This article answers the question of how to recover a deleted file to Android. It will be useful to those users who accidentally deleted a document, formatted a USB flash drive or made a Hard Reset.
Why do you need specialized tools for Android?
Previously, devices with Android OS on board after connecting to a PC were identified as a USB flash drive. This made it possible to use the same applications for data recovery as on a PC, for example R-Studio or Recuva. Today, files are transferred to smartphones using the MTP protocol. In rare cases, you can find the usual type of access.
Because of this, restoring deleted files to Android using old methods is ineffective or even impossible. After Hard Reset, returning data is almost impossible. During memory cleaning after a reset, complex algorithms are involved. Sometimes encryption exacerbates matters, which is enabled on some models by default.
Easeus mobisaver
The Mobisaver app is free. The download link is on the official resource of the developer. The program supports all popular editions of Windows, starting with XP. To date, Mobisaver is the best utility in its class. Before recovering files deleted from the recycle bin, the utility must be installed. Although all installer messages are displayed in English, anyone can figure out the process. Just click on Next. No additional or adware is installed in the installer.
Key Features of Mobisaver
The following options are indicated on the official website of the program:
- Support for popular phone brands.
- Recover documents on internal memory and SD card.
- Provides a detailed report of deleted files and restores only selected by the user.
- Support for Android OS versions from 2.3 to 5.0.
- Restore call logs, contact books, messages and save information in HTML, CSV, VCF containers.
The site also has a paid version of the application, but information on additional options is not provided.
Preparatory operations
For the correct operation of all functions, the application requires installation on the mobile device root. Before restoring files to Android, you need to activate the "Debug mode" switch in the phone’s configuration. It is located in the developer’s main menu settings. If you cannot enable debugging mode, read the official instructions or the reviews of other users about your phone model.
Launch Mobisaver, and then connect the smartphone to the PC. When the Start button in the main area of the utility lights up, click on it. An access request will appear on the phone screen. Answer yes. After which the smartphone will offer to provide root-rights to the utility. Answer that you agree. After that, scanning will immediately begin. During this, a search for deleted documents, contacts, messages will be performed.
How to recover a deleted file on Android?
Scanning time depends on the memory size of the device. If the phone includes storage more than 15 GB in size, this process will take from 20 minutes. The scan result will be displayed on the PC display. All documents will be shown in a conveniently sorted list. To view only deleted files, click on the button with the text Only deleted items.
How to recover a deleted file on Android? Highlight the necessary documents and click on the Recover button. As a result, the application will copy the files to the computer’s drive.
GT Recovery
GT Recovery is a completely free product. Its functionality is absolutely identical to EaseUS Mobisaver. The main difference between GT Recovery is that the application is installed on the smartphone itself. FAT and EXT file systems are supported. It requires root privileges to work. You can download the program in the Google app store.
7-Data Android Recovery
7-Data is another program that allows you to perform free recovery of deleted files. The utility can work with SD cards and internal memory of mobile devices. Installation will require the user to click Next only a few times and, if necessary, change the installation folder.
- Turn on "Debug mode" in the phone, run the utility and connect the device to the PC.
- Answer yes to the question in the pop-up window on the smartphone screen.
- Click on "Next" in the main window of the utility.
- Select which drive will be scanned (internal or SD).
- Wait for the scan to complete.
- Highlight the files you want to recover and click on "Save".
How to recover a deleted file on Android and why is this possible?
All modern file systems do not erase information when you delete a file, but simply mark drive sectors as unoccupied. This approach allows you to extend the life of the flash memory, and at the same time restore documents.
Therefore, if you accidentally deleted an important document, it is advisable to turn off the smartphone. If this is not possible, try not to delete, copy, move or write new files in the smartphone's memory. Such actions will increase the likelihood of overwriting the sectors in which the deleted information was stored.