It happens to everyone: one wrong tap and a favorite photo is gone. Whether you can get it back depends on where it was deleted from and how long ago. Start with the quickest fixes first.
1. Check the Recycle Bin in your gallery app
In Gallery Photo Album, deleted items go to the Recycle Bin first. Open Tools → Recently deleted, select the photos or videos you want and tap Restore. They return to their original albums.
2. Look in other trash folders
Other gallery and cloud apps keep their own trash (for example the Trash/Bin in Google Photos). Items there are usually kept for a limited number of days.
3. Restore from a backup
If you back up to a cloud service or a computer, restore the file from there. This is the most reliable route for permanently deleted photos.
4. What can’t be recovered
Files permanently removed from the Recycle Bin, or private media stored inside an app that was later uninstalled, generally can’t be restored. Stop using the phone heavily after an accidental deletion, since new data can overwrite old files.
How to avoid losing photos in future
- Turn on a regular backup.
- Use the Recycle Bin instead of permanent delete.
- Review cleaner results before confirming deletion.
Frequently asked questions
How long are items kept in the Recycle Bin?
Recycle Bin items are kept so you can restore them; empty it manually when you’re sure. Check the in-app description for current retention behavior.
Can I recover photos after uninstalling?
Not from inside the app. Restore from a backup if you have one.
Try it yourself: Gallery Photo Album is free on Android. Get it on Google Play or see all features.