Losing cherished photos can be a devastating experience, especially with smartphones being our primary devices for capturing life’s memorable moments. With the innovative Samsung S21, many users often find themselves in the anxiety of wondering how to recover deleted photos. This comprehensive guide will walk you through effective methods to restore your lost memories on the Samsung S21.
Understanding Why Photos Get Deleted
There are several reasons why photos may become deleted from your Samsung S21:
Accidental Deletion: The most common scenario is that photos are unintentionally deleted while attempting to manage your gallery.
Software Update Issues: Sometimes, during software updates or system upgrades, stored data can become corrupt or disappear.
Factory Resets: Factory resetting your device can lead to total data loss if backups are not done beforehand.
Malware and App Issues: Harmful applications or malware can lead to unexpected loss of files, including photos.
Before diving into recovery methods, it’s essential to understand that the sooner you attempt to recover deleted photos, the higher your chances of success will be.
Methods to Recover Deleted Photos on Samsung S21
There are several effective methods to recover deleted photos. Below, we will explore built-in recovery options as well as third-party solutions.
Method 1: Check the Recently Deleted Folder
The Samsung Gallery app has a Recently Deleted feature that temporarily stores deleted photos for 30 days before they are permanently erased.
Steps to Recover from Recently Deleted:
- Open the **Gallery** app on your Samsung S21.
- Click on the **Albums** tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Find and select the **Recently Deleted** folder.
- Browse through the photos; select the images you want to recover.
- Tap on the **Restore** option to retrieve the photos back to your main gallery.
Method 2: Utilize Samsung Cloud
Samsung Cloud offers seamless backup options for photos and other data. If you had enabled Samsung Cloud backups prior to deleting your photos, recovery could be easily achieved.
Steps to Restore Using Samsung Cloud:
- Go to **Settings** on your Samsung S21.
- Select **Accounts and Backup**.
- Choose **Samsung Cloud** and then tap on **Gallery**.
- Here, you can view backed-up photos. Select the photos you wish to restore.
- Tap **Download** to retrieve them back to your device.
Method 3: Google Photos Recovery
If you have Google Photos installed and backed up your images, retrieving deleted photos becomes manageable.
Steps to Recover from Google Photos:
- Open the **Google Photos** app.
- Tap the **Trash** icon, usually located in the sidebar menu.
- Browse the trashed items; choose the photos you want to restore.
- Click on the **Restore** option to recover your images back to your library.
Advanced Recovery Solutions
When built-in options fail, there are third-party recovery tools that can effectively retrieve deleted photos from your Samsung S21.
Method 4: Using Android Data Recovery Software
Third-party data recovery tools can provide a higher chance of rescuing deleted photos if other methods were unsuccessful.
Features of Android Data Recovery Tools:
- Deep scan capabilities for finding lost data.
- User-friendly interfaces that simplify the recovery process.
- Support for various file formats and types of data.
Steps to Use a Data Recovery Tool:
Download and Install Software: Choose a reliable data recovery tool (like Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, or DiskDigger) and install it on your computer.
Connect Your Samsung S21: Use a USB cable to connect your phone to your PC. Ensure that USB debugging is enabled on your device.
Scanning Process: Launch the recovery software, and select the option to recover photos. The software will scan your device for deleted items.
Select Working Files: Once the scan is finished, you will be presented with a list of recoverable files. Preview the photos you want to recover.
Recover Deleted Files: Choose your desired images, click on the Recover button, and save them to your computer.
Method 5: Contact Professional Data Recovery Services
If all else fails and the photos hold significant importance, you might want to consider professional data recovery services. These services are equipped with specialized tools and technical expertise.
Considerations for Professional Help:
- Costly compared to software solutions.
- Offers a higher success rate in data retrieval.
- Consultation and diagnosis may require physical inspection of your device.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Photo Loss
While recovering deleted photos is essential, preventing their loss in the first place is preferable. Here are simple strategies to ensure your precious memories are always safe.
Regular Backups
Consistently backing up your data is the most effective way to avoid losing photos. Utilize Samsung Cloud, Google Photos, or any other unclouded backup options.
Organize Your Photos
Organizing your gallery can prevent accidental deletions. Keep your photos sorted by year, event, or category, making it easier to locate what you need quickly.
Beware of Malware
Install reliable antivirus software on your device to protect against harmful applications that could corrupt your files.
