In today’s digital age, videos hold a special place in our hearts, capturing precious moments that we want to cherish forever. However, it can be a nightmare when these videos are accidentally deleted. If you are a Samsung user who has experienced this distressing situation, don’t despair. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to recover deleted videos on your Samsung device, ensuring that your valuable memories are not lost forever.
Understanding Video Deletion on Samsung Devices
When you delete a video from your Samsung device, the file isn’t necessarily gone forever. It is often merely marked as deleted and becomes invisible to the user, allowing for potential recovery. However, the success of recovery largely depends on how you handle your device afterward. Here are some essential points to note:
What Happens When You Delete a Video?
When a video is deleted on a Samsung phone, it is first moved to the “Recently Deleted” folder in the Gallery app (if you use the stock photo gallery). This folder retains deleted files for a specified duration, usually 30 days, before they are permanently removed from the device storage.
Permanent Deletion
If a video is removed from the “Recently Deleted” folder or deleted from a third-party app, it may still be possible to recover it using various methods discussed in this article. However, it is critical to minimize usage of the device to prevent new data from overwriting the deleted videos.
Methods to Recover Deleted Videos on Samsung
There are several effective ways to recover deleted videos on a Samsung device. Here, we’ll explore various methods that you can use, both built-in and third-party options.
1. Check the “Recently Deleted” Folder
The simplest and most straightforward method to recover deleted videos is by checking the “Recently Deleted” folder in the Gallery app. This folder allows you to restore videos within a limited time.
Steps to Retrieve Videos from Recently Deleted
- Open the Gallery app on your Samsung device.
- Tap on the Albums section.
- Look for the Recently Deleted folder and select it.
- Browse through the deleted videos.
- Select the video you want to restore, then tap on Restore.
If the video you seek is still within the allotted time frame, this should successfully restore your deleted video.
2. Utilize Samsung Cloud
Samsung provides a cloud storage solution where users can back up essential data, including videos. If you have enabled Samsung Cloud and consistently back up your videos, you may be able to recover them from there.
Steps to Recover Videos from Samsung Cloud
- Go to Settings on your Samsung device.
- Tap on your Samsung account at the top.
- Select Samsung Cloud.
- Tap on Gallery or Videos based on what you are looking for.
- Browse through the backed-up files and select the videos you wish to restore.
- Tap Download to save them back to your device.
3. Using Google Photos
If you have Google Photos installed and enabled backup options, recovering deleted videos may be another simple option. Google Photos automatically backs up media files, including videos, when the backup feature is activated.
Steps to Recover Videos from Google Photos
- Open the Google Photos app on your device.
- Tap on the Trash icon from the left-side menu.
- Browse through the deleted videos (Google Photos retains deleted files for 60 days).
- Select the video you want to recover.
- Tap Restore to recover the video and return it to your gallery.
4. Restoring from External Backup Solutions
In addition to cloud services provided by Samsung and Google, many users opt for third-party backup apps for securely saving their media files. If you are a user of backup apps like Dropbox or OneDrive, you might find your deleted videos there.
Steps to Retrieve Videos from Third-Party Backup Apps
- Open the respective app (e.g., Dropbox or OneDrive).
- Log into your account if prompted.
- Navigate to the folder where you have backed up your videos.
- Select the video you want to restore, and download it back to your device.
5. Use Data Recovery Software
If the above methods do not recover your deleted videos, you could consider using data recovery software designed to retrieve lost media. While this solution may require additional steps, it could prove effective for more severe cases of video loss.
Recommended Data Recovery Tools
Some highly-rated recovery tools compatible with Samsung devices include:
- Dr.Fone – Data Recovery
- EaseUS MobiSaver
Steps to Recover Videos Using Data Recovery Software
- Download and install the recovery tool on your computer.
- Connect your Samsung device to the computer via USB cable.
- Launch the recovery program and select the file types you wish to recover (in this case, videos).
- The software will scan your device for deleted videos.
- Preview and select the videos you want to recover.
- Follow on-screen instructions to restore them back to your device or computer.
Preventing Future Video Loss
While recovering deleted videos can be successful, it’s far better to prevent video loss in the first place. Here are some tips to safeguard your precious memories:
1. Regular Backups
Make it a routine to back up your videos and other essential data regularly. Utilizing services like Samsung Cloud, Google Photos, or any third-party backup application can provide peace of mind.
2. Be Cautious with Deletions
Before deleting any files, double-check that you indeed want to remove them. It’s prudent to take a moment to consider the potential consequences of deletion.
