent information loss, you should download the Dumpster – Recycle Bin application in advance and run it on your smartphone (tablet).

Recycle Bin Program

After installing the program, any file that is in the “recycle bin”, but has not yet been deleted from it, can be restored by simply going into the application and selecting the necessary data.

But after deletion, you will have to restore it using other methods.

GT Recovery

Another program that works on gadgets of any brands that install Android on their products (that is, on almost any smartphone except Apple and Nokia) is GT Recovery.

It is provided free of charge by the manufacturer, and you can find the application in the store.

Using the program, files of any type are recovered - photos, videos or texts.

Reviews about it indicate a high recovery rate, especially if little time has passed since removal or loss.

Some disadvantages include the need for root access, however:

  • If you have instructions for your gadget or a small free program, it is quite possible to obtain superuser rights (for example, for Samsung you should use the Odin application);
  • There are versions for which root is not required (GT Recovery no Root)

GT Recovery no Root program interface

Undeleter

Another reliable option for recovering files directly from your phone or tablet is the Undeleter application.

It is downloaded from Google Play and exists in 2 versions: paid and free.

The free version allows you to recover deleted images, the paid version allows you to recover any data from both a flash card and internal memory.

Managing recovery is quite simple:

  • After selecting the desired folder, a scan is carried out and a list of files to be recovered is displayed;
  • Having selected the necessary data, it is restored to the same place where it was before deletion.

Working with Undeleter on Android

The disadvantage of the program is that it requires root access to operate Undeleter.

But you can install it, like the previous application, after the files have been deleted.

Titanium Backup

There is another way to solve the situation if the user has lost data and even deleted system files.

To do this, download the free Titanium backup application.

It works in almost the same mode as the Recycle Bin, but has greater functionality, restoring:

  • Photo and video;
  • Programs (in 2 modes: only the files themselves, or a full return of all settings, including game saves);
  • Contacts and SMS messages. However, to return phone numbers to your smartphone, you will have to write them down to the memory card in advance.

List of applications on Android in the Titanium Backup program

The recovery information is saved on the memory card in the TitaniumBackup folder.

Some of these “backups” can even be returned to a new phone - except for the operating system settings, as this can lead to software failures.

When viewing the list of applications and files, it will be indicated whether it is backed up or not.

Despite all the advantages of the program over the Recycle Bin, it, like most other data recovery applications, requires “superuser” rights.

And when compared with programs like GT Recovery and even with returning information from a computer, it is worth noting that it is impossible to get your files back if Titanium backup is not installed on the device in advance.

In addition, system recovery files take up a lot of memory space.

When working with files on your phone, you often have to delete them, but the standard procedure does not guarantee the complete disappearance of the item. To eliminate the possibility of its recovery, you should consider ways to destroy already deleted files.

For mobile devices, there are several ways to get rid of the above elements, but in all cases you will have to resort to the help of third-party programs. However, the action itself is irreversible, and if important materials were previously deleted, you should consider methods for restoring them, described in the following article:

Method 1: Smartphone Apps

There are not many effective options for getting rid of already erased files on mobile devices. Examples of several of them are presented below.

Andro Shredder

Quite a simple program for working with files. The interface is easy to use and does not require special knowledge to perform the necessary operations. To get rid of deleted files, you need the following:

iShredder

Perhaps one of the most effective programs for getting rid of already deleted files. It works like this:

Method 2: PC programs

These tools are primarily designed to clear memory on a computer, but some of them can also be effective for mobile devices. A detailed description is given in a separate article:

Should be considered separately. This program is widely known to all users and has a version for mobile devices. However, in the latter case, there is no way to clear space from already deleted files, so you will have to turn to the PC version. Performing the required cleaning is similar to the description in the previous methods and is described in detail in the instructions above. But the program will be effective for a mobile device only when working with removable media, for example, an SD card, which can be removed and connected to the computer via an adapter.

The methods discussed in the article will help you get rid of all previously deleted materials. At the same time, you should remember that the procedure is irreversible and make sure that there are no important materials among those removed.

There can be many reasons for losing files from your phone memory or microSD card. Almost any person who has lost valuable electronic information has wondered how to recover deleted files. Regardless of the reason for deleting files, be it a forced system update, a system failure, or simple carelessness, lost data can be returned, and in more than one way.

Recovering files from SD card

SD is a removable storage device that can be removed from your smartphone at any time. If files that were stored on the memory card are lost, you can restore them in several ways:

  1. Using the CardRecovery utility.

This is the most convenient program that, in addition to regenerating files from a microSD card, will also recover data from a USB drive or SD card. The program only works with the following file types:

  • images (JPG and RAW formats);
  • audio and video files (MPG, MP3, WAV, AVI, MOV formats).

When scanning a memory card, the program does not affect other documents, some types of images, for example, PNG, archives and other common formats. The program is available online for download, although its free version is designed to work only with images. For the full version, the user will have to pay about $30.

After downloading to your PC, the program must be installed and launched. Use the adapter to insert the microSD card into the appropriate slot on the computer.

At the initial stage, when starting the program, select the removable disk connected to the PC. Then designate a directory on your computer where the recovered information will subsequently be saved.

After this, enter the total volume of the card being restored in the program. The program will then start the scanning process. After the search is completed, the program will notify you of its completion and display a total with the number of files found.

