Losing pictures can be a distressing experience, especially when they hold cherished memories. If you have accidentally deleted photos from your Samsung Galaxy S7, don’t panic! There are ways to recover those lost images. In this extensive guide, we will explore various methods to recover deleted pictures from your device, ensuring a smooth process for you to retrieve your beloved photos.
Understanding Photo Deletion on Samsung Galaxy S7
When you delete a photo from your Samsung Galaxy S7, it typically goes into a recycle or trash bin. If you don’t empty this bin, you may still have a chance to restore your deleted images. However, if you perform a hard delete, the images might seem lost but can still be recovered using specific methods.
The first step in the recovery process is understanding where your deleted pictures might reside and what actions you need to take.
Potential Locations of Deleted Photos
Gallery App: This is the default application for viewing photos on your Galaxy S7. When a photo is deleted, it often goes to the ‘Trash’ or ‘Recycle Bin’ within the app.
Google Photos: If you have the Google Photos app installed and sync enabled, deleted photos may also end up in the Google Photos trash.
External Storage: If your photos were stored on an external SD card, recovery might require different tools or methods, which we will discuss later.
Initial Recovery Steps
Before diving into advanced recovery solutions, here are a few preliminary steps to consider:
Check the Gallery Trash: Open the Gallery app, go to the “Albums” tab, and look for a “Trash” or “Recycle Bin” folder. Photos can stay here for 30 days before they are permanently deleted.
Google Photos App: If you are a Google Photos user, open the app and navigate to the “Trash” section. From there, you can restore deleted images if within the 60-day period.
Method 1: Restoring from Gallery App
If your deleted photos are still in the Gallery’s recycle bin, you can easily restore them. Here’s how:
- Launch the Gallery app on your Samsung Galaxy S7.
- Tap on the Albums tab.
- Look for the Trash or Recycle Bin.
- Browse through the deleted images and select the photos you wish to recover.
- Choose the option to Restore them to their original album.
This method is straightforward and failsafe, provided you attend to it promptly.
Method 2: Google Photos Recovery
If you utilize Google Photos, you may be fortunate enough to recover your deleted pictures from its trash bin.
Steps to Restore Items from Google Photos
- Open the Google Photos app on your device.
- Tap on the Menu (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
- Select Trash or Bin from the menu options.
- Scroll through the deleted items and select the photos you want to restore.
- Tap on the Restore button, and your images will be returned to the main gallery.
Keep in mind that items in the Google Photos trash are only kept for 60 days after deletion.
Method 3: Using Samsung’s Find My Mobile
Samsung offers its users the Find My Mobile feature, which can sometimes assist in recovering lost data, including photos.
Steps to Use Find My Mobile
- Visit the Find My Mobile website (findmymobile.samsung.com) and log in with your Samsung account credentials.
- Ensure your Galaxy S7 is connected to the internet and has the feature enabled.
- Look for the option to retrieve “Gallery backup” or any related features that might allow you to access deleted files.
- Follow the on-screen instructions for recovery.
Note that success with this method may vary based on your previous backups.
Method 4: Third-Party Recovery Software
If the above methods do not yield results, utilizing third-party photo recovery software designed for Android devices may provide another avenue for retrieval.
Popular Third-Party Recovery Tools
- Dr. Fone: A reliable solution offering comprehensive data recovery options.
- EaseUS MobiSaver: Known for an easy-to-use interface and effective recovery capabilities.
- DiskDigger: Specialized in recovering lost photos and videos on Android.
Steps to Use Third-Party Software
- Download and install the chosen recovery software on your computer.
- Connect your Samsung Galaxy S7 to the computer using a USB cable.
- Enable USB debugging on your device by going to Settings > About Phone > Tap “Build Number” seven times to unlock Developer Options. Then go to Settings > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging.
- Launch the recovery software and follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted files.
- Once the scan finishes, preview the deleted photos and select those you wish to recover.
- Click on the Recover button to save the images back to your device or computer.
Method 5: Professional Recovery Services
If all attempts to recover deleted photos fail, you may need to consider a professional data recovery service.
When to Consider Professional Help
- Extensive Damage: If your device has sustained physical damage that impairs access to data.
- Permanent Deletion: When recovery software fails to restore deleted pictures after extensive searching.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Cost: Professional data recovery services can be expensive, typically ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on the severity of the data loss.
- Success Rate: While many services boast high success rates, results can vary.
Preventing Future Photo Loss
Now that you know how to recover deleted photos from your Samsung Galaxy S7, it’s crucial to implement preventive measures to avoid future losses.
1. Regular Backups
Use cloud services like Google Photos, Samsung Cloud, or external storage devices to back up important images regularly. This ensures that you have copies of your photos even if they are deleted from your device.
2. Enable Syncing
Make sure that syncing is enabled for your photo apps. This provides an extra layer of protection because synced photos can be reverted even after deletion.
3. Be Cautious with Deletions
Always double-check before deleting photos, especially if they hold sentimental value. Consider organizing and categorizing your images regularly to minimize confusion.
