How to Recover Files Deleted Long Time Ago on Android

"How to Recover Files Deleted Long Time Ago on Android?"

Sometimes, we may be desperate to retrieve files that were accidentally deleted on our Android device or SD card years ago. Whether it's photos, videos, or other important material that we recall from the past, retrieving this data is vital to us.

As we all know, recently deleted files tend to be easier to recover on Android devices, because over time, new data can overwrite old deleted file space. Fortunately, even in the face of Android devices from Samsung, LG, Huawei, MOTOROLA and other brands, those seemingly old deleted data, there is still a chance to recover.

For example, when you have a backup of a file that is years old and still accessible, recovery becomes surprisingly easy. Even files that were deleted from your Android device years ago can be easily retrieved. In addition, even if there is no backup, as long as these deleted file space has not been completely overwritten by new data, then you still have the chance to recover by professional Android data recovery software.

Let's take a look at how to recover long-ago deleted photos, videos, and messages on Android, and how to retrieve other permanently deleted files.

Method 1 Restore Old Files Using Android Backup

For users with backup files, it is easy and free to restore deleted photos. The detailed steps are as follows.

Step 1 Turn on your Android phone and go to Settings > Backup and Restore.

Step 2 In the backup list, select the backup that contains the files you deleted months or even years ago.

Step 3 Tap Restore. The deleted data is automatically returned to the mobile phone.

Method 2 Retrieve Files Deleted Long Time Ago with Android File Recovery Software

If you do not have a backup file, or the backup file does not have the files you need, do not be discouraged, professional Android data recovery software will be your right hand. Android Data Recovery, for example, helps you buy deep scanning devices to pinpoint and recover files that seem to have disappeared.

To use Android Data Recovery to recover photos that were deleted a long time ago, you just need to complete the following steps.

Step 1 Install and launch the software on your PC and click the Android Data Recovery option to continue.

Step 2 Connect the mobile phone to the PC using a USB cable, and confirm the request Allow USB debugging on the mobile phone.

Step 3 After the software automatically identifies your device, select the file type you want to recover, such as photos, videos, contacts, and so on. You can also select Select All to cover all possible file categories.

Step 4 Prepare deep scan for data recovery. To maximize recovery success, the software may prompt you to root the device. If you are new to root, please refer to the accompanying tutorial.

Step 5 After the root operation is complete, the software starts in-depth scanning. When the scan is over, you will see a list of all recoverable files on the screen. Check the files you want to recover, click the Recover button and they will reappear in your phone.

Method 3 Google Backup Guard Your Precious Memories

If you back up your data using Google Backup and have automatic backup enabled, all data on your Android device will be saved to your Google account. If you accidentally delete some important files and information, you can also easily retrieve it from Google Backup. Let's take a look at how to retrieve deleted photos from Google Drive.

Step 1 On your Android device, open the Google Drive app.

Step 2 Tap the menu icon, choose Backup, find the backup file you want to restore, and tap Restore.

Tip: If you also have backup and sync enabled on Google Photos, your photos and videos will automatically fly to Google's cloud. In addition, it has a "trash" function, where deleted photos are saved for 60 days.

If you delete photos within 60 days, you can follow these steps to restore them.

Step 1 Open the Google Photos app and choose Library > Trash.

Step 2 Select the photo or video you want to recover and click Recover.

Method 4 Check Applications for Junk or Recently Deleted Folders

While Android devices don't have a traditional recycling bin like a PC or Mac, many apps hide a secret folder called "trash" or "Recently deleted." These folders are like time capsules that save your deleted items for a short time.

Taking Samsung's library app as an example, let's take a look at how to retrieve photos or videos that have been deleted by mistake.

Step 1 Open the gallery app on your phone and tap the three dots in the upper right corner.

Step 2 Select Dumpster and select the photo or video that you want to recover. If you want to retrieve them all, just click Select Items.

Finally, click the Restore button, and they will return to their original position as if by magic.

Q&A:

Q1 Where do files on Android go after they are deleted?

When we clear our phones of caches, duplicate photos, videos we no longer need, or other clutter, files are marked "deleted" and the space they take up is freed up. However, these deleted files do not disappear immediately, they are just hidden away and become invisible to the operating system, and when new data is generated, the deleted data is overwritten. Once a file on Android is permanently deleted, it is very difficult to get it back. In this case, you can consider using Android Data Recovery software, which can help you find those lost memories, such as photos, videos, etc., from years ago.

Q2 How do I retrieve files from my MicroSD card from 3 years ago?

Don't worry, follow these steps and you too can become a data recovery expert!

First, download a reliable data recovery software on your computer.

Then, use the card reader to plug your MicroSD card into your computer.

Next, open the data recovery software and select the types of files you want to scan, or just check them all for a full-scale search.

Next, find your MicroSD card's corresponding drive in the software.

Click the Scan button and the software will begin to work. After a while, it will list all the deleted files on the SD card.

Finally, find the files you want to retrieve, click the Recover button, and they will be back in your arms!

Summary

Keep in mind that once a file is deleted, the space it occupies may be taken up by new data at any time. Therefore, try to avoid adding more data to the device before attempting recovery, and it is a good idea to turn on airplane mode to reduce data writing. If you use the device for a long time and do not take protective measures, the success rate of recovering files deleted several years ago may be reduced. Be optimistic, though, because the approach presented here is still worth a try.