Losing important contacts on your Samsung Galaxy S20 can be incredibly frustrating. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion, a software glitch, or complete data loss, the ability to retrieve those contacts can save you from a lot of headaches. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through all the methods to recover deleted contacts from your Samsung S20, ensuring that you can restore those vital connections with ease. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with step-by-step instructions, useful tips, and preventative measures to safeguard your contacts in the future.
Understanding How Contacts Are Stored on Samsung S20
Before we delve into the recovery methods, it’s important to understand how your contacts are stored on your Samsung Galaxy S20. Contacts can typically reside in a few different places:
- Internal storage: This is the phone’s built-in memory where contacts can be saved locally.
- Google Account: If you sync your contacts with your Google account, they will be backed up online.
- Samsung Cloud: Similar to Google, Samsung Cloud can also back up your contacts.
Understanding where your contacts were stored can determine which recovery method you’ll need to use.
Methods for Recovering Deleted Contacts
Now that you understand where your contacts may be saved, let’s explore the various methods available for recovering deleted contacts on your Samsung S20.
Method 1: Restore from Google Account
One of the most effective ways to recover deleted contacts is through your Google account. If you have synced your contacts with your Google account, you can easily restore them by following these steps:
Step 1: Check Google Contacts
- Open a web browser on your computer or another device.
- Go to Google Contacts and log in with the same Google account used on your Samsung S20.
- Check if your missing contacts are available there.
Step 2: Restore Contacts
If you see that some contacts are missing, you can restore your contacts from a previous backup:
- On the left sidebar, click on “More” and then select “Undo changes.”
- Choose a time frame to restore contacts (e.g., 10 minutes ago, 1 hour ago, or a custom range).
- Click “Confirm” to restore your contacts.
Your contacts should now appear back in your Google Contacts and will sync with your Samsung S20.
Method 2: Restore from Samsung Cloud
If you have been using Samsung Cloud to back up your contacts, you can restore them easily:
Step 1: Access Samsung Cloud
- Open the “Settings” app on your Samsung Galaxy S20.
- Scroll down and select “Accounts and backup.”
- Tap on “Samsung Cloud.”
Step 2: Restore Contacts
- Select “Restore data.”
- Choose “Contacts” from the list of data types you wish to restore.
- Click on “Restore” to initiate the process.
Once finished, your deleted contacts should be restored to your Samsung S20.
Method 3: Use Data Recovery Software
If the previous methods didn’t yield results, you may want to resort to third-party data recovery software. These tools can often recover files that the operating system cannot easily access.
Step 1: Download Recovery Software
Look for reputable data recovery software compatible with Android devices. Some popular options include:
- Dr.Fone – Data Recovery
- EaseUS MobiSaver
Step 2: Connect Your Phone
- Download and install the software on your computer.
- Connect your Samsung S20 to the computer using a USB cable.
- Enable USB debugging on your phone. (Settings > Developer options > USB debugging.)
Step 3: Scan and Recover Contacts
- Open the recovery software and select the option to recover deleted contacts.
- The software will scan your device for any recoverable data.
- Once the scan is complete, preview the found contacts and select the ones you wish to recover.
- Click on the “Recover” button and the contacts will be saved back to your device.
Method 4: Check the Trash or Recently Deleted Folder
Many modern smartphones, including the Samsung S20, have a “Recently Deleted” folder where deleted items may be temporarily stored.
Step 1: Open Phone App
- Open the “Phone” app on your Samsung S20.
- Tap on the “Contacts” tab.
- Look for a “Trash” or “Recently Deleted” option in the menu (this feature may vary based on software versions).
Step 2: Recover from Trash
- If you find deleted contacts here, you can select them and choose the option to restore.
- Confirm your choice, and the contacts should be restored back to your contacts list.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Data Loss
While it’s essential to know how to recover deleted contacts, it’s even more important to prevent this from happening in the first place. Here are some practical tips to safeguard your contacts:
Regular Backups
Make it a habit to frequently back up your contacts. Utilize both Google Account and Samsung Cloud to ensure multiple backups are available.