Conclusion
Recovering deleted pictures from your Samsung Galaxy S7 is completely achievable with the right steps. Whether through the built-in features of your device, utilizing Google Photos, third-party software, or professional services, you have numerous avenues to explore.
Remember to take proactive measures, including regular backups, to protect against future losses. By following the methods detailed in this guide, you can confidently navigate the recovery process and safeguard those precious memories.
With this knowledge at your fingertips, enjoy capturing and preserving your life’s moments with ease!
What should I do first if I accidentally deleted pictures from my Samsung Galaxy S7?
If you’ve mistakenly deleted pictures from your Samsung Galaxy S7, the first step is to check the “Google Photos” app. Google Photos has a “Trash” or “Bin” feature where deleted items are stored for a limited time before permanent deletion. Open the app, tap on “Trash,” and see if your deleted pictures are there. You can restore them if they are still available.
If they’re not in the Trash, check if you have backups enabled. Samsung devices often sync photos with the Samsung Cloud or other cloud services. Open the Samsung Cloud or any other relevant app you might be using to see if your photos are backed up. If they are, you can restore them back to your device easily.
Is it possible to recover deleted photos without a backup?
Yes, it is possible to recover deleted photos from your Samsung Galaxy S7 even if you don’t have a backup, but the process may be more complicated. You can use third-party data recovery software specifically designed for Android devices. These tools can scan your device’s storage and recover lost files, including images. Make sure to choose reputable software to avoid potential security risks.
Before proceeding with third-party recovery tools, it’s crucial to stop using your device immediately, as new data can overwrite deleted files, making recovery more difficult. Once you choose a recovery tool, follow the instructions provided carefully. Typically, the process involves connecting your phone to a computer, running the software, and scanning for recoverable files.
How can I use Samsung Smart Switch for recovery?
Samsung Smart Switch can be a helpful tool for recovering deleted pictures if you have previously backed up your device using this application. First, ensure that you have Smart Switch installed on your computer, and connect your Galaxy S7 to the computer using a USB cable. Once connected, open Smart Switch and look for the option to restore from a previous backup.
If you find a backup that predates the deletion of your photos, you can restore your device from that backup. However, keep in mind that this may overwrite any new data added since the backup was created, so it’s wise to back up your current data first. Always verify the restoration options to ensure you do not lose anything important during the process.
Are there any built-in recovery options on Samsung Galaxy S7?
The Samsung Galaxy S7 does not have an advanced built-in recovery option for deleted photos. However, it does have the Google Photos app, which provides some data recovery functionality via its Trash feature. If you’ve deleted photos within the last 30 days, they may still be in the Trash, allowing you to restore them easily.
Additionally, you can utilize the Samsung Cloud if it has been set up. Go to Settings, find Accounts and backup, and then check under Samsung Cloud for any possible backups of your photos. If the photos were backed up, you can restore them directly from there without additional software.
Can I recover deleted photos using a file explorer app?
Using a file explorer app may not work for recovering deleted photos in the traditional sense, as files marked for deletion are often not accessible through standard file systems. However, you may be able to bypass this limitation if the deleted files remain in the device’s cache or temporary files. Free file explorer apps can assist in navigating to where images are usually stored, but success can vary widely.
For a better chance of recovery, consider using a specialized file recovery app designed for Android devices. These apps can scan your internal storage and SD card for remnants of deleted files. Always opt for trusted applications to ensure your device’s security and privacy while aiming to recover your lost photos.
How long do deleted pictures stay in Google Photos Trash?
Deleted pictures in Google Photos are typically stored in the Trash for a period of 30 days. After this time, the items are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. It’s essential to act quickly if you’ve mistakenly deleted photos you wish to restore, as waiting too long can result in irreversible loss.
To restore pictures from the Trash, open the Google Photos app, navigate to the Trash section, and select the images you want to recover. Tap on the “Restore” button, and your photos will be returned to the main album in Google Photos. Regularly checking this feature can help you recover photos before they are permanently erased.
What third-party software can I use for photo recovery?
There are several reputable third-party software programs you can use for photo recovery on your Samsung Galaxy S7. Some of the popular options include Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, and DiskDigger. These tools are designed to recover deleted files from Android devices and usually have a straightforward user interface to guide you through the recovery process.
Before using any software, it’s advisable to research and check user reviews to find the most effective option. Additionally, always download software from official websites to avoid malware and ensure a safe recovery process. Follow the instructions provided by the software to maximize your chances of successful recovery.
Can I prevent accidental deletion of photos in the future?
Yes, preventing accidental deletion of photos in the future is possible by adopting a few best practices. Firstly, regularly back up your photos using services like Google Photos or Samsung Cloud. This way, even if you accidentally delete images, you can restore them from the cloud without difficulty. Consider enabling automatic backups to ensure that your files are consistently updated without manual intervention.
Another strategy is to use the secure folder feature on your Samsung Galaxy S7. By storing important images in a secure folder, you can protect them from accidental deletions. Additionally, be mindful when cleaning up your gallery; instead of selecting multiple images, review each one carefully to avoid mistakenly deleting cherished memories.