In today’s digital age, our smartphones hold countless memories in the form of photos. Accidentally deleting a photo from your Samsung phone can feel devastating, especially when it’s a cherished memory or an important image. Luckily, there are several methods available to recover deleted photos on Samsung devices. Whether you recently deleted a picture or it’s been missing for a while, this guide provides detailed, step-by-step solutions to help you restore your photos effectively.
Recover Deleted Photos on Samsung: Step-by-Step Guide
Samsung phones offer a variety of ways to restore lost photos, and we’ll go over the most effective methods. Follow these steps to increase your chances of recovering deleted photos successfully.
Method 1: Check Samsung’s Recently Deleted Folder
Samsung’s Gallery app includes a ‘Recently Deleted’ folder, where deleted photos are stored temporarily for 30 days before being permanently removed. Here’s how to access it:
- Open the Gallery app on your Samsung phone.
- Tap on Albums at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll down and select Recently Deleted.
- Locate the photo you want to restore, tap on it, and select Restore.
This method is effective if your photo was deleted within the past 30 days. If you don’t see your photo here, try the following methods.
Method 2: Use Samsung Cloud Backup
If you have Samsung Cloud enabled, it automatically backs up your photos. Here’s how to retrieve photos from Samsung Cloud:
- Go to Settings on your Samsung device.
- Tap Accounts and Backup, then select Samsung Cloud.
- Choose Restore Data, then select Gallery and tap Restore.
**Note:** Samsung Cloud only stores photos for users who enabled backup prior to deletion. If Samsung Cloud is unavailable or you disabled backups, proceed to the next solution.
Method 3: Check Google Photos
Many Samsung users have Google Photos configured to back up their images. To check Google Photos for deleted photos, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Photos app on your Samsung phone.
- Navigate to the Trash folder from the sidebar menu.
- If you see the deleted photo, tap on it and select Restore.
Google Photos retains deleted images in the Trash for 60 days. If the photo is not there, explore the following options for recovery.
Method 4: Use Samsung’s Data Recovery Software
If you didn’t have a backup, third-party recovery software might help. Many tools can scan your phone’s storage for deleted files. Here’s a basic outline on how to use recovery software:
- Download and install reliable recovery software on your computer (e.g., Dr.Fone, EaseUS, or DiskDigger).
- Connect your Samsung device to the computer using a USB cable.
- Enable USB Debugging on your Samsung device by going to Settings > Developer Options.
- Run the software and follow the on-screen instructions to scan for deleted photos.
- Preview and restore the photos you need.
**Caution:** Using third-party recovery software carries some risks, so ensure you select trusted software to avoid data loss or privacy issues.
Method 5: Retrieve Photos from SD Card
If you use an SD card in your Samsung device, deleted photos may still be on the card. Here’s how to recover them:
- Remove the SD card from your Samsung device and insert it into a computer using an SD card reader.
- Use file recovery software (such as Recuva) to scan the SD card.
- Select the deleted photos and save them to your computer.
This method can be helpful if your photos were stored on an SD card rather than the device’s internal memory.
Common Troubleshooting Tips for Recovering Deleted Photos
If the methods above didn’t work, don’t worry. Here are some troubleshooting tips to improve your chances of successful recovery:
- Stop Using Your Phone: Using your device after deletion can overwrite the deleted data, making it harder to recover photos. Limit use until you attempt recovery.
- Check for Software Updates: Updating your Samsung device might address bugs that interfere with photo recovery.
- Ensure Proper Permissions: Recovery apps may need special permissions. Go to Settings > Apps, locate the app, and ensure necessary permissions are enabled.
- Restart Your Device: A simple restart can sometimes resolve storage issues and help the device recognize recoverable files.
Still having trouble? Samsung users can contact Samsung support for further assistance.
Tips for Preventing Photo Loss in the Future
To avoid future photo loss, consider the following practices to back up your memories securely:
- Enable Google Photos Backup: Ensure that Google Photos is set to automatically back up your images.
- Use Samsung Cloud: Set up regular backups to Samsung Cloud to keep your images safe.
- Transfer to External Storage: Periodically transfer important photos to an external drive or computer.
By implementing these strategies, you can safeguard your images and reduce the risk of accidental deletions.
Conclusion
Accidentally deleting a photo on your Samsung device can be frustrating, but by following the steps in this guide, you have a high chance of recovering deleted photos successfully. Start with the simplest methods, such as checking the ‘Recently Deleted’ folder, then proceed to backup options like Samsung Cloud and Google Photos. For more challenging cases, data recovery software can help retrieve photos from both internal memory and SD cards. By staying proactive with backups and careful usage, you can keep your precious memories safe and secure on your Samsung device.
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by GalaxyTips Team