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Losing important photos on your Android can be frustrating, but all is not lost. In many cases, those images are still there, waiting to be recovered.
In this guide, you'll discover the most effective methods for recovering deleted photos on Android easily and safely.
Why are photos deleted on Android?
Photos can disappear for various reasons:
- Accidental deletion.
- System update failures.
- SD card errors.
- Factory reset without backup.
Fortunately, in many cases, photos aren't completely deleted; they're simply marked as "free space" and remain hidden until they're overwritten.
1. Check the Gallery recycle bin
Most Gallery apps on Android have a recycle bin where deleted files are stored for 30 days before being permanently deleted. To access it:
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- Open the app Gallery.
- Go to Albums and look for the option of Bin either Recently Deleted.
- Select the photos you want to restore and press Recover.
2. Google Photos: your ally in the cloud
If you had Google Photos sync enabled, your images may be safe:
- Open the app Google Photos.
- Go to Library → Bin.
- Select the deleted photos and tap on Restore.
🔄 Advice: Google Photos keeps deleted images for 60 days before permanently deleting them.
3. Advanced recovery with specialized applications
If the above methods don't work, it's time to turn to advanced tools:
- DiskDigger: Allows you to recover images from internal memory and SD card, even without root.
- EaseUS MobiSaver: Specialized in photo, message and contact recovery.
- Dr.Fone: A one-stop solution for Android data recovery.
To use them, you just need to install the app, run a scan, and select the photos found to restore.
4. Recovery from SD card
If your photos were on an SD card, there is a higher chance of recovering them using a card reader and recovery software on your PC, such as Recuva either PhotoRec.

PhotoRec
These programs scan the device for deleted files and allow them to be restored.
Tips to increase the probability of recovery
- Avoid taking new photos or installing apps after the loss.
- Do not format the device until you attempt to recover the files.
- Make frequent backups to avoid future losses.
5. Recovery from cloud backups
Many Android users use cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox or even Samsung's own backup system to safely store your photos.
If you had syncing turned on, recovering those images is easy:
- Open the cloud storage app you use.
- Go to the section of Photos either Images.
- Look in your backup folder or in "Recently Deleted."
- Select the photos you want to recover and download them back to your device.
Cloud backups are often a safe option to avoid permanent loss, as files are stored on off-site servers and are not affected by device issues.
6. Connecting to a PC for manual recovery
If the above methods didn't work, you can try connecting your Android to a computer to search for photos manually.
The steps are as follows:
- Connect your Android device to your PC using a USB cable.
- Select the option of File transfer on your mobile.
- Navigate to folders DCIM, Pictures or even WhatsApp Images if the photos were sent by this application.
- Check subfolders to identify deleted images that may still be stored in the cache or temporary files.
In some cases, photos are hidden or in cache format, and with a good file explorer, it's possible to recover them.
7. Restoration using specialized PC software
If after trying all of this you still haven't recovered your photos, it's time to use data recovery software on your computer.
Some of the most recommended are:
- Recuva
- Wondershare Dr.Fone
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
These programs scan your device's memory and SD card to find files that haven't been overwritten. The process is simple:
- Install the software on your PC.
- Connect your Android in transfer mode.
- Run a deep scan and select the found files to restore.
8. How to avoid losing photos in the future
To avoid going through this situation again, it is advisable to follow some practices:
- Turn on automatic syncing with Google Photos or any cloud service.
- Make regular backups on your PC or an external drive.
- Avoid deleting photos without checking your gallery's recycle bin.
- Consider installing automatic backup apps that save a copy to the cloud every time you take a photo.
Recovery tools are helpful, but nothing compares to prevention.
9. FAQs about recovering deleted photos on Android
1️⃣ ¿Es posible recuperar fotos eliminadas hace meses?
Yes, but it will depend on whether those photos have been overwritten by new data. In general, if the space where they were stored hasn't been reused, there's a high probability of recovery using specialized software.
2️⃣ ¿Los programas de recuperación son seguros?
Most popular programs like Recuva, DiskDigger, and Dr.Fone are safe and widely used. However, it's recommended to always download them from their official websites to avoid compromised versions.
3️⃣ ¿Puedo recuperar fotos sin root en mi Android?
Yes, many methods, such as recovering from Google Photos or the Gallery Recycle Bin, don't require root permissions. However, some advanced recovery apps offer better results on rooted devices.
4️⃣ ¿Qué pasa si formateé mi tarjeta SD?
Even after formatting, it's possible to recover data with programs like EaseUS Data Recovery or PhotoRec. However, it's crucial not to reuse the card to prevent data overwriting.
5️⃣ ¿Cuánto tiempo permanecen las fotos en la papelera de reciclaje?
In Google Photos, images remain in the trash for 60 days. In the Android gallery, the retention period is typically 30 days, although this may vary depending on the device manufacturer.
10. Final tips to protect your photos on Android
The best way to avoid image loss is through prevention. Here are some key tips:
- Turn on syncing in Google Photos or similar services.
- Set up automatic cloud backups.
- Use backup applications that save your photos to an external drive or your PC.
- Avoid deleting photos when your device is low on battery or in low performance situations.
Get your memories back now!
Don't let a mistake erase your most precious memories. Follow these steps and restore your photos on Android easily and safely. Ready to try it? Do it now and relive those unique moments!