How to Recover Deleted Folder on Samsung Phone

This guide shows you how to recover a deleted folder on a Samsung phone, covering built-in options like Samsung Cloud and Google Photos, as well as third-party recovery tools. You’ll need to act quickly and avoid using the phone heavily after deletion to maximize your chances of success.

What You’ll Need

A Samsung phone with the folder that was deleted
Access to your Samsung account (for Samsung Cloud)
Access to your Google account (for Google Photos/Drive)
A computer (optional, for some recovery software)
A USB cable (if using a computer)
Third-party data recovery software (optional, for files not in cloud backups)

Step-by-Step

Stop using your phone immediately. The moment you realize a folder is deleted, avoid taking photos, downloading apps, or browsing. New data can overwrite the deleted files, making them unrecoverable.
Check Samsung Cloud Trash. Go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud > Trash. Look for your folder or its files. If found, select them and tap Restore. Samsung Cloud keeps deleted items for 15 days (or longer if you have a paid plan).
Check Google Photos Trash. If the folder contained images or videos, open the Google Photos app. Tap Library > Trash. Items stay here for 60 days. Select the files and tap Restore.
Check Google Drive Trash. If the folder was stored in Google Drive, open the Drive app, tap the hamburger menu (three lines) > Trash. Restore any relevant files. Deleted items remain for 30 days.
Check My Files app trash. On Samsung, the My Files app has its own trash bin. Open My Files, tap the three-dot menu (top right) > Trash. If your folder was there, select it and tap Restore.
Use a PC-based recovery tool. If the folder wasn’t backed up, you’ll need third-party software. Connect your phone to a computer via USB, enable USB debugging (Settings > Developer Options), and run a reputable data recovery program like Recuva, Disk Drill, or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. Scan the phone’s internal storage and look for the deleted folder.
Try an Android app (as a last resort). Some apps like Dumpster or DiskDigger can scan your phone’s storage for deleted files. They often require root access for deep scans, but can sometimes recover files from the cache or recent deletions. Install, scan, and restore what you can.

Common Mistakes

Continuing to use the phone. Every new photo, message, or app install can overwrite the deleted data. The longer you wait, the less likely recovery becomes.
Not checking the right trash. Each app has its own trash. Samsung Cloud, Google Photos, and My Files are separate. Check all of them.
Restoring to the same location. If you restore a folder that was in a location that no longer exists, it may fail. Instead, restore to a different folder or the internal storage root.
Using unreliable recovery apps. Many apps that promise recovery are scams or require payment before showing results. Stick to well-known software.
Forgetting about SD cards. If the folder was on an SD card, remove the card and use a card reader to scan it with PC software. This prevents further overwriting.

Tips

Enable automatic backup. Go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Backup and restore, and turn on Back up my data for Samsung Cloud and Google Drive. This prevents future loss.
Use a cloud storage app. Store important folders in OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive. These services often have version history and trash features.
Act quickly. The sooner you attempt recovery, the better. Cloud trash has a time limit, and local data gets overwritten fast.
Keep your phone charged. A dead battery can interrupt a recovery scan. Plug in before starting.
Know your Samsung Cloud plan. Free users get 15 GB, but the trash retention period may be shorter than paid plans.

Troubleshooting

Folder not in Samsung Cloud Trash. If the folder was never backed up to Samsung Cloud, it won’t appear there. Check if it was in Google Photos or My Files trash instead.
Restore option is grayed out. This usually means the item has expired from the trash (after 15/30/60 days) or the storage quota is full. Free up space and try again.
Recovery software doesn’t find the folder. The files may have been overwritten. Try a deeper scan, or use a different tool. If the phone is encrypted, you may need to decrypt it first (which requires factory reset – a last resort).
App asks for root access. Rooting your phone voids warranty and can be risky. Instead, use a PC-based tool that can access the storage without root.
Files are corrupted after recovery. This happens when the file system was partially overwritten. Try opening them on a computer with a repair tool, or restore from a backup if you have one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover a deleted folder without a backup?
Yes, but only if the data hasn’t been overwritten. Using a PC-based recovery tool immediately after deletion gives the best chance, but success is not guaranteed.

How long do deleted files stay in Samsung Cloud Trash?
Typically 15 days for free accounts, but it can vary. Paid plans may offer longer retention. Check your trash to see the exact countdown.

Does Google Photos trash keep deleted videos?
Yes, videos are kept for 60 days after deletion, just like photos. After that, they are permanently removed.

Can I recover files from a Samsung phone after a factory reset?
It’s very difficult because the reset wipes the encryption keys. Your only hope is a cloud backup or a professional data recovery service, which is expensive.

Is it safe to use third-party recovery apps?
Some are safe, but many are not. Stick to well-known apps like DiskDigger or Dumpster, and always read permissions. Avoid apps that ask for unnecessary access or payment upfront.

What if the folder was on an SD card?
Remove the SD card immediately and use a card reader with PC recovery software. This prevents the phone from writing new data to the card, improving your chances.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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