How to Recover Deleted Data from Phone
Losing important files from your phone — whether it's photos, videos, messages, contacts, or app data — can be devastating. Whether it happened due to accidental deletion, a software crash, virus attack, or system failure, the good news is that in many cases, deleted data can be recovered.
How to Recover Deleted Data from Phone
1. How to Recover Deleted Data from Android Phone
Android phones offer several options for data recovery depending on what was lost and whether the device is rooted.
✅ Method 1: Recover from Google Backup
If you’ve enabled Google’s backup feature, there’s a high chance your lost data is backed up.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Google > Backup
- Check if the backup is active
- For:
- Photos/Videos – Visit Google Photos > Trash
- Contacts – Visit contacts.google.com
- App data – Reinstall apps and check if data is restored
- For complete device restore:
- Perform factory reset and restore during setup
Notes:
- Deleted items in Google Photos remain in Trash for 30 days
- Contacts backup must be enabled under Google sync
✅ Method 2: Recover from Device Trash/Recycle Bin (Specific Apps)
Some apps like Gallery, File Manager, or Notes may have a Recycle Bin.
Examples:
- Samsung phones have Recycle Bin in Gallery app
- File Manager apps (like ES File Explorer) have recent deletions
- WhatsApp keeps media on phone memory unless cleared
✅ Method 3: Use a Data Recovery App (Without Root)
Several Android apps allow recovery of recently deleted photos or files.
Best Apps:
- DiskDigger Photo Recovery (Free & Pro)
- Dumpster (acts as Recycle Bin)
- EaseUS MobiSaver
- Dr.Fone – Data Recovery
Steps:
- Download app from Play Store
- Grant necessary permissions
- Scan internal memory and SD card
- Preview and restore files
Note: Without root access, apps may recover only cache-level thumbnails or limited data.
✅ Method 4: Use PC-Based Android Recovery Software
For deep recovery of deleted files (including messages, call logs, videos, documents), use desktop software.
Top Tools:
- Tenorshare UltData for Android
- iMobie PhoneRescue
- Wondershare Dr.Fone
- FonePaw Android Data Recovery
Steps:
- Enable Developer Options > USB Debugging on your phone
- Connect to PC via USB cable
- Launch recovery tool and scan device
- Select file types and recover
Root access may be required for complete data recovery.
2. How to Recover Deleted Data from iPhone (iOS)
iPhones come with advanced cloud and system recovery options that simplify the recovery process — as long as backups are in place.
✅ Method 1: Check Recently Deleted Folder
For Photos:
- Open Photos app
- Go to Albums > Recently Deleted
- Tap and restore items
For Notes, Files, Voice Memos:
- Check their own Recently Deleted section
- Items are retained for 30-40 days before permanent deletion
✅ Method 2: Restore from iCloud Backup
If you had iCloud Backup enabled:
- Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups
- If backup exists:
- Factory reset phone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Choose Erase All Content and Settings
- Restore from iCloud during setup
✅ Method 3: Restore from iTunes or Finder Backup (Mac/PC)
If you regularly back up using iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac):
- Connect iPhone to computer
- Open iTunes/Finder
- Select device > Click Restore Backup
- Choose appropriate backup date
✅ Method 4: Use iPhone Data Recovery Software
If backups are unavailable, or you want to extract selective data, use third-party tools.
Best Tools:
- Dr.Fone – iOS Data Recovery
- iMyFone D-Back
- EaseUS MobiSaver for iOS
- PhoneRescue by iMobie
These allow recovery of:
- Photos, Messages, Contacts, Call logs
- WhatsApp and other app data
- Safari history, calendar, notes
3. Recover Deleted WhatsApp Data (Android & iPhone)
WhatsApp backups are separate from general backups.
✅ For Android:
- WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup
- Reinstall WhatsApp
- Restore from Google Drive during setup
✅ For iPhone:
- WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup
- iCloud must be enabled
- Reinstall WhatsApp and restore backup
Backups must be created before deletion for this to work.
4. Recover Deleted Contacts, Messages & Call Logs
✅ Android:
- Google Contacts: contacts.google.com > Trash
- SMS/Call Logs: Use Dr.Fone, FonePaw, or Tenorshare
✅ iPhone:
- Contacts: Restore from iCloud.com or iTunes backup
- Messages: Included in iCloud/iTunes backup
- Use iMyFone D-Back or PhoneRescue for deeper recovery
5. Things That Affect Data Recovery Success
- Time since deletion – the earlier you attempt recovery, the higher the success
- Storage overwriting – new files may overwrite deleted data
- Device root/jailbreak status – affects how deep tools can scan
- Backup availability – increases restore options significantly
6. How to Prevent Data Loss on Phone in Future
✅ Enable Auto Backups:
- Android: Google Drive, Google Photos, or OneDrive
- iPhone: iCloud + iTunes
✅ Use Cloud Storage:
- Save important files to Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud Drive
✅ Set App Data Backup:
- Enable backup for WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, etc.
✅ Use SD Cards or External Drives:
- Store media on removable memory (if supported)
✅ Avoid Suspicious Apps:
- Malware can wipe or encrypt data. Use Play Store/App Store only.
FAQs – How to Recover Deleted Phone Data
Q1. Can deleted data be recovered without backup?
Yes, using recovery tools, but the success rate is lower without backups.
Q2. Is it safe to use recovery apps from Play Store or App Store?
Stick to trusted apps with good reviews and developer credibility.
Q3. How long is deleted data recoverable?
Depends on usage. On average, you have a few hours to days before it gets overwritten.
Q4. Can I recover deleted files from a phone without rooting?
Yes, some apps work without root, but full recovery may require root access.
Q5. Are free recovery apps effective?
They work for basic recovery (like photos), but paid tools offer deeper scans and more file types.
Conclusion: Don’t Panic – You Can Recover Your Data
Whether you accidentally deleted files or experienced a system crash, there are many ways to recover your lost data — especially if you act quickly and follow the correct steps.
Android users can benefit from Google backups and PC-based tools, while iPhone users have powerful iCloud and iTunes-based recovery options. For best results, always keep backups enabled, and use trusted software when performing deep recovery scans.
Mrityunjay Singh
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