Android: Recover deleted files and pictures

With the right tips and tools, you can recover deleted files on Android. Here you can find out what you should consider when restoring data and how you can protect yourself from accidentally deleted data in the future.

Data recovery from deleted files on Android

There is no guarantee that all data of any kind can be restored.

• There are numerous offers, both on the Internet and in the Google Play Store, for data recovery. However, these only work with a smartphone that has root access.
• After accidentally deleting a file, you should use your smartphone as little as possible and go into flight mode.
• The more write operations are carried out on the storage medium after deletion (e.g. taking photos, changing or copying files), the lower the chances of success when restoring.
• Remember: if the deleted files were stored on an SD card, your chances of recovering them successfully will increase.

Recover deleted files with Android Data Recovery

Use your smartphone as little as possible and follow these six steps:

1. Switch on the USB debugging mode on your mobile phone. You activate this in the "Developer Options" under "Settings". If you cannot find the point mentioned there, you must first release the developer options. Then confirm the superuser request on the smartphone.
2. Activate flight mode and do not open any new programs on your phone.
3. Install the free trial version of Android Data Recovery on your laptop.
4. Now connect your mobile phone to the computer using a USB cable and open the program. The application then recognizes your smartphone.
5. Click the "Start" button so that the program starts searching for the deleted files. A list of all deleted files that can be restored appears.
6. Select the files you want to restore by ticking them and go to the "Next" button. For a complete recovery, you have to buy a paid version from the program.

How to protect yourself from data loss

Make a backup of your mobile phone at regular intervals so that you can restore old files at any time.

• Create a recycle bin on your Android phone like with Windows, Apple or Linux.
• To do this, download the Dumpster - Recycle Bin app.
• Now you can find deleted files in the app and restore them.

Tip: Top smartphones with and without a contract at a good price

Around every year, Google updates its Android system and adds numerous improvements and new functions. However, only a few smartphone owners benefit from the latest Android generations. Because usually only the latest flagships from Samsung and Co. get an update.

• You can get these top smartphones from Amazon - for example the Galaxy S10 - at a good price.
• If you still want to look around for different cell phone models, take a look at our cell phone leaderboard. There you will find the latest flagships that support the latest Android 8 Oreo operating system.