How to Recover Deleted Photos on Android (2025 Guide)

Introduction

Have you accidentally deleted important photos from your Android device? Don’t panic—there’s a good chance you can still get them back. Whether you erased them recently or they’ve been gone for a while, Android offers several ways to recover deleted photos using built-in tools, cloud storage, or third-party apps.

In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through every method available to recover deleted images from your Android phone or tablet. From checking the trash in Google Photos to using advanced recovery software, this step-by-step guide will help you recover your memories without stress.

Why It’s Possible to Recover Deleted Photos

When you delete a photo on Android, it’s usually moved to a temporary folder (like “Trash” or “Recently Deleted”) before being permanently removed. Even after that, the data might still exist on your phone’s storage until overwritten by new data, making recovery possible using special tools.

Method 1: Recover Photos from Google Photos Trash

Why It Works

Google Photos automatically backs up your photos to the cloud if sync is enabled. Deleted photos go to the Trash where they remain for 30 days.

Steps

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Tap Library at the bottom right.
3. Select Trash (or Bin, depending on region).
4. Find the deleted photo(s) you want to restore.
5. Tap and hold to select the photo(s), then tap Restore.

Note: Items older than 30 days are permanently deleted from the trash.

Method 2: Use Google Drive (If Auto Backup Was Enabled)

Why It Works

Some Android phones (especially older ones) backed up photos to Google Drive before Google Photos was separated from Drive.

Steps

1. Open the Google Drive app.
2. Tap the search bar and type common keywords (e.g., “photo” or date names).
3. Browse folders like “Photos” or “Camera.”
4. Download photos by tapping the three-dot menu > Download.

Method 3: Check Device’s Native Gallery Trash

Many manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus include their own gallery apps with trash/recycle bin features.

Samsung Gallery

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Tap the three-line menu icon.
3. Go to Trash.
4. Select the photos you want to restore and tap Restore.

OnePlus or MIUI Gallery

Follow similar steps. These apps typically have a “Recently Deleted” folder storing images for 30 days.

Method 4: Recover from Cloud Services (Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.)

If you use cloud backup tools other than Google, you may find deleted photos saved there.

Dropbox

1. Open the Dropbox app or go to dropbox.com.
2. Go to the Deleted files section.
3. Find your image(s) and tap Restore.

Microsoft OneDrive

1. Open the OneDrive app.
2. Tap Me > Recycle Bin.
3. Select photos and tap Restore.

Method 5: Use File Manager to Find Cached or Hidden Files

If your deleted photos weren’t backed up, sometimes the remnants still exist in cached folders.

Steps

1. Open a file manager app like File Manager+ or X-plore File Manager.
2. Go to internal storage > DCIM, Pictures, or WhatsApp Images.
3. Look for hidden folders like .thumbnails.
4. If you find the image, move it to a visible folder like DCIM.

Tip: Some file managers allow you to recover recently deleted files if enabled.

Method 6: Use Android Photo Recovery Apps

If none of the above methods work, use specialized recovery tools. Many are available on the Play Store or as desktop software.

Top Recovery Apps (Without Root)

• DiskDigger Photo Recovery – Allows basic scanning without root; full scan with root.
• Dr.Fone – Data Recovery – Desktop tool for recovering photos, messages, and more.
• Tenorshare UltData – Compatible with rooted and unrooted phones.

Steps (Using DiskDigger)

1. Download DiskDigger Photo Recovery from Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and grant storage permissions.
3. Select Basic Scan (or Full Scan for rooted phones).
4. Wait for the scan to complete and preview recoverable photos.
5. Select and tap Recover.

Important: Avoid installing recovery apps immediately after deletion to prevent overwriting data.

Method 7: Recover Deleted Photos via PC Software

PC-based recovery programs offer more powerful scans and better chances of recovery, especially for permanently deleted files.

Best Desktop Tools

• Recuva (Windows)
• iMobie PhoneRescue (Mac & Windows)
• EaseUS MobiSaver

Steps (Example: iMobie PhoneRescue)

1. Install the software on your PC or Mac.
2. Connect your Android device via USB and enable USB debugging.
3. Run a photo scan.
4. Preview and recover deleted photos to your PC or device.

How to Prevent Photo Loss in the Future

• Enable Google Photos backup: Go to Google Photos > Settings > Backup & Sync.
• Use a secondary cloud service like OneDrive or Dropbox.
• Regularly back up photos to your PC or external drive.
• Be cautious while deleting images, especially inside albums.
• Keep your device protected from malware or unauthorized access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I recover permanently deleted photos without backup?

Yes, using recovery apps or PC software that scans your storage, but success depends on how recently the file was deleted and if it was overwritten.

Are deleted WhatsApp images recoverable?

Yes, you can check WhatsApp image folders or restore from a WhatsApp backup.

Do I need to root my phone for photo recovery?

Some tools like DiskDigger allow limited recovery without root. For deep recovery, root access is often required.

Can I recover photos from a broken Android phone?

If the phone still powers on, you can use USB or PC software. If not, a professional data recovery service may be needed.

Final Thoughts

Losing your precious photos can be upsetting, but thankfully, Android offers multiple ways to restore them—whether through built-in trash folders, Google Photos, cloud storage, or advanced recovery software. Acting quickly improves your chances of full recovery, so avoid using your phone extensively until after you attempt to restore deleted files.

Make it a habit to enable cloud backups and periodically export your images to other devices. With the right tools and precautions, your photos are never truly gone.

Need more Android recovery tips? Stay tuned to Techy247.com for comprehensive how-to guides and expert advice.