Have you ever accidentally deleted important photos from your Android phone? It can be a frustrating experience, especially if you don’t have a backup. But don’t worry, there are ways to recover those lost photos and bring them back to life. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to recover old deleted photos from an Android phone. We will walk you through the steps and provide you with tips and tricks to maximize your chances of success. So, let’s dive in and get those precious memories back!
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Photo Recovery from Android Phone
Losing photos from your Android phone can be a challenging situation. Unlike computers, Android phones usually don’t have a recycle bin where deleted files are temporarily stored. When you delete a photo from the gallery, it is immediately marked as deleted and the space it occupied is marked as available for use. If you start using your phone extensively after deleting the photo, the chances of successful recovery decrease significantly.
Furthermore, if you don’t have a backup of your photos, the task becomes even more difficult. Backing up your photos regularly is a good practice to avoid such situations, but we understand that accidents happen. That’s why we’re here to help you recover those old deleted photos from your Android phone.
Things You Should Prepare for Photo Recovery
Before diving into the methods of photo recovery, there are a few things you should prepare to maximize your chances of successful recovery. Here’s what you need:
1. A computer: You will need a computer to perform the photo recovery process. Make sure it has enough storage space to accommodate the recovered photos.
2. USB cable: You will need a USB cable to connect your Android phone to the computer.
3. Android Data Recovery software: There are several reliable Android Data Recovery software available online. Choose one that suits your needs and download it onto your computer.
Method 1. How to Recover Old Deleted Photos Using Android Data Recovery Software
Android Data Recovery software is a powerful tool that can help you recover deleted photos from your Android phone. It works by scanning the memory of your phone and retrieving the deleted photos. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Connect your Android phone to the computer using a USB cable.
Step 2: Launch the Android Data Recovery software on your computer.
Step 3: Enable USB debugging on your Android phone. You can do this by going to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build number 7 times to enable Developer options > Go back to Settings > Developer options > Enable USB debugging.
Step 4: Once USB debugging is enabled, the Android Data Recovery software will detect your phone.
Step 5: Select the types of data you want to recover. In this case, select "Gallery" or "Photos".
Step 6: Click on the "Scan" button to start scanning your Android phone for deleted photos.
Step 7: After the scan is complete, you will be able to preview the recovered photos. Select the photos you want to recover and click on the "Recover" button.
Pros:
1. Easy to use with a user-friendly interface.
2. Can recover various types of data, not just photos.
3. Can recover deleted photos from both internal storage and SD card.
Cons:
1. Free version has limited features.
2. Requires USB debugging, which may not be ideal for beginners.
3. Success rate may vary depending on the phone model and the extent of data overwrite.
Method 2. How to Recover Old Deleted Photos Via Google Photos
If you had previously backed up your photos using Google Photos, you can easily recover your deleted photos from there. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Google Photos app on your Android phone.
Step 2: Tap on the three horizontal lines at the top-left corner to open the menu.
Step 3: Select "Trash" from the menu.
Step 4: Here, you will find all the photos that you deleted within the past 60 days. Select the photos you want to recover and tap on the "Restore" button.
Pros:
1. Can recover photos from a previous backup.
2. Photos are stored in the cloud, so you can access them from any device with an internet connection.
3. No need for additional software or computer.
Cons:
1. Photos deleted more than 60 days ago may not be recoverable.
2. Requires a stable internet connection.
3. Only works if you had previously enabled automatic backup on Google Photos.
Method 3. How to Recover Old Deleted Photos Using a Data Recovery App
There are several data recovery apps available on the Google Play Store that can help you recover deleted photos from your Android phone. These apps work by scanning your phone’s memory and finding the deleted photos. Here’s how to use a data recovery app:
Step 1: Go to the Google Play Store and search for a data recovery app, such as DiskDigger or Dr.Fone.
Step 2: Download and install the data recovery app on your Android phone.
Step 3: Launch the data recovery app and follow the on-screen instructions to start the scanning process.
Step 4: Once the scan is complete, the app will display a list of deleted photos that can be recovered. Select the photos you want to recover and click on the "Recover" button.
