How To Recover Deleted Photos And Files On Mobile Easily

Accidentally deleting your favorite photos, videos, or important documents can feel like a disaster. Whether it’s a wrong tap, system crash, or accidental formatting, losing data from your smartphone can happen to anyone. The good news is that you can often recover deleted photos and files — especially if you act quickly and use the right methods.

This guide explains how to recover deleted photos and files on Android and iPhone, using built-in features, cloud backups, and trusted recovery tools.

 1. Check the “Recently Deleted” Folder First

Most modern phones don’t delete files permanently right away. Instead, they move them to a “Recently Deleted” or “Trash” folder, where they stay temporarily before being erased forever.

For Android (Gallery or Google Photos):
Open the Google Photos app.
Tap on Library → Trash.
Select the photos you want to restore.
Tap Restore to move them back to your gallery.
For iPhone (iOS Photos App):
Open the Photos app.
Go to Albums → Recently Deleted.
Select the photos or videos you want to recover.
Tap Recover.
Note: Files stay in the trash for 30–60 days, depending on your device or settings. If you act within this time, recovery is usually guaranteed.

 2. Restore from Cloud Backup (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive)

If you use cloud storage services, your deleted files might already be backed up automatically.

For Android Users:

Google Photos Backup:

Open Google Photos → Account Icon → Photos Settings → Backup.
Check if “Backup is on.” If yes, go to photos.google.com to access and download your pictures.
Google Drive:

Open Google Drive → Trash.
Locate deleted files.
Tap the three dots → Restore.
For iPhone Users:
iCloud Photos:

Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Photos.
If iCloud Photos is enabled, visit iCloud.com → Photos → Recently Deleted → Restore.
iCloud Drive:

Open the Files app → Browse → Recently Deleted.
Select and recover your documents.
Cloud backups are the easiest and safest recovery method, as they don’t require technical tools and often sync data automatically.

 3. Use File Manager or Local Backup Apps

Many Android brands offer built-in file recovery tools or local backup apps that store deleted data.

Examples:

Samsung: Use My Files → Trash or Samsung Cloud Backup.
Xiaomi/Redmi: Open File Manager → Trash or Mi Cloud.
OPPO/Vivo: Check Cloud → Recently Deleted.
If you have enabled phone backups previously, restoring from these apps takes just a few taps.

 4. Recover from SD Card (External Storage)

If your photos or files were stored on an SD card, you can use a data recovery tool on your computer.

Steps:

Remove the SD card from your phone.
Insert it into a laptop or card reader.
Use trusted recovery software like:

Recuva (Windows)
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
DiskDigger (Android app version available)
Scan the SD card and recover the lost files.
This method works best when data has not been overwritten by new files.

5. Use Reliable Data Recovery Apps (Android & iPhone)

If the deleted files are no longer in your trash or backup, you can try mobile data recovery apps.

Popular Recovery Apps for Android:
DiskDigger Photo Recovery
EaseUS MobiSaver
Dr.Fone Data Recovery
Tenorshare UltData for Android
For iPhone Users:
Dr.Fone iOS Recovery
iMobie PhoneRescue
Tenorshare UltData for iOS
How to Use (General Steps):

Install the app and grant storage access.
Run a deep scan to detect deleted files.
Preview results and select files to restore.
Important: Avoid installing recovery apps after deletion if possible. Every new file you add to storage can overwrite the deleted data, making recovery harder.

 6. Use PC-Based Recovery Software for Better Results

Mobile apps can be limited due to security restrictions. For deeper recovery, connect your phone to a computer and use desktop software.

Recommended Tools:
Wondershare Dr.Fone
iMyFone D-Back
PhoneRescue by iMobie
FonePaw Android Data Recovery
Steps to Follow:
Connect your phone via USB.
Enable File Transfer or USB Debugging (Android).
Launch the recovery program and select the type of data to scan (photos, documents, videos).
Preview and recover deleted files.
Desktop software typically recovers more data and supports multiple formats — from images to WhatsApp media.

 7. Recover WhatsApp Media Files

Deleted WhatsApp images and documents can often be restored from local or cloud backups.

Method 1: Google Drive / iCloud Backup
Uninstall WhatsApp.
Reinstall and verify your phone number.
Tap Restore when prompted to recover data from Google Drive or iCloud.
Method 2: Local Backup (Android)
Go to File Manager → WhatsApp → Databases.
Rename the backup file (e.g., msgstore.db.crypt14 to msgstore.db).
Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp → Tap Restore.
 

8. Check Third-Party Cloud Apps

Some gallery or file manager apps automatically sync to cloud services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Amazon Photos.

Open the respective app or website and check their “Deleted” or “Recycle Bin” sections — your lost photos or documents might still be stored there.

 9. Enable Auto Backup to Prevent Future Loss

The best data recovery strategy is prevention. Set up automatic cloud backups to ensure your files are always safe.

For Android:

Open Settings → Google → Backup → Back up now.
Turn on Photos backup in Google Photos.
For iPhone:
Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now.
You can also enable auto-sync for Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.

 10. Important Tips to Maximize Recovery Chances

Act quickly: The sooner you try to recover, the higher your success rate.
Avoid saving new files: It can overwrite deleted data.
Always check all folders: Some photos might move to hidden or cache directories.
Regularly back up your phone: To prevent future data loss.
 

Conclusion

Accidentally deleted photos or files don’t always mean they’re gone forever. With the right methods — from checking the “Recently Deleted” folder to using professional recovery tools — you can restore your lost data safely and effectively.

Start with simple solutions like cloud backup recovery before using advanced tools. And to avoid future loss, enable automatic backups and store important files on multiple platforms.

With a little care and the right steps, your precious memories and important documents can almost always be recovered.