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To empty the main deleted-items bin, open My Files > Recycle bin > More (three vertical dots) > Empty, then confirm if prompted. Review the contents first: emptying permanently deletes the items. If you only want to remove photos or videos, you can manage them directly in Gallery instead.
Empty the main bin in My Files
- Open My Files.
- Tap Recycle bin. Depending on your phone’s software or regional build, the label may be Trash.
- Review the listed files. Restore anything you want to keep before deleting the rest.
- Tap More (three vertical dots), then tap Empty.
- Confirm the deletion if your phone asks.
Samsung’s updated My Files bin can show deleted items from My Files, Gallery, and Voice Recorder on supported software versions. The exact contents and labels can vary by device and software version. Samsung’s support guide describes the updated bin and its supported app categories.
Delete only selected files
To keep some items in the bin, open My Files > Recycle bin > Edit, select the files you want to remove (or choose All), then tap Delete. Use Restore instead if you selected something you want back. These actions are documented in Samsung UK’s My Files instructions.
Empty the Gallery bin
For photos and videos, open Gallery > Menu (three horizontal lines) > Recycle bin. Tap Edit, select the items—or all items—and choose Delete or Delete All, then confirm. Samsung US documents a newer shortcut on some phones: Gallery > Menu > Trash > More options > Empty > Delete. Follow the labels shown on your device, since menus vary. Samsung US’s storage guide includes that Gallery route.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- 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
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Samsung Canada says Gallery items remain in the Bin for 30 days before automatic permanent deletion; that retention period is specific to Gallery and should not be assumed for every deleted-file category or software version. Samsung Canada’s guide was updated June 18, 2026.
Restore something instead of deleting it
- My Files: Open My Files > Recycle bin > Edit, select the item, then tap Restore.
- Gallery: Open Gallery > Menu > Recycle bin > Edit, select the items, then tap Restore or Restore All.
If you cannot find Recycle bin or Trash
Check both My Files and Gallery, because the bin may appear under different labels or menus. Samsung also documents a Device care storage-management area for viewing deleted items by app. The route and wording depend on your device’s software; see Samsung’s storage-management instructions. Samsung support says the recycle-bin function cannot be turned off.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- 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.
Rank #3
- 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.
Rank #2
- 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.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
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