Accidentally deleted precious photos or videos from your phone? Don’t panic — in many cases, you can recover them.

This guide explains how to recover deleted photos and videos on any smartphone, step by step. Whether you use an Android, iPhone, or even a Samsung device, you’ll find easy solutions here.

We’ll cover everything: how to check the Trash folder, recover files without backup, use free and paid recovery tools, restore permanently deleted files, and expert tips to improve your chances.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to do  fast to save your memories.

Why Photos and Videos Get Deleted And Why Recovery Is Possible

Photos and videos can be lost due to:

• Accidental deletion while cleaning up

• Malware or corrupted apps

• Phone formatting or factory reset

• Software glitches during updates

• SD card corruption

The good news is: when you delete a file, it’s not immediately erased. Instead, the space it occupies is marked as “free” but the data remains until overwritten. If you act quickly, recovery is very possible.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Recover Deleted Photos and Videos

Below are proven methods, starting with the easiest.

1️⃣ Check the Trash or Recently Deleted Folder

Most smartphones don’t delete your photos/videos immediately. Instead, they move them to a Trash, Recycle Bin, or Recently Deleted folder for 30–60 days.

How to find it:

• Android (Gallery app)

  • Open Gallery > Albums > Trash/Recently Deleted

  • Select files > Tap Restore

• Google Photos app

  • Open Google Photos > Tap Library > Trash

  • Select photos/videos > Tap Restore

• iPhone (iOS)

  • Open Photos > Albums > Recently Deleted

  • Tap photos/videos > Recover

• Samsung Phones

  • Open Gallery > More > Trash

  • Select and restore your files

If your deleted files are still here, recovery is easy and free.

2️⃣ How to Recover Without Backup

If the files are not in Trash and you have no cloud backup, you can still recover them with special apps.

Use third‑party recovery tools:

Here are the best tools (free & paid):

These apps scan your phone’s internal storage or SD card to recover deleted files. You’ll need to install them on a PC or sometimes directly on your phone.

3️⃣ How to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos

If your files aren’t in Trash or backed up, and you’ve continued using your phone, recovery becomes harder — but still possible.

How recovery software works:

• When deleted, data stays hidden until overwritten.

• Tools like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare scan for these hidden fragments.

• If too much time has passed, chances of full recovery decrease.

Tips:

• Stop using your phone immediately after deletion.

• Don’t install new apps or take new photos.

• Use a PC‑based recovery tool for higher success.

4️⃣ How to Restore Deleted Videos

Videos are larger than photos and more prone to corruption. But the same methods apply.

• Check Trash/Recently Deleted first.

• Use recovery software that supports large video files (Dr.Fone, EaseUS).

• For SD card videos, use PhotoRec or Recuva via PC.

5️⃣ Free vs Paid Tools: Which to Use?

If the photos/videos are important and free tools fail, it’s worth investing in a paid tool for a higher chance of success.

6️⃣ Special Tips for Samsung Users

Samsung offers unique recovery options:

• Samsung Cloud: Log in > Gallery > Trash > Restore

• Smart Switch: Check if you backed up your data earlier

• Find My Mobile: Rarely helps but worth checking

• If not backed up, use the recovery tools mentioned above.

Pro Tips for Successful Recovery

To maximize your chances:

• Act quickly — the longer you wait, the lower the chances.

• Stop using the phone after deletion.

• Avoid taking new photos or installing apps until recovery is done.

• Backup recovered files immediately to cloud or PC.

Summary Table: How to Recover Deleted Photos and Videos

FAQs About Recovering Deleted Photos and Videos

How to recover deleted photos and videos without backup?

Check Trash/Recently Deleted folder. If not there, use recovery tools like DiskDigger (Android) or EaseUS MobiSaver (iPhone).

How to recover permanently deleted photos?

Stop using the phone, install a PC‑based recovery software like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare, and scan your device.

How to restore deleted videos from gallery?

Check the gallery’s Trash folder or Google Photos/Apple Photos. Use a recovery app if not found.

How to recover deleted photos for free?

Look in Trash/Recently Deleted. If unavailable, try free tools like DiskDigger or PhotoRec.

Do I need root or jailbreak to recover?

Many tools now work without root/jailbreak, but deeper recovery sometimes needs elevated access.

Are deleted photos really gone after 30 days?

On most systems, after Trash is cleared, data is still recoverable until it’s overwritten.

Which is the best app for recovery?

For Android: DiskDigger, Dr.Fone.
For iPhone: EaseUS MobiSaver, UltData.

Can I recover deleted files from WhatsApp?

Yes — if you have cloud backup enabled or use specialized recovery software.

How long does recovery take?

It depends on storage size and condition, but most scans complete within 30–90 minutes.

Can SD card photos be recovered?

Yes, use tools like PhotoRec, Recuva, or EaseUS for SD card recovery.

Final Thoughts: Save Your Memories Without Stress

Accidentally deleting your photos or videos is stressful but in most cases, recovery is possible if you act quickly.

Start by checking your Trash or cloud backup. If needed, use trusted recovery tools and follow the tips in this guide.

Going forward, make regular backups to Google Photos, iCloud, or a PC so you never lose precious memories again.

What You Should Do Next

• Check Trash/Recently Deleted and restore files.

• Install and try a free recovery app.

• If necessary, invest in premium software for better results.

• Backup all recovered files to cloud or external storage.