Accidentally deleting videos from your Android device can induce panic, especially if they hold sentimental or professional value. However, it is often possible to retrieve these files, depending on several factors such as how the data was deleted and what post-deletion actions have been taken.
Smartphone technology and file management systems have come a long way in providing safeguards against permanent data loss. While there might be a common notion that once data is deleted, it is lost forever, several built-in and third-party tools offer hope for recovery.
Immediate Steps Post Deletion
Upon realizing that a video has been deleted, it is paramount to stop using the device immediately. Any further use can overwrite the space where the deleted file is located, significantly reducing the chances of successful recovery.
- Do not install new apps or save new files.
- Avoid updating existing apps or the operating system.
Recovering from Backup Solutions
Before trying out recovery tools, check if you have a backup of your Android device that may contain the deleted videos.
- Cloud Services: Services like Google Drive or Dropbox might have a backup if you’ve enabled sync.
- Google Photos: This app might still have the video in the ‘Trash’ if it’s within 30 days of deletion.
Retrieve from Google Photos
If you’ve used Google Photos to back up your data, recovering a video can be quite simple. Google Photos retains deleted items in the ‘Trash’ for 30 days. Here’s how you can recover them.
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Navigate to Library > Trash.
- Select the desired video and tap ‘Restore.’
Utilizing Android’s Built-In Features
Some Android devices come with a ‘Recently Deleted’ folder, much like the Recycle Bin on a PC. Here’s how to use it.
- Open the Gallery app on your Android device.
- Locate the ‘Recently Deleted’ or ‘Trash’ folder.
- Select the video(s) you want to recover and restore them to your gallery.
Third-Party Recovery Applications
If backups and built-in features fail to yield results, numerous third-party applications exist that promise to recover deleted data.
- Video Recovery Apps: Apps like ‘DiskDigger’ or ‘EaseUS MobiSaver’ can scan your device for recoverable data.
- Desktop Software: Programs like ‘Wondershare Dr.Fone’ may offer higher success rates but require connecting your device to a computer.
Step-by-Step Guide Using Desktop Software
When opting for desktop-based recovery software, follow the steps below:
- Download and install the recovery software on your computer.
- Connect your Android device to the computer.
- Enable USB debugging on your Android device to allow the computer to recognize it.
- Run the recovery software and select the file type to recover (in this case, videos).
- The software will scan your device and list recoverable files.
- Preview and select the videos you wish to recover, then save them to your computer or device.
Precautions and Maintenance for Future Safety
Preventing future loss of videos is just as important as recovering the current ones. And implementing a good backup strategy is the most effective way of doing so.
- Enable automatic cloud backups for your videos.
- Regularly transfer files to a secure external storage device.
- Use apps with auto-backup features.
Losing videos is certainly frustrating, but with the proper knowledge and tools at your disposal, you can be prepared for such scenarios and perhaps prevent them from happening in the first place.