When the trash can is empty, DiskDigger can find photos that are still stored in the phone's memory.
How memory retrieval works
When a photo is deleted, Android doesn't destroy the file immediately. It only marks that space as free. As long as nothing new is written there, a recovery app can find the data and recreate the image.
Therefore, the less you use your cell phone after losing it, the greater the chances. Avoid taking photos, recording videos, and downloading files until the process is complete.
On most non-rooted phones, DiskDigger performs a basic search. It finds thumbnails and cached copies, which are often in lower resolution than the original. This is enough to save many memories.
Step-by-step instructions with DiskDigger
Download DiskDigger from Google Play. When you open it, tap the basic photo search option and allow access to the files when prompted by the system.
The app analyzes the memory and displays the found images in thumbnail form. On phones with a lot of storage, the process may take several minutes. Leave the device charging.
Use the settings icon to filter by minimum file size. This way you can hide small app icons and images and focus on the actual photos.
Select the photos and tap Recover. Ideally, send them to the cloud, such as Google Drive, or to another folder, avoiding overwriting the space that is still being analyzed.
Tips to increase your chances
- Start as soon as possible, right after noticing the loss.
- Free up space by deleting large files you already have elsewhere, not photos.
- Do not install multiple recovery apps at the same time.
- If the photos were on an SD card, it's best to recover them using a computer.
1. DiskDigger
Google Play
One of the best-known photo recovery apps for Android. It scans internal memory and SD card and displays found images in thumbnail format so you can choose what to save.
It works without root access using basic scanning. Recovered photos can be saved to the device or uploaded directly to cloud services.
Download on Google Play
2. Dumpster
Google Play
It functions like a recycle bin for your entire phone. Once installed, it saves a copy of the photos and files you delete, allowing you to undo the deletion later.
It doesn't recover what was deleted before installation, but it's a good way to prevent the problem from recurring.
Download on Google PlayFrequently Asked Questions
Does DiskDigger require root access?
No. Without root access, it performs a basic search, which finds many photos. With root access, the search is more comprehensive and can recover files in their original resolution.
Why are the recovered photos of lower quality?
Without root access, the app usually finds thumbnails and cached copies, which are smaller versions of the original photo.
Is DiskDigger free?
Photo and video recovery is free. The paid Pro version recovers other file types.
Photos that were deleted a long time ago reappear?
They may appear, but the more the phone has been used since then, the less likely the space will still be free.