Losing precious memories captured in photos can be a stressful experience, especially if you own a powerful device like the Samsung Galaxy S20. Fortunately, there are several methods available to help you recover deleted photos, whether it’s by utilizing built-in features, third-party apps, or data recovery tools. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various effective techniques for recovering deleted photos from your Samsung S20.
Understanding Photo Deletion on Samsung S20
Before diving into recovery methods, it’s essential to understand how photo deletion works on your Samsung S20. When you delete a photo, it is generally not permanently erased instantly. Instead, it usually goes to the “Trash” or “Recycle Bin.” From there, you have a window of opportunity to recover the photo before it gets permanently deleted after a certain retention period.
Step 1: Check the Google Photos App
Many Samsung Galaxy S20 users rely on the Google Photos app for photo storage and management. If you have this app installed and synced with your Google account, there’s a good chance your deleted images might still be recoverable.
Recovering from Google Photos Trash
To check if your deleted photos are in Google Photos’ Trash, follow these steps:
- Open the **Google Photos** app on your Samsung S20.
- Tap on the **Library** icon located at the bottom right corner.
- Select **Trash** (or **Bin**).
- Browse through the list of deleted items. If you find your photo, tap on it.
- Tap **Restore** to recover it.
Remember that items remain in the Trash for 30 days before being permanently deleted, so act quickly if you want your photos back.
Step 2: Use the Samsung Gallery App
If you did not use Google Photos or did not have it set up to back up your pictures, the Samsung Gallery app may hold your deleted images in its own Trash folder.
Steps to Recover Using Samsung Gallery
To recover deleted photos using the Samsung Gallery app, follow these simple steps:
- Open the **Gallery** app on your Samsung S20.
- Tap on the **Menu** button (three vertical dots) in the top right corner.
- Select **Trash** from the dropdown menu.
- Look for your deleted photos. If found, tap on them.
- Select **Restore** to get your pictures back to your Gallery.
Please note that photos in the Samsung Gallery Trash also get deleted after a 30-day period.
Step 3: Use Samsung Cloud Backup
If you regularly back up your device using Samsung Cloud, your deleted photos may still be stored there. To check your Samsung Cloud backups, follow these steps:
Recovering Photos from Samsung Cloud
- Go to Settings on your Samsung S20.
- Select Accounts and backup.
- Tap on Samsung Cloud.
- Log in to your Samsung account if prompted.
- Tap on Gallery to see if your deleted photos are available.
If you find the photos you wish to recover, you can download them back to your device.
Step 4: Third-Party Photo Recovery Apps
If the above methods do not yield satisfactory results, consider using third-party photo recovery apps. These applications can dig deeper into your device’s memory for deleted items.
Best Photo Recovery Apps for Samsung S20
When searching for a photo recovery app, consider those with positive reviews and a proven track record. Popular recovery tools include:
- DiskDigger: A powerful app that allows you to recover lost photos and images from your memory card.
- EaseUS MobiSaver: A user-friendly tool that can recover various data types, including photos.
When using third-party apps, ensure that you download from reliable sources like the Google Play Store to avoid malware and spam.
Step 5: Use Specialized Data Recovery Software on Computer
If your deleted photos are still not found, the next step is to use specialized data recovery software available for computers. These programs can scan deeper into the device’s storage and may recover images even after they have been deleted.
Steps to Use Data Recovery Software
- Download Data Recovery Software: Choose reputable software like Dr.Fone, Recuva, or MiniTool Mobile Recovery.
- Connect Your Samsung S20: Use a USB cable to connect your phone to the computer.
- Enable USB Debugging:
- Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information.
- Tap on Build Number seven times to unlock Developer Options.
- Go back to Settings > Developer Options and enable USB Debugging.
- Launch the Software: Open the data recovery software and select your device from the connected devices.
- Scan for Deleted Files: Follow the instructions to start scanning for deleted photos.
- Preview and Recover: Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable files and select the photos you want to restore.
Step 6: Avoid Writing New Data
As a general rule of thumb, it’s crucial to avoid using your Samsung S20 after realizing that photos have been deleted. Writing new data over deleted files can greatly diminish the chances of recovery. Instead, try to focus on the recovery methods mentioned above before attempting new tasks on your device.
