iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Start with Samsung Gallery’s Recycle bin: open Gallery, tap Menu, choose Recycle bin, select the pictures, and tap Restore. Samsung says Gallery deletions stay there for 30 days. If they are not there, check My Files, Google Photos, and any older backup that contained the images.
1. Restore photos from Samsung Gallery’s Recycle bin
- Open Gallery.
- Tap Menu, then Recycle bin.
- Select the images you want back and tap Restore.
Samsung Canada Support says, “Files deleted from the Gallery app are kept in the trash for 30 days.” After that period, Gallery items are permanently deleted from the bin. On some older software, the Recycle bin may have needed to be enabled before the deletion. Menu labels and screens vary by model and software version. Samsung’s Gallery Recycle bin instructions
2. Check My Files’ Recycle bin
If you deleted the image while using Samsung’s file manager, open My Files and tap Recycle bin. Find the image, select it, and choose the restore option shown on your device. Samsung says deleted files can be viewed by app in the Recycle bin area; the exact display may vary. Samsung’s My Files Recycle bin guidance
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
3. Restore from Google Photos Trash
- Open Google Photos.
- Tap Library, then Trash.
- Select the images and tap Restore.
Samsung India’s 2024 recovery guide says Google Photos items are permanently deleted after 60 days in Trash. Check the Google account shown in the app: a photo backed up under a different account will not appear in the account currently selected. Samsung India’s photo recovery guide
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
4. Look in OneDrive for previously synced images
Samsung Gallery sync with OneDrive ended on September 30, 2026, according to Samsung US. Do not treat it as a current sync setup or recovery route. If your photos were synced before the feature ended, sign in to the OneDrive account used for that sync and look for them there. Samsung says previously synced media remains in OneDrive and can be downloaded.
If the image was deleted from OneDrive, check OneDrive’s Recycle bin in the app or on the website. Samsung states that those deleted files remain there for 93 days. The retention period applies to OneDrive’s Recycle bin, not to every Samsung or Android deletion. Samsung US information about Gallery sync with OneDrive
Rank #2
- 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.
5. Restore an earlier Samsung Cloud backup
Samsung Cloud can help only if a relevant backup existed before the image was deleted and included the data you need. On supported devices, open Settings > your Samsung account name > Samsung Cloud > Restore data, choose the appropriate backup, and follow the prompts. Review the available backup categories before restoring; a general device backup should not be assumed to contain Gallery photos. Samsung Cloud restore instructions
Recommended Free Tools
6. Restore a Smart Switch or external-storage backup
If you made a Smart Switch backup before the deletion, you may be able to restore its photos to a new or reset phone. Samsung documents restoring from a computer and selecting categories such as photos. It also documents restoration from supported external storage, including a USB OTG flash drive. Availability depends on the phone model and supported storage; not every Samsung device supports microSD or external storage. These options restore only what was included in the earlier backup. Samsung Smart Switch backup and restore guidance
Rank #3
- 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
Which recovery route should you try?
| How the image was deleted or saved | Where to check | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Deleted in Gallery | Gallery > Menu > Recycle bin | Samsung Canada states 30 days for Gallery trash. |
| Deleted in My Files | My Files > Recycle bin | Follow the available restore option on the device. |
| Backed up to Google Photos | Google Photos > Library > Trash | Samsung India’s 2024 guide states 60 days; confirm the Google account. |
| Previously synced through Gallery and OneDrive | OneDrive and its Recycle bin | Gallery sync ended September 30, 2026; Samsung US states 93 days in the OneDrive Recycle bin. |
| Included in an older Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch backup | Restore data or the Smart Switch backup | Check backup contents and device support; the backup must predate the deletion. |
These are service-specific limits documented by Samsung support pages for Canada, India, and the US—not a universal Android recovery rule. The account, region, model, software version, and backup contents can change what you see.
Can permanently deleted photos be recovered without a backup?
If a photo is no longer in a recycle bin and no copy exists in a cloud account, computer, external drive, or earlier device backup, the official Samsung support instructions cited above do not establish a guaranteed way to recover it. Do not rely on an app claiming it can certainly restore permanently deleted images: Samsung’s documented routes are the bins and backups described here, not a guaranteed app-based recovery workflow.
Rank #4
- AWESOME SCREEN. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7" Super AMOLED display¹ of the Galaxy A37 5G. Enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity on the go
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Whether it’s family moments or important calls, stay powered without the wait with Galaxy A37 5G. Super Fast Charging 2.0² ensures you’re back up and running quickly
- NEVER MISS THE SHOT, EVEN IN LOW LIGHT: With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear high-quality photos and videos on your phone automatically without adjusting manual settings
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: Capture every moment effortlessly on Galaxy A37 5G with the advanced triple-lens camera system featuring a 50MP HDR main camera and a studio-grade front camera
- MORE POWER. MORE AWESOME: Enjoy smooth performance on Galaxy A37 5G. From detailed graphics while gaming to quick app launches and effortless multitasking, the Exynos 1480 keeps everything running
Set up protection for future photos
Once you have checked the available copies, choose a backup method supported by your device and account, and verify that photos are actually included. A new backup can protect photos going forward; it cannot retrieve an image that was already lost before the backup existed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