3. Utilize Safe Storage Solutions
Consider using external storage such as SD cards or USB drives to store vital videos. This reduces the risk of data loss due to smartphone malfunctions.
Conclusion
Accidentally deleting a beloved video can be distressing, especially when the memory captured in that video is irreplaceable. Fortunately, Samsung devices offer various options for recovering such videos, from checking the “Recently Deleted” folder to utilizing cloud services or recovery software.
By following the outlined methods and making a habit of regular backups, you can protect your treasured videos. Remember to act quickly when dealing with deleted media, as the chances of successful recovery diminish with continued use of your device. Embrace these strategies to keep your memories intact and safe!
What should I do immediately after realizing I’ve deleted a video on my Samsung device?
After realizing that you’ve deleted a video, the first step is to stop using the device immediately. Continuing to use your Samsung phone may risk overwriting the deleted files. Even if the video appears to be gone, the data may still be present on the device until new data replaces it. Therefore, refrain from taking new photos, videos, or installing apps that could take up storage space.
Next, check the app that you used to store or view the video. For instance, if you were using the Gallery app, look in the Trash Bin or Recently Deleted folder, as many devices offer a grace period during which deleted content can be restored. If the video is not recoverable via the app itself, you’ll likely need to consider other recovery methods outlined later.
Can I recover deleted videos from the Google Photos app on my Samsung phone?
Yes, if you had backed up your videos to Google Photos before deletion, recovery is straightforward. First, open the Google Photos app and check the “Trash” section, where deleted items are stored for 60 days before permanent deletion. If you find your video there, select it and tap on “Restore” to recover it back to your library.
If the video isn’t in the Trash, check if the backup settings were enabled for your videos. If you sync your photos and videos to Google Photos, navigating through your albums or searching for the video can sometimes yield results. If you find your video in your Google Photos library but in low resolution, it might be recoverable by restoring it to its original quality in the settings.
Is there a way to recover permanently deleted videos from my Samsung device?
Recovering permanently deleted videos is more challenging but not impossible. One effective method is to use data recovery software designed for Android devices. There are several third-party tools available that can scan the storage of your Samsung device, searching for files that have not been overwritten. Examples of such software include Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, and DiskDigger.
Before using any recovery software, ensure that you read reviews and verify the authenticity of the tool to avoid potential malware. Installation should preferably be done on a computer rather than on the Samsung device itself to minimize further data loss. Follow the software instructions carefully for the best chances of recovering your deleted videos, which may involve enabling USB debugging and connecting your phone to the computer.
What built-in tools does Samsung provide for video recovery?
Samsung devices typically come with a feature called “Recycle Bin” in the Gallery app, which temporarily stores deleted photos and videos for 30 days. To access this feature, open the Gallery app, tap on the three-dot menu, and select “Recycle Bin.” If your deleted video is within this time frame, you can easily restore it by selecting the video and tapping “Restore.”
Additionally, Samsung Cloud may provide a backup solution if you had it enabled prior to deleting your video. Go to Settings, select “Accounts and Backup,” then “Samsung Cloud,” and check if the video file is backed up under the “Gallery” section. Restoring from Samsung Cloud can often recover not only your videos but also other files like photos and documents.
Are there any risks associated with using third-party recovery software?
Using third-party recovery software does usually come with some risks. Many tools require certain permissions on your device, which can lead to potential security vulnerabilities. If the software is not reputable, it may carry malware that could compromise your device’s data or even harm its functioning. Always conduct thorough research and read user reviews before downloading and installing any applications.
Another risk is the possibility of incomplete recovery or damage to existing files. Some software solutions may not only fail to recover your deleted videos but also lead to data corruption in other files on your device. To mitigate these risks, consider backing up your data before using such software and choose programs from trustworthy sources that offer clean and proven outcomes.
Can I prevent future video loss on my Samsung device?
Yes, there are several strategies to prevent future video loss. Firstly, ensure that you routinely back up your videos to a secured cloud service such as Google Photos, Samsung Cloud, or even external storage solutions like an SD card or hard drive. Regular backups can save you a significant amount of stress when dealing with accidental deletions.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with your device’s built-in features, such as the Recycle Bin in the Gallery app. Understanding how these tools operate can help you make informed decisions if you accidentally delete something. Setting reminders for regular backups, using reliable storage options, and maintaining a habit of organizing your media can collectively decrease the risk of permanent data loss.