Having hundreds if not thousands of photos, videos and, notes on our Android smartphones is truly a blessing, no doubt about it. Instead of rummaging through old boxes, you can access them at a moment’s notice. But what if they get wiped out through an accidental format, or software/hardware failure? Your first instinct might be to panic and start cursing loudly, but here’s why you shouldn’t. There is plenty of choice for Android data recovery software, and we’ve picked the best ones for you. Use one or combine two or more, and you’ll inevitably experience the joy of data rediscovery.
1. DiskDigger photo recovery
Although the GUI looks somewhat simple, don’t let that fool you. The application proved powerful in our testing and works equally for both small recoveries and a complete memory format. Besides pictures, videos, and call history, it also has a “wipe free space” feature to permanently delete unwanted files. Rooting your Android phone is not necessary for it to work, but the scan will only search cache and thumbnails, which might not be enough. In that case, it is recommended to root your device or even go a step further and purchase DiskDigger Pro.
2. EaseUS MobiSaver – Recover Video, Photo & Contacts
One of the best-known companies for data recovery software, EaseUS, has an Android application as well. The process is very simple but time-consuming, and for that reason, it would be best to narrow down the search before you start the scan. Pick the location (SD card or internal memory), and include or exclude pictures or videos and their extensions if you remember the format. It also supports retrieval of call history, WhatsApp data, SMS, and contacts. Once the search is complete, simply chose what to recover from the thumbnails. Rooting your Android phone is not necessary, but the search will be limited. For best results, it’s recommended that you gain Administrator privileges.
3. Restore Deleted Photos and Video Files by Dumpster
The third software on our list is Dumpster – with more than 40 million downloads. It doesn’t perform data recovery in the same fashion, but we couldn’t go further without mentioning it. Essentially, it acts as a Recycle Bin on your Windows PC or Trash Can on Mac OS. It won’t search for already deleted files but will act as a failsafe from losing your files from the point of installation. It requires no root, no Internet access, it’s free, and will put your mind at ease knowing you have a backup if you accidentally delete something.
4. Deleted File Recovery – Recover Deleted Files
Going back to an app that can save you from sleepless nights. Don’t worry that it doesn’t have a unique name – the functionality is all that matters, right? Not only will you be able to restore your Android device from a format or a wrong tap that led to the loss of your data, but you’ll get to do it through a very eye-pleasing, green-colored interface. We’ve put it so high on our list due to its incredible ability to recover photos and videos, but for contacts, call history or documents, you’ll have to look at a different one.
5. Undeleter Recover Files & Data
If recovering pictures and movies just doesn’t cut it, here’s an option. Undeleter also includes various formats of audio files, call logs, SMS, and WhatsApp and Viber data. Even better, you can get the restored files transferred via Bluetooth, sent to your e-mail, Kindle device, or uploaded to your Google Photos folder. This is a great option because recovering files directly to your internal memory or an SD card will inevitably overwrite some of the previously deleted files. That’s not the goal here, right?
6. RecycleMaster: RecycleBin, File Recovery, Undelete
What if you could both search for files long gone and have a Recycle Bin on Android in one software? Well, you can with RecycleMaster. It combines the best of both worlds and also includes searching for documents and other file formats. Besides offering a failsafe in the form of a trashcan, it also allows you to password-protect it. That way, it also serves as a lockbox for files you don’t want to get rid of, but can also restore if you need them.
7. File Recovery – Recover Deleted Files
Another powerful data retrieval software for Android that doesn’t have a specific name, but loses no points in our book. It supports the recovery of music, pictures, and videos, with the options of filtering. While efficient in our testing, we’ve found there is no way to search by titles or sort the recovered files. Perfect for a few deletes files, but could be a nightmare for a full format restoration. Of course, the sooner you react, the better the chances.
8. Media File Recovery: Recover Deleted Video & Audio
The title says it all – no additional explanation should be required. The go-to application for all types of media, in our opinion, especially if you already tried others without success. Simple, quick, and effective. You can preview the files it found before choosing to recover them, of course. We, alongside many other users, discovered it was best used for audio files. Unfortunately, it shows a Not Deleted category in search results, which is part of the process that just clutters the screen.
9. Restore Deleted Photos Videos Free : Data Recovery
While it doesn’t have a catchy name. looks very barebones, and doesn’t have the best description of its features, this application surprised us. Yes, the orange interface isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but you’ll only have to look at it periodically while it scans. For the best results, we recommend starting the scan on a rooted phone. Once you complete the retrieval process, we recommend taking advantage of the built-in Dumpster/Recycle Bin feature to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
10. dr.fone – Recovery & Transfer wirelessly & Backup
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. dr.fone, as well as Wondershare, is a respected company that is a common choice for computers, whether they use Windows, Linux, or Mac. However, the app redirects users to the computer software and requires rooting for the best results. While we were able to recover the photos and videos we erased for testing, navigating through the process felt like jumping through multiple hoops. The only reason it was on our list is that it was able to dig deeper than other software, and might be the last resort to desperate users.