Conclusion
Recovering deleted photos on your Samsung S21 doesn’t have to lead to endless frustration. By utilizing features like the Recently Deleted folder, Samsung Cloud, and Google Photos, as well as opting for third-party tools when needed, you can efficiently restore your treasured memories.
Remember to commit to regular backups and organize your pictures to minimize the risk of accidental deletions in the future. While it’s easy to feel hopeless when photos are lost, the right methods and preventive measures can help ensure your precious memories are never truly gone. So if you ever find yourself in a situation of loss, follow this guide, and set out on the journey of recovery!
How can I recover deleted photos from my Samsung S21 without a backup?
To recover deleted photos from your Samsung S21 without a backup, you can try using a data recovery software designed for Android devices. Several options are available that can scan your device for recoverable files. To start, download and install a reputable recovery tool on your computer. Connect your Samsung S21 to the computer via USB and enable USB debugging on your phone to allow the software to access its data. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the scanning process.
Once the scanning is complete, the software should display a list of recoverable photos. You can preview these files and select the ones you want to recover. After making your selections, initiate the recovery process, and the software will restore the photos to your computer. Remember that successful recovery is not guaranteed, and the sooner you attempt recovery after deletion, the better your chances of success.
Is it possible to recover photos from the Google Photos app?
Yes, if you were using the Google Photos app before deleting your photos, there is a good chance of recovering them. Google Photos has a “Trash” or “Bin” feature that temporarily holds deleted images for 30 days before they are permanently erased. To check for deleted photos, open the Google Photos app on your Samsung S21, navigate to the “Trash” or “Bin” section, and see if your deleted images are stored there.
If you find the photos you want to recover, simply select them and choose the “Restore” option. This will restore the photos back to your main photo library, making them accessible again. If the 30-day period has elapsed, you may have to look for other recovery options or consider using third-party recovery software.
What should I do if I accidentally deleted photos from a memory card?
If you accidentally deleted photos from a memory card used with your Samsung S21, the first step is to stop using the card immediately. Continuing to take photos or add new files can overwrite the deleted data, making recovery much more difficult. Instead, remove the memory card from your phone and insert it into a card reader connected to your computer.
Next, you can use data recovery software that specializes in memory card recovery. Install the recovery tool on your computer, scan the memory card, and follow the recovery process as you would for internal storage. Depending on the software, you may be able to preview the recoverable files before initiating recovery. After retrieving the desired photos, make sure to back them up to prevent future loss.
Can I recover photos using Samsung Cloud?
Yes, if you had your photos backed up to Samsung Cloud, you could easily restore deleted images. Open the Samsung Gallery app and tap on the menu (three horizontal lines) at the top left corner. Select “Recycle Bin” or “Trash” to see if the deleted images are still recoverable. If the images are there, you can restore them directly to your gallery.
If you are looking for photos that may have been backed up automatically, go to the Samsung Cloud settings in your phone’s settings menu. Here you can check if your photos are backed up and selectively restore them. If you are unable to find the photos in the Cloud, they might not have been backed up or may have been permanently deleted.
What is the best practice to prevent photo loss on my Samsung S21?
To prevent photo loss on your Samsung S21, the best practice is to enable automatic backups to a cloud service, such as Google Photos or Samsung Cloud. By doing so, your photos and videos will be uploaded regularly, providing a safe backup in case you accidentally delete something. Additionally, consider keeping multiple backups, such as external hard drives or USB drives, for critical photos.
Another preventative measure is to regularly organize and clean out your photo library. By maintaining a well-organized gallery, you can easily identify photos you want to keep versus those that can be deleted. Lastly, avoid deleting images or files you are unsure about, and take care when using third-party apps that might alter your photo storage.
What should I avoid doing after realizing my photos are deleted?
After realizing your photos are deleted, you should avoid taking any new photos or saving new files to your Samsung S21. This is crucial because any new data can overwrite the deleted images, severely reducing the chances of a successful recovery. Prioritize stopping all activity related to the affected storage, whether it’s internal memory or an external memory card.
Additionally, avoid using incompatible recovery software or attempting DIY recovery techniques that could cause more harm than good. Using unverified or unreliable applications might lead to data corruption or permanent loss of your files. Focus instead on using trusted recovery methods or seeking help from professionals if necessary.