Important Tips for Preventing Photo Loss
Recovering deleted photos can be a hassle, but taking proactive steps can greatly reduce the chances of losing your valuable memories in the first place. Here are some tips:
Regular Backups
Ensure that you’re regularly backing up your photos. Utilize Google Photos, Samsung Cloud, or any other cloud storage service to automatically back up your images.
Manage Your Storage
Periodically go through your photos and videos to keep your storage organized. Deleting unnecessary files helps avoid clutter and can keep your device running smoothly.
Conclusion
Lost photos can be frustrating, but with the methods outlined in this guide, recovering deleted images from your Samsung S20 can be a straightforward process. From checking the Google Photos and Samsung Gallery apps, utilizing Samsung Cloud, investing in third-party recovery apps, or using specialized data recovery software, there are multiple avenues to explore. Always remember that proactive measures are the best defense against photo loss. Don’t forget to take regular backups, and you’ll be well-equipped to handle any future digital emergencies!
What should I do immediately after deleting photos from my Samsung S20?
If you’ve accidentally deleted photos from your Samsung S20, the first step is to stop using the device to prevent data overwrite. Avoid taking new photos, downloading apps, or saving any files. This increases the chances of recovering your deleted images before they’re overwritten by new data.
Next, check your Google Photos app or Samsung Cloud. Many users have these services enabled, which back up photos automatically. Open the app and look for a “Trash” or “Recently Deleted” folder, where deleted items are stored temporarily before permanent deletion. If you find your photos there, you can restore them easily.
Can I recover permanently deleted photos from my Samsung S20?
Recovering permanently deleted photos can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. If you haven’t backed up your photos using services like Google Photos or Samsung Cloud, you may need to use third-party recovery software. These tools are designed to scan your device’s storage for recoverable files, but they work best when used soon after deletion.
To use recovery software, connect your Samsung S20 to a computer and follow the software instructions. Keep in mind that not all recovery tools are equally effective. Some may require rooting your device, which could void your warranty or expose it to security risks. Always do thorough research before choosing a recovery tool.
Is there a way to recover photos from a broken Samsung S20?
Yes, it is possible to recover photos from a broken Samsung S20, although the method will depend on the nature of the damage. If your device turns on but the screen is unresponsive, you can try connecting it to a computer and using software that recognizes the device for data retrieval. Sometimes, accessing the phone via Samsung Kies or Smart Switch can help recover data.
If your phone is completely non-functional, consider visiting a professional data recovery service. These specialists have tools and expertise that may allow them to recover data from damaged hardware. Keep in mind that recovery services can be costly, and success is not guaranteed, depending on the extent of the damage.
How can I prevent my photos from being accidentally deleted in the future?
To prevent accidental deletion of photos on your Samsung S20, it’s essential to implement regular backup practices. Enable automatic backups on Google Photos, Samsung Cloud, or other cloud storage options. This ensures that even if files are deleted from your device, you still have access to them through the cloud.
Additionally, consider organizing and managing your photo library regularly. Instead of keeping all photos in one folder, create albums based on events or themes. This organization can make it easier to find specific images and reduce the likelihood of accidental deletion when managing your gallery.
Are there free apps to recover deleted photos from my Samsung S20?
Yes, there are several free apps available that can help recover deleted photos from your Samsung S20. Some popular options include DiskDigger and EaseUS MobiSaver. These applications are user-friendly and start scanning your device for deleted files right after installation. However, keep in mind that free versions may have limitations on the amount of data they can recover or display.
While these free apps can be handy, their effectiveness can vary based on device usage and how long it’s been since the photos were deleted. For critical data recovery, professional software might be necessary. Always read reviews and ensure the app is from a reputable developer to avoid security issues.
What should I do if the recovery software fails to restore my photos?
If your recovery software fails to restore your photos, first, don’t panic. This doesn’t necessarily mean your photos are permanently lost. You can try rerunning the software or using a different application, as different tools may have varying success rates due to different scanning algorithms.
If software solutions do not work, consider reaching out to a professional data recovery service. These specialists have advanced tools and techniques to recover data that standard recovery software cannot. Be sure to select a reputable service and inquire about their success rates and costs before proceeding.