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Most deleted items on a Samsung Galaxy phone can be restored from a built-in Trash or Recycle bin, but the route depends on the app that deleted the item. Photos and videos are restored from Gallery, documents and other files from My Files, and recordings from Voice Recorder. Each bin keeps deleted items for a limited time, so start with the app you used to delete the item.
Which Samsung app deleted your item?
Samsung’s bins are app-specific. Looking in the wrong app is the most common reason an item seems to be missing. Use the table below to find the right starting point.
| Deleted item | App that holds the bin | Where to find it | Restore action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photos and videos | Gallery | Menu (three horizontal lines) > Trash or Recycle bin | Restore |
| Documents and other files | My Files | Recycle bin > Edit | Restore |
| Voice recordings | Voice Recorder | More (three vertical dots) > Recycle bin | Restore or Restore All |
Samsung states that the recycle-bin function cannot be turned off, so a bin should exist for each of these apps on a supported model. The menu wording and location can still change with the phone model and software version, which is covered at the end of this guide.
How do I restore a deleted photo or video in Gallery?
- Open Gallery.
- Tap Menu (three horizontal lines). On some software versions the menu sits at a different screen edge.
- Tap Trash or Recycle bin.
- Touch and hold a thumbnail to select it, then tap the other items you want. Tap All to select everything in the bin.
- Tap Restore. When every item is selected, the button may read Restore all.
Restored items return to their original location in Gallery.
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- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
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How do I restore a deleted document or file in My Files?
Restore from the My Files recycle bin
- Open My Files.
- Tap Recycle bin.
- Tap Edit, then select one or more files, or tap All.
- Tap Restore.
Check the central recycle bin in Settings
Samsung also documents a central view at Settings > Device care > Storage management > Recycle bin > My Files, where deleted items can be listed by app. Use this route if you cannot find the bin from inside My Files. The exact path can differ across software releases, so follow the labels that appear on your phone.
How do I restore a deleted voice recording?
- Open Voice Recorder.
- Tap More (three vertical dots), then tap Recycle bin.
- Select the recording.
- Tap Restore, or tap Restore All to return everything in the bin.
How long do deleted items stay recoverable?
- Samsung’s cross-app Trash policy, stated in its current support material, keeps deleted items in the bin for 30 days. After that they are automatically and permanently deleted.
- Samsung’s Gallery support guide states that Gallery items past this period cannot be recovered.
- Because the clock runs from deletion, check the bin as soon as you notice a missing item rather than waiting.
What if the item is not in the bin?
Samsung’s support material does not describe a dependable recovery procedure for items that have already been purged, or for bins that were emptied. Do not rely on third-party recovery apps or paid services for this case; the official Samsung sources reviewed here do not support their claims. If you have a cloud backup or a synced copy, check the section below first.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
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Cloud sync can change what a deletion removes
If your Gallery photos are synced to Google Photos or another cloud service, a deletion may not stay on the phone. Samsung Japan’s support page on Gallery cloud sync, crawled in September 2026, describes the following for its sync setup:
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- Deleting a synced photo or video in Gallery or Google Photos also removes it from connected devices and from the other service.
- The deleted copy stays in both services’ bins for 30 days.
- Emptying the Gallery bin deletes the Google-stored original.
- Deleting only a local copy through My Files can leave a cloud copy available to download.
These behaviours depend on the sync feature and account settings in use, and this description comes from Samsung Japan, so treat it as a guide to your own setup rather than a rule for every Galaxy owner. To find out what your phone does, check which sync feature and Google or Samsung account is enabled, and look in the bin of the cloud service you use.
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- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
If the menus look different on your phone
Samsung’s India support article notes that “Available screens and settings may vary by software version and phone model.” In practice this means:
- The bin may be labelled Trash or Recycle bin. Use whichever label appears.
- Buttons may read Restore or Restore all, and selection options may appear as Edit or All.
- If a path in this guide does not match your screen, search for the app name and the words “trash” or “recycle” in the app’s menu, or use Samsung’s support pages for your model.
Once you have restored an item, confirm it appears in its original app. If it does not, check the bin for the app you actually used to delete it.
Quick Recap
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- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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