How to Recover Deleted Photos on Android

Delete your favourite photos by mistake? Losing photos can be heart-wrenching, whether it's a wedding moment, a holiday snap, or just a favourite selfie. Don't worry; recovering deleted photos on Android and other devices is possible with simple methods.

In this step-by-step tutorial, we'll guide you through recovering deleted photos from the cloud, SD cards, and internal storage using trustworthy tools and apps.

Common Reasons for Photo Deletion

Before we get to recovery methods, the following are some of the most frequent reasons for deleted photos:

• Accidental deletion
• SD card formatting
• Corrupted storage
• Factory reset
• App glitch

Luckily, with the correct method, you can recover your deleted photos.

Method 1: Recover Deleted Photos from Cloud Services

Most Android users have cloud backups enabled by default, so recovery is easy.

Google Photos

If you had backed up your photos, deleted them, and it's been fewer than 60 days since deletion, do as following to retrieve them:

• Open the Google Photos app.
• Tap Menu (☰) > Trash.
• Long-press on the photo(s) you want to restore.
• Tap Restore to move them back to your gallery.

Photos permanently deleted from the Trash cannot be retrieved this way.

Microsoft OneDrive

Photos synced with OneDrive can be retrieved from the Recycle Bin:

• Open the OneDrive app.
• Tap Me on the bottom navigation.
• Tap Recycle Bin.
• Select the deleted photos you want to restore and tap Restore.

Dropbox

If your photos were synced with Dropbox, follow these steps:

• Open Chrome and go to dropbox.com.
• Enable Desktop Site mode.
• Log in and proceed to Deleted Files.
• Tap the files you wish to restore, then tap Restore.

Method 2: Recover Photos from SD Card (Removable Storage)

You can use data recovery software if your photos were stored on an SD card and later deleted.

Note: This can be done only if your SD card is set up as removable storage. The data is encrypted and can't be recovered if it's stored in the cloud.

Using Disk Drill (Windows/Mac)

• Download & install Disk Drill on your computer or Mac.
• Remove your SD card and insert it into your computer using a card reader.
• Open Disk Drill and select the SD card from the list.
• Click Search for Lost Data.
• Preview & select the deleted photos.
• Click "Recover" to restore them to your system.

Method 3: Recover Deleted Photos from Android Internal Storage

If your photos were in internal memory and not backed up, they can still be recovered.

Root Access Required

Most tools need your phone to be rooted for internal recovery.

Steps with Disk Drill:

• Connect your rooted Android phone to your computer.
• Open Disk Drill and select your phone's internal storage.
• Click Search for Lost Data.
• Preview the photos and select the ones you want to recover.
• Click Recover to restore your files.

Alternative Tool: FoneDog (Windows)

Another popular solution is FoneDog Android Data Recovery. Here's how to use it:

• Download and install FoneDog on your Windows PC.
• Connect your Android device via USB.
• Enable USB debugging when prompted.
• Select Gallery or Photo Library for scanning.
• Click Next to begin the scan.
• Preview and select photos > click Recover.

Pro Tips to Prevent Future Photo Loss

• Enable auto-backup on Google Photos or OneDrive.
• Transfer photos to your PC or an external drive periodically.
• Avoid installing doubtful cleaning apps.
• Please don't use the phone after deletion, it may overwrite deleted data.
• Use a reliable recovery tool developed by reputable companies only.

Conclusion

Losing photos doesn't always mean goodbye. With the proper tools and methods, retrieving deleted photos on Android, SD cards, and cloud storage is quick and simple. Whether you use Google Photos, Disk Drill, or FoneDog, the steps above will lead you to a successful recovery.

FAQs

1. Can I recover permanently deleted photos from Google Photos?

Only if they were deleted within the last 60 days and not cleared from the Trash.

2. Is it possible to recover photos without a root?

Yes, if they were backed up to the cloud or stored on a removable SD card.

3. Can I recover deleted images after formatting the SD card?

If the card wasn't overwritten, use Disk Drill or another recovery tool.

4. Are free recovery apps from the Play Store safe to use?

Mostly, but always check reviews and permissions before downloading.

5. How do I avoid overwriting deleted photos?

Please stop using the device immediately after you delete it and attempt recovery as soon as possible.