Based on your answers, here's the quickest way to recover what you deleted.
Which path to follow in your case?
Choose the situation that most closely matches yours. Each guide shows the steps in the correct order, starting with the simplest.
I deleted photos from my gallery or Google Photos
Start with the trash. On most Android phones, deleted photos are saved for about 30 days before disappearing completely. In Google Photos, the timeframe can reach 60 days when the photo was backed up.
I deleted messages or conversations from WhatsApp
The most reliable way is to back up your conversation to Google Drive. If it was done before you deleted the conversation, you can restore it by reinstalling WhatsApp.
I lost videos or photos from WhatsApp or my memory card
Files received via WhatsApp often remain in the phone's media folder, even after the conversation disappears. On the memory card, a scan is more likely if nothing new has been saved to it.
I lost conversations and photos at the same time
First, resolve the issues using the backup, as it also restores any saved media. Then, look for what's missing in the media folder and the recycle bin.
Before attempting this, protect what can still be recovered
When a file is deleted, the space it occupied becomes free to be reused. As long as nothing is written over it, there is still a chance of recovery.
Avoid saving new files
Postpone sending photos, videos, audio files, and downloads until you're finished trying. If possible, pause automatic app updates for a few hours.
Note the date of your WhatsApp backup
Do not tap on Back up now. A new backup will replace the previous one, which may be the only one that still saves the conversation.
Remove the memory card from your phone
If the photos were on the memory card, remove it and store it until you're ready to scan. This way, the phone won't save anything else to it.
What can and cannot be recovered
Knowing what to expect prevents you from wasting time and money on promises that are not kept.
- Photos that are in the trash or backup will be restored to their original quality.
- WhatsApp messages depend on a backup being made before deletion. Without it, the text rarely recovers.
- In internal memory, without a recycle bin or backup, applications usually only find thumbnails and smaller copies.
- After a factory reset, the internal memory has virtually nothing left to return.
Beware of apps and scams
Download apps only from Google Play or the developer's official website, and be wary of anyone who promises to recover everything in any situation.
Never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone. Anyone asking for this code under the guise of recovering messages actually wants to take over your account.
Step-by-step guide to recovering videos and photos →Frequently Asked Questions
Which tab should I open first?
Open the guide to see what you most need to recover. If it's conversations and photos, start with the messages, because the WhatsApp backup can also restore media.
Does recovery cost anything?
Looking in the recycle bin, restoring backups, and searching the media folder are free. Some recovery applications charge for extra features.
Do I need a computer?
In most cases, no. The computer is more helpful when the photos were on a memory card, which can be scanned with a card reader.
Is recovery guaranteed?
No. The chances depend on where the file was located, how much time has passed, and whether there's a recycle bin or backup. Be wary of anyone who guarantees results.
Does it work on iPhone?
On iPhones, the options are the Recently Deleted album, which stores photos for 30 days, and the iCloud backup. Recovery apps have limited access to the device's system.
Download the apps
Tap the app you want to install. The button opens its official page on Google Play.