As a result of all operations, the user will be able to view and sort the found files. After pressing the “Preview” key, you can start previewing. After that, check the boxes for the required photos and click “Next”. You can terminate the program with the “Finish” button. The recovered files will be saved in the previously selected directory.

  1. Using the R Saver utility.

The utility is considered one of the best for recovering lost data. The program interface is simplified as much as possible specifically for the convenience of users. Similarly, as in the case of the previous program, you need to connect an adapter with a memory card to the PC, and then click on “Update”. Among all the disks found and displayed on the screen, you need to find yours and click on “Scan”.

The length of scanning time depends on the amount of information on the card. After this operation, the program will list what it was able to find, and the user will only have to select the required file, select it and click on “Save Selected”. Having selected a folder to save on your PC, click on “Save”.

These are the 2 most common ways in which you can recover at least some of the data lost from a microSD card. However, even these methods cannot provide a 100% guarantee of a complete result.

Recovering files from the internal memory of a smartphone

If the deleted file was not stored on the microSD card, but in the internal memory of the smartphone, you can also restore it:

  1. Using the 7-Data Android utility.

This method also involves using a PC. You can install the program from the official developer resource. After installing the program on your computer, connect your smartphone to it. Select it from the list of connected devices.

This program also allows you to work with deleted data on a memory card. After scanning the device, a list with the data that was found will be displayed on the screen.

By clicking on “Save”, select a folder on your computer where the files will be saved.

  1. After finishing the program, you can transfer the files via USB cable back to your phone or leave them stored on your PC.

Using Wondershare Dr. Fone for Android.

The program is installed on the PC. Unfortunately, it is paid. A free version is also available, however, with it you can only view the files available for recovery.

  1. The mechanism of the program is similar to those already described. You need to install it on your PC and connect your phone via USB. Afterwards, the program will try to detect your device and install root access on it. If this operation is successful, file recovery is possible. But for some devices this fails.

The application only works for users with root rights. Working with it is quite simple: you need to download it to your Android device, launch and activate the program. After scanning, a list of deleted programs will be displayed. After clicking on the “Restore” button, the files will be restored and saved on the device.

  1. Using the GT Recovery for Android application.

The application is free and effective, however, it also requires root rights on the device to work. Reviews left by users on the Play Market indicate the effectiveness of this application in terms of working with the recovery of deleted video files, photos and other data. According to reviews from people who have already used the application, it allows you to return at least some of the lost information.

  1. Using the Recuva program.

The program does not require root rights, unlike the 2 previous applications. It is advisable to download the Russian version of the program. You can install its free version.

When you start the program, you need to select the type of files you want to recover - videos, pictures, music, documents, and more. It is possible to restore files from a specified location, so if you do not know what exactly you would like to restore, but remember the folder where the files were stored, then you need to specify it. Follow the program prompts. It will indicate the places where it is possible to recover data and begin the recovery.

The probability of success in recovering files from the internal memory of a smartphone is lower than from a memory card. After recovering deleted files, it is better to first save them on a different device than the one where they were previously located. You can save the recovered data to the original folders, however, this may lead to a conflict.

It’s best if you have recovered lost files from a smartphone, rewrite them on your PC, and only then transfer them again to the gadget.

Root rights

The Undelete for Root Users and GT Recovery for Android applications require root rights. What it is? Translated into Russian, this means “superuser rights”. In other words, these rights give the user complete control of the system, which allows them to change and edit all system folders and files and install applications that require these rights.

There are several possible ways to obtain them. Let's look at the simplest one, which will help you get rights in “1 click”. The program is called Kingo Android Root, it is suitable even for beginners.

Important! Using the program may result in the device being inoperable and making it impossible to turn it on. So you must use it at your own responsibility.

You can download the program from the manufacturer's official website. You need to install it on your PC and connect your phone to it via USB by clicking “USB debugging” on your device. After starting the program, driver installation will begin. The process may take some time. After installation, you will be prompted to obtain root rights on the device. After you click the consent button, a warning about a possible error will appear. If this happens, your phone may have trouble booting. If you are convinced that the operation is necessary, click “OK”.

After this, the device will begin to reboot and install root rights. During this you need to do:

  • after the message “Unlock Bootloader” appears, use the volume keys to go to “Yes” and confirm the selection by pressing the power button;
  • You may have to restart the device yourself: this can also be done by selecting the appropriate item in the menu that opens while using the volume keys.

After completing the work, a message indicating that root rights have been successfully obtained will appear in the program window.

If data recovery fails

It is quite possible that none of the proposed recovery methods have coped with their task. In this case, the following is possible:

  1. If photos have been deleted.

If your smartphone is on Android OS, then you should go to photos.google.com using your own account on the device to log in. It may well turn out that the photos that need to be restored were previously synchronized with the account. If so, they will be found safe on this site.

  1. When deleting contacts.

If you lose contacts, you should go to contacts.google.com in the same way. There is a possibility that lost contacts will be found there mixed with the e-mail addresses you used.

Conclusion

If none of the proposed methods was able to recover lost files, and they contained information important to you, then you can try contacting a specialized service that provides phone repair services. Naturally, the price of this operation may not be small, and no one can give a 100% guarantee of data recovery.

Is it possible to recover data without resorting to third-party programs and applications? With the exception of the described recovery methods without programs, such methods, unfortunately, practically do not exist.

No one is immune from data loss, and in order not to be upset in the future by the loss of important information, you should use Google storage or other cloud storage, for example, One Drive.