Where Do The Deleted Files Go on Android?

Category: Android Recovery Tips

March 12, 2024 5 mins read

Question

Summary: This brief article covers the answer to where deleted files go on an Android phone, along with the best methods for recovering deleted files from Android devices without a backup.

Accidentally deleted a file on your Android phone? Don't panic! Your precious data might not be lost forever.

Unlike computers, Android phones don't have a Recycle Bin. But don't worry, the deleted files are still hiding somewhere on your phone for a while, waiting to be rescued. In this article, we'll show you where to find deleted files on your Android phone and how to recover them easily. No need to be a tech expert, even a beginner can do it!

So let's get started and bring those lost files back to life!

Unlike computers with a dedicated "Recycle Bin," Android phones don't have a single location where all deleted files go. However, technically speaking, anything you delete on your phone is never really lost. It stays on the phone, hidden deep within the layers of the operating system, until it is overwritten by new files. Depending on the file type and app you used, there might be a chance to recover it from one of these places:

• App-specific Trash: Some apps, like the Gallery app for photos and videos, might have their own built-in trash or "Recently Deleted" folder. Check within the app itself for such features.
• Hidden folder: For certain types of files, Android might mark them as deleted but not completely erase them right away. These files become inaccessible but might still be technically present on your phone's storage. Data recovery software can sometimes access and recover these hidden files.
• Cloud backups: If you have automatic backups enabled for specific apps or your entire device (through services like Google Drive), your deleted files might still be present in the cloud storage associated with the backup.

It's important to understand that the chance of recovering a deleted file depends on various factors, including how long ago it was deleted and whether new data has been written over its storage space. However, by checking the above locations and exploring potential data recovery options, you might be able to get your lost files back!

Absolutely! While the process might differ from retrieving files from a traditional Recycle Bin, there's a good chance you can bring back your lost data.

Here's where iMyFone D-Back Android Data Recovery comes in. It's a powerful tool specifically designed to recover deleted files on Android devices, offering several advantages:

Key Features:

• D-Back boasts an impressive success rate in recovering various file types, including photos, videos, contacts, messages, and more.
• D-Back recovers files from Android internal storage, without needing to root your phone.
• Even if your phone is broken or dead, D-Back can still help retrieve your data.
• It supports over 1000 different Android brands and models, making it widely compatible.
• You can test the software's capabilities and preview recoverable data before committing to a purchase.

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Here's how to use imyfone D-Back to retrieve your precious photos from your Android's internal storage:

Step 1: Download and install imyfone D-Back on your computer. Choose the "Android Data Recovery" option.

Step 2: Connect your Android phone to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 3: Select "Gallery" as the file type you want to recover and click "Next."

Step 4: D-Back will automatically scan your device for deleted photos. Preview and select the photos you want to recover, then click "Recover" to bring them back.

iMyFone D-Back(Android)

iMyFone D-Back(Android) can recover deleted photos, messages, call logs from Android with ease.

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As mentioned earlier, Android does not really have a built-in system-wide recycle bin. However, the operating system works closely with the applications that are installed. Some of the applications that come pre-installed on Android phones, such as email, file manager, and photos, have their own inherent trash bin and recovery options.

The Samsung Galaxy series of smartphones and tablets have a feature that can cater to users' needs.

Samsung Galaxy Devices have a built-in Trash folder. This folder temporarily stores photos, videos, documents, and even contacts that you've deleted. It acts like a safety net, giving you a chance to get them back if you accidentally delete something important.

While the Trash folder itself isn't readily visible, it's easy to access the files it contains through certain apps.

Tips

If you do not see the Samsung Trash folder on your device, it could be because you have not deleted any files recently. The folder is only created when you delete files, and it will automatically delete itself after 30 days if you do not recover any files from it.

If you are wondering where the Samsung Galaxy Recycle Bin is located, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: To start the process, open the "My Files" option.

Step 2: Select the three dots at the top.

Step 3: You will see the option for Recycle Bin. Select it to access it.

1 Does Android have a Recycle Bin?

Unlike computers, Android doesn't have a system-wide Recycle Bin. However, some individual apps, especially gallery apps, might offer a "Recently Deleted" folder where your photos and videos are stored for a set period before permanent deletion.

2 Can I recover deleted files?

Yes, there's a good chance of recovering deleted files, especially if you act quickly! The success depends on how long ago the files were deleted and whether new data has overwritten them.

Here's what you can do:

• Try built-in features: Some apps, like Gallery, might have a "Recently Deleted" folder where you can restore files for a limited time.
• Check the SD card: If your phone doesn't have a Recycle Bin and you previously copied the deleted files to your SD card. Simply connect the SD card to your computer using a card reader and access the files. You can then copy them back to your phone. If you can’t find the deleted files from SD Card, check this article to Recover Deleted Files from SD Card Android Phone. Or click the video below to learn more:

• Use data recovery software: If the built-in features aren't available or helpful, consider using data recovery software. One option to explore is iMyFone D-Back (Android). It is designed to recover missing, lost, or deleted data on your Android phone quickly and easily.

Important: The sooner you try to recover deleted files, the better your chances of success.

3 How can I permanently delete files and free up storage?

If you're sure you don't need the deleted files anymore, emptying the Recycle Bin within specific apps (if available) or using a secure erase function in some storage management apps can permanently remove them and free up storage space.

There's a good chance of recovering deleted files from your Android device, even without a backup. Consider trying iMyFone D-Back (Android) for its ease of use and powerful recovery features. It can also help retrieve data from your Google account and phone numbers from your SIM card.

iMyFone D-Back for Andriod

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Brandon Eldred

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