How to Recover Accidentally Deleted Files (Windows, Android, iPhone)

We’ve all been there—you delete an important file or photo by mistake, and panic sets in. 😱 Don’t worry! In most cases, deleted files can be recovered if you act quickly.

This step-by-step guide will show you proven methods to recover deleted files on Windows, Android, and iPhone devices.

🖥️ Recover Deleted Files on Windows

1. Check the Recycle Bin

• Double-click Recycle Bin on your desktop.

• Search for the deleted file.

• Right-click → Restore.

👉 Works if you didn’t permanently delete with Shift + Delete.

2. Use File History (If Enabled)

• Go to the folder where the file was stored.

• Right-click → Properties → Previous Versions.

• Select a version → Restore.

📌 Only works if File History/Backup was enabled earlier.

3. Restore from Backup

• Go to Settings → Update & Security → Backup.

• Select your backup drive → Restore files.

4. Use Windows File Recovery Tool (Free)

• Download from Microsoft Store: Windows File Recovery.

• Open Command Prompt and run:

  winfr C: D: /n \Users\YourName\Documents\filename.docx


• Replace file path with your lost file.

5. Try Third-Party Recovery Software

If the above doesn’t work, use tools like:

• Recuva (Free)

• EaseUS Data Recovery

• Disk Drill

📌 Best chance if you stop using the drive immediately (to prevent overwriting).

📱 Recover Deleted Files on Android

1. Check Google Photos / Google Drive

• Open Google Photos app → Library → Trash.

• Select file/photo → Restore.

• Works within 30 days of deletion.

2. Check “Recently Deleted” Folder (Some Android Brands)

• Open Gallery/Files app → Recently Deleted.

• Restore your files.

3. Use File Manager Apps with Cloud Sync

• Apps like Samsung Cloud or Mi Cloud may store deleted items.

4. Use Recovery Apps (If Not Backed Up)

• DiskDigger, Dr.Fone, iMobie PhoneRescue.

• Install → Scan storage → Recover files.

⚠️ Root access may be required for deep recovery.

🍏 Recover Deleted Files on iPhone

1. Check “Recently Deleted” Folder

• Open Photos app → Albums → Recently Deleted.

• Select files → Recover.

• Available for 30 days after deletion.

2. Restore from iCloud Backup

• Go to Settings → General → Reset → Erase All Content and Settings.

• Restart → Set up iPhone → Restore from iCloud Backup.

3. Restore from iTunes / Finder Backup

• Connect iPhone to PC/Mac.

• Open iTunes/Finder → Select device → Restore Backup.

4. Use Third-Party Recovery Tools

If not backed up, try:

• Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS)

• iMobie PhoneRescue

• Tenorshare UltData

📌 These scan device storage for recoverable files.

📹 Bonus: Video Guide

👉 Add a tutorial video covering:

• Recycle Bin & Windows File Recovery

• Google Photos “Trash” on Android

• iPhone “Recently Deleted” & iCloud restore

This boosts engagement and makes the guide user-friendly.

⚡ Pro Tips to Avoid Losing Files in Future

• Enable automatic backups (OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud).

• Regularly back up to an external hard drive.

• Use file recovery software only if necessary (to avoid overwriting).

• Don’t ignore cloud sync features—they save headaches later.

📝 Final Thoughts

Accidentally deleting files doesn’t always mean they’re gone forever.

On Windows, start with Recycle Bin or File History. On Android, check Google Photos or cloud backups. On iPhone, “Recently Deleted” and iCloud restore are your best bets.

If none of these work, recovery tools can often save the day—just act fast before the data is overwritten.

🔑 Prevention is key: set up backups today to avoid future panic!