Use Contact Management Apps
Consider using apps that manage your contacts better. Some apps allow for more comprehensive backup options and may even offer enhanced features for organizing your contacts.
Conclusion
Losing contacts can be a distressing experience, especially if they are crucial for your personal and professional life. Fortunately, with the methods outlined in this guide, you should be able to recover deleted contacts on your Samsung Galaxy S20 quickly and efficiently. Always remember to back up your data regularly to minimize the chances of future loss. Whether you opt for Google or Samsung Cloud, these preventative measures can save you a lot of time and stress down the road.
By understanding where your contacts are stored and using the tools available, you can keep your contact list safe and sound, ensuring that you remain connected with your friends, family, and colleagues at all times.
What should I do immediately after realizing my contacts are deleted?
When you realize that your contacts have been deleted from your Samsung S20, the first step is to stop using the device immediately to prevent overwriting data. Make sure to check if the contact is still available in other apps, such as messages or email. Sometimes, the contact may appear in those places even if it’s not visible in your contacts list.
Next, go to your Google Account on the Samsung S20 and check if the contacts are synced. If the syncing is enabled, you may have a backup of the contacts on your Google account. Make sure to log in and check the Google Contacts page to see if the deleted contacts are available for recovery.
Can I recover deleted contacts from the Samsung Cloud?
Yes, you can often recover deleted contacts from the Samsung Cloud if you have previously backed up your data. To do this, navigate to the settings on your Samsung S20 and select “Accounts and backup.” From there, you can access Samsung Cloud, where you can find options to restore your contacts.
If your contacts were backed up, simply follow the prompts to restore them. It may take a few moments, but once the restoration is complete, check your contacts list again for the recovered entries.
Is it possible to use a third-party app for recovering contacts?
Yes, there are many third-party applications available that can help recover deleted contacts from your Samsung S20. These apps can scan your device for lost data, including contacts. However, it’s important to choose a reputable app to avoid potential data loss or privacy issues.
Before using a third-party app, ensure that you research its reviews and ratings. Once you find a suitable app, follow the instructions provided to perform the recovery process. Keep in mind that success rates may vary, and not all apps can guarantee the retrieval of deleted contacts.
How can I check if my contacts are backed up to Google?
To check if your contacts are backed up to Google, open the Google Contacts website from any browser and log in with your Google account. Once logged in, navigate to the “Contacts” section to see if your deleted contacts are listed there. If you find them, you can restore them easily.
If you can’t see your contacts, it may be a sign that they were not backed up or synced with your Google account. You can also check the backup settings on your Samsung S20 under “Settings” > “Accounts and backup” > “Backup data” to confirm if Google Contacts sync is enabled.
What if I can’t find my contacts in the Recycle Bin?
If you’ve checked the Recycle Bin and cannot find your deleted contacts, it is possible that they were permanently deleted or that your device does not retain deleted contacts in the Recycle Bin for long. In such cases, you might need to consider other recovery options, such as restoring from a backup or using third-party software.
Additionally, be sure to check if any syncing options are available through your email or social media applications, as contacts may inadvertently be saved there. If none of these options work, utilizing professional data recovery services is another avenue to explore.
How often does my Samsung S20 automatically back up contacts?
The frequency of automatic backups on your Samsung S20 depends on the settings you have configured. Typically, if you have enabled Google Drive backup, your contacts may be backed up daily or at intervals based on your usage habits. It’s essential to ensure that the backup synchronization is enabled under your account settings.
To check or modify these settings, go to “Settings” > “Accounts and backup” > “Backup data.” Here, you can verify if the contacts backup option is turned on and adjust the frequency based on your preferences to ensure that your contacts are regularly saved.
Can I recover contacts after performing a factory reset?
Recovering contacts after a factory reset can be challenging, but not impossible, especially if you had a backup in place. If your contacts were synced with your Google account, you could restore them after the factory reset by signing into the same account and allowing the device to sync back your contacts.
If you did not have a backup before the factory reset, the chances of recovery are slim. While third-party data recovery tools might offer some solutions, their effectiveness may vary, and success is not guaranteed. It’s always best to maintain regular backups to avoid losing important data in the future.