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How to Retrieve Deleted Files from Android’s Internal Storage

Posted in Technology on February 20, 2025

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I have accidentally deleted important photos and videos from my Android phone. I have tried recovering those files but failed, it seems the files are permanently erased. Is there any Android data recovery method to recover lost files from my Android phones effortlessly?

Nowadays, Android phones come with built-in internal storage of 64, 128, and even 256 GB. However sometimes it happens due to accidental deletion, formatting, or virus attacks, your important files get deleted from your Android’s internal storage. Losing important files from Android can be distressful, but the good news is that there are several methods available online to recover deleted files from Android phones.   

This guide explores various methods to help you retrieve your lost data, as well as tips to prevent such data loss instances in the future. Keep reading this article to know more!

Is it Possible to Recover Files Lost from Android Internal Storage?

Yes, it is possible to recover files lost or deleted from Android phones. It is also crucial to understand how data recovery works on Android devices. Usually, when you delete a file on Android, it is not immediately erased. Instead, the system marks the storage space available for new data. You can easily recover lost files from an Android phone until the space earlier occupied by deleted files is overwritten by new files. 

Before diving into different methods on how to recover deleted files on Android, try to identify the exact cause of your data loss. This may include:

  • User Error: You may have unintentionally deleted files such as photos, videos, documents, or app data while managing other files and folders on your phone.
  • Incomplete Updates: Sometimes, the OS or installed app update process gets interrupted due to improper internet connection or unexpected power outage, which might corrupt or delete stored data.
  • Virus or Malware Attacks: Malicious programs such as viruses or malware can encrypt or delete files stored on your device.  
  • Hardware Issues: Internal storage components can fail due to wear and tear, overheating, or physical damage to the device.

Quick Methods to Retrieve Deleted Files from Android Internal Storage

Now that you are familiar with the causes of data loss on Android phones, it’s time to apply adequate Android data recovery methods to recover lost files. Just go with the below methods one-by-one to get your deleted files back:

Method 01: Recover Deleted Files From Recycle Bin/Trash

Many Android apps, such as Google Photos or File Manager, are provided with built-in Recycle Bin or Trash folder. Every deleted file on your Android device goes to the Recycle Bin or Trash folder and remains for a limited period (e.g., 30 days) after which it gets permanently erased. If your files are deleted within 30 days, follow the below steps to restore them:

  • Firstly, launch the Google Photos or My Files app where the deleted file was earlier stored.
  • Look for the Recycle Bin or Trash folder.
  • Browse through different folders and choose the file you need to restore.
  • Click the Restore button to save selected files back to your Android device.

Method 02: Check Previously Created Backups 

If the deleted files are not in the Recycle Bin or Trash folder, they might have been permanently removed. In such cases, you can use any previously created backup to restore your lost files. If you have synced your Android device with cloud-based services (Google Drive, Google Photos, etc.) and enabled automatic backups, go through the below steps to restore lost files:

  • Launch the cloud backup application that you have used to create a backup or visit its website.
  • Check the Trash folder for deleted files. 
  • If any backup of deleted data is available, restore them on your phone.

Method 03: Use a Professional Android Data Recovery Tool

Recovering deleted files on Android phones using the above steps needs a previous backup of deleted data. However, if you don’t have any backup, try using Android data recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery for Android. The software offers a user-friendly interface allowing recovery of lost files in a few simple steps. 

Key Features of Stellar Data Recovery for Android Software:

  • It supports recovery of files deleted due to accidental deletion, formatting, system error, or any other reason.
  • The software can recover data from your Android devices without rooting.
  • This Android data recovery tool is compatible with all Android phones, including Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, etc.
  • It is 100% safe and secure software; free from viruses and Trojans.
  • It allows you to preview the recoverable files before saving them on your device. 

Here’s how to retrieve deleted files from Android’s internal storage using this Android data recovery tool:

Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Data Recovery for Android tool on your Windows PC or Mac. Also, connect your Android phone where the deleted data was earlier stored to that device.  

Step 2: Launch the software and from the homepage, click on Recover Android Data from the left pane and then select the file type you need to restore. Tap Next to continue. 

Step 3: Now, click the Scan button to initiate the scanning process and wait till it completes. 

Step 4: After the scan is finished, preview the recoverable files and click the Save button to save the recovered data at the desired location. 

Bonus Tip: How to Avoid Data Loss on Android

Though the above recovery methods, including built-in utilities or third-party Android data recovery tools, are quite easy to implement, try avoiding such data loss instances from your end. Here are some additional tips that can help you avoid sudden data loss on Android phones:

  • Enable Regular Backups: Backup your important files using an external hard drive or cloud backup service like Google Drive, One Drive, etc.
  • Avoid Data Overwriting: When you encounter data loss on an Android phone, immediately stop saving new files on it. This not only overwrites the storage space where deleted data was stored but also makes the recovery process complex.
  • Use Reliable Data Recovery Software: Use a reliable Android data recovery tool like Stellar Data Recovery as they offer quick data recovery with 100% safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are deleted files on Android phones recoverable? 

Yes, if your files are not permanently deleted, you can easily recover them using the Recycle Bin or Trash folder. However, in case of permanent deletion, check previous backups or use a third-party Android data recovery tool to perform data recovery.

How long does it take to perform data recovery on Android internal storage?

The success rate depends on several factors, such as how quickly you act, whether the deleted data has been overwritten, and the Android data recovery software you use.

Can I recover files deleted from my Android phone without any backup?

Yes, you can still restore lost files by using recovery tools such as Stellar Data Recovery for Android, EaseUS MobiSaver, Recuva, etc. It is important to check and compare the features of these tools before choosing one.

Conclusion

To sum up, data recovery on Android devices is easily achievable using the aforementioned methods. Start by identifying the exact cause for your data loss, move to recovery workarounds such as checking the Recycle Bin/Trash folder or any previously created backups. However, if you have no backup, use a third-party Android data recovery tool to restore your deleted files. Moreover, consider the mentioned preventive tips such as maintaining regular backups, avoiding data overwrites, etc. to keep the recovery process simple and hassle-free.