How to recover deleted photos on Samsung phone

Losing treasured photos can be upsetting, but you may be able to recover them. If you’ve accidentally deleted photos on your Samsung Galaxy phone, follow the steps below to restore them using the Gallery or Google Photos app. You’ll also learn how to back up and manage your photos to help keep your memories safe.

Before you begin, make sure your device is running the latest software. Follow the steps below to check for and install any available updates.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Software update.

Step 2. Tap on Download and install. 

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions. 

Check your Recycle bin
Deleted photos and videos stay in the Recycle bin for 30 days before they are permanently deleted.

Step 1. Open Gallery app > tap Menu.
Step 2. Select Recycle bin > tap Edit.
Step 3. Select photos you want to restore > tap Restore.

Check your Recycle bin
Items stay in the Recycle bin for 60 days before they are permanently deleted.

Step 1. Open Google Photos app > tap Collections.
Step 2. Select Bin > tap Select.
Step 3. Select photos you want to restore > tap Restore.
Step 4. Tap the pop-up to restore items.

Check your account
If some photos appear to be missing, you may be signed in to a different Google Account. Check that you’re using the account you backed up your photos to. If you’re using a different account, sign out and sign in with the correct one.

If your Samsung phone, tablet or wearable isn’t working as expected, you can report the issue through the Samsung Members app. This helps us investigate what’s happening. Your data is anonymised and only kept for the duration of the investigation. Learn how to send an error report in our guide to 'How to use the Samsung Members app'.