Pros:
1. Can recover deleted photos directly from your Android phone.
2. Easy to use with a simple interface.
3. Some apps offer additional features, such as recovering other types of data.
Cons:
1. Free versions may have limited features or show ads.
2. Success rate may vary depending on the app and the extent of data overwrite.
3. Some apps may require rooting your phone, which can void your warranty and may not be suitable for beginners.
Method 4. How to Recover Old Deleted Photos Via Manual Backup
If you had manually backed up your photos before deleting them, you can recover them from the backup. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Connect your Android phone to the computer using a USB cable.
Step 2: Open the folder on your computer where you had previously backed up your photos.
Step 3: Copy the photos you want to recover from the backup folder and paste them into a new folder on your computer.
Step 4: Disconnect your Android phone from the computer.
Step 5: Connect your Android phone to the computer again and open the folder where you copied the photos.
Step 6: Copy the photos from the computer folder and paste them into the desired location on your Android phone.
Pros:
1. Can recover photos from a previous manual backup.
2. Allows you to select specific photos to recover.
3. No need for additional software or apps.
Cons:
1. Requires a backup to be available.
2. Manually backing up photos can be time-consuming.
3. May require technical knowledge to locate and copy the backup folder.
Why Can’t I Recover My Old Deleted Photos?
There can be several reasons why you may not be able to recover your old deleted photos. Here are some common reasons and their fixes:
1. Overwritten Data: If you have used your Android phone extensively after deleting the photos, new data may have overwritten the space previously occupied by the deleted photos. Unfortunately, in such cases, the chances of recovering the photos are very low.
2. Lack of Backup: If you haven’t backed up your photos before deleting them, recovering them becomes more challenging. It is always recommended to regularly back up your important photos to avoid such situations.
3. Faulty Recovery Methods: Using unreliable or ineffective recovery methods can also result in unsuccessful photo recovery. Make sure to use trusted methods and tools for the best results.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to increase your chances of successfully recovering your old deleted photos:
1. Avoid Using Your Phone Extensively: After deleting the photos, avoid using your phone extensively to minimize data overwrite. The more you use your phone, the higher the chances of new data overwriting the deleted photos.
2. Use Reliable Software: When using data recovery software, make sure to choose a reliable and reputable tool. Read reviews and user experiences before deciding on a particular software.
3. Regularly Back Up Your Photos: To avoid such situations in the future, make it a habit to regularly back up your important photos. Use cloud storage or manual backup methods to ensure the safety of your photos.
5 FAQs about Photo Recovery
Q1: Can I recover photos deleted a long time ago?
A: The chances of recovering photos deleted a long time ago are very low. The longer the time since deletion, the higher the chances of data overwrite and permanent loss.
Q2: Are there any free photo recovery apps available?
A: Yes, there are several free photo recovery apps available on the Google Play Store. However, free versions may have limited features or show ads. Paid versions usually offer more advanced features and a higher success rate.
Q3: Can I recover photos if my Android phone is not rooted?
A: Yes, you can recover photos without rooting your Android phone. Methods like using Android Data Recovery software or Google Photos don’t require rooting. However, some data recovery apps may require rooting to access certain system files.
Q4: Can I recover photos if my Android phone is water damaged?
A: If your Android phone is water damaged, the chances of recovering photos depend on the extent of the damage. In such cases, it is recommended to take your phone to a professional technician who specializes in data recovery.
Q5: Can I recover photos if I factory reset my Android phone?
A: Factory resetting your Android phone erases all data, including photos. Once the factory reset is performed, it is almost impossible to recover the photos unless you have a previous backup.
In Conclusion
Losing old deleted photos from your Android phone can be disheartening, but with the right methods and tools, there is still hope for recovery. In this blog post, we explored different methods to recover old deleted photos from an Android phone. Whether using Android Data Recovery software, Google Photos, data recovery apps, or manual backup, there are options available to suit different situations. Remember to prepare the necessary tools, follow the detailed steps, and consider the pros and cons of each method. With persistence and a bit of luck, you can bring back those precious memories and enjoy them once again!