How to Recover Deleted Files from Your Phone (2025 Guide)
Accidentally deleting photos, videos, or important documents from your phone can be frustrating—but don’t panic. Whether you’re using an Android or iPhone, recovering deleted files is possible thanks to the recovery tools and apps available today.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to recover deleted files from your phone, when recovery is likely to work, and which tools are best suited to the task — with helpful links to try them out yourself.
🔹 1. Is It Possible to Recover Deleted Files?
Yes, in many cases, deleted files can be recovered — especially if the data hasn’t been overwritten yet. Recovery success depends on:
- The type of file deleted (images, videos, documents, etc.)
- How much time has passed since deletion
- The phone’s OS and model
- Whether you had backups enabled
According to Kaspersky’s guide to recovering deleted photos, data often remains on your device for some time and can be recovered if not overwritten by new data.
🔹 2. File Recovery Methods on Android
📷 From the Trash or Recycle Bin
Some apps like Google Photos keep deleted files for 30 days.
How to restore :
Open Google Photos > Trash > Select files > Tap Restore.
💾 Using Recovery Apps
Here are top apps for Android file recovery :
- DiskDigger Photo Recovery – Great for recovering photos; no root needed if recovering only images.
- Dr.Fone – Data Recovery – Supports recovering photos, videos, contacts, and even WhatsApp messages.
- EaseUS MobiSaver for Android – Free and beginner-friendly tool for recovering images and documents.
☁️ From Cloud Backup Services
Check your Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive if you had automatic backups enabled.
🔹 3. File Recovery Methods on iPhone
🗑️ From “Recently Deleted” Folder
Photos and videos remain here for up to 30–40 days.
How to restore :
Open Photos app > Albums > Recently Deleted > Select > Recover.
💻 From iCloud or iTunes Backup
Restore from your iCloud or iTunes full device backup.
Recommended tools :
- PhoneRescue for iOS – Recovers photos, messages, and contacts even without a backup.
- Tenorshare UltData for iOS – Supports recovery from iPhone, iTunes, or iCloud.
🔹 4. Tips for Better Recovery Chances
- ❌ Don’t install new apps immediately after deletion — it may overwrite deleted data.
- ✅ Enable automatic backups via Google or iCloud to protect future files.
- 🛠️ Use trusted recovery tools — avoid random or suspicious apps.
- 📷 Check photo app settings to ensure backups are enabled.
Losing files doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right tools like DiskDigger or PhoneRescue, and some simple precautions, you can recover what was lost. Most importantly: always back up your files regularly.
📎 Have you tried any of these tools before? Share your experience in the comments and help others recover their lost data!