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To empty deleted items on a Samsung phone, open the app that deleted them and clear its Recycle bin or Trash. For files, use My Files > Recycle bin > More > Empty. Photos and videos in Gallery, and recordings in Voice Recorder, have their own bins and deletion controls. Check the contents first: permanent deletion removes the items from that bin’s restore option.
Which Samsung bin should you open?
Start with the app you used to delete the item. Samsung’s current instructions cover separate bins in My Files, Gallery, and Voice Recorder. Some supported software also lets you view bins by app through Device care. Samsung’s labels and layouts can vary by model, region, and software version; its support guidance was updated June 18, 2026.
- Documents and other files: My Files.
- Photos and videos: Gallery.
- Audio recordings: Voice Recorder.
Empty or delete files in My Files
- Open My Files > Recycle bin.
- Review the list for anything you may want to keep or restore.
- To permanently remove everything in the bin, tap More (three vertical dots), then Empty.
To remove only some files, tap Edit, select the items, and tap Delete. The selection screen also offers Restore, so confirm your selection before deleting. Samsung documents an alternate way to view bins by app: Settings > Device care > Storage management > Recycle bin > My Files. Samsung’s My Files instructions.
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Delete photos and videos from Gallery
- Open Gallery > Menu (three horizontal lines) > Recycle bin.
- Tap Edit and select the items you want to delete.
- Tap Delete or Delete All, then confirm.
On some screens, Samsung calls this destination Trash; its US storage guide shows Gallery > Menu > Trash > More options > Empty > Delete. Follow the wording on your phone if it differs. Samsung says deleted Gallery items remain in the bin for 30 days before automatic permanent deletion; that period is specific to Gallery and should not be assumed for other app bins. Samsung’s Gallery instructions and Samsung’s US storage guide.
#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
Delete recordings in Voice Recorder
- Open Voice Recorder > More (three vertical dots) > Recycle bin.
- Tap Edit and select the recordings.
- Tap Delete, then confirm.
The bin also provides restore controls, so check the selected recordings before confirming deletion. Samsung’s Voice Recorder instructions.
If you can’t find Recycle bin or Trash
- Open the menu in the Samsung app that handled the deletion; the bin may be labeled Trash instead of Recycle bin.
- For My Files, try Settings > Device care > Storage management > Recycle bin > My Files, as documented by Samsung for supported software.
- Use the labels shown on your own device rather than relying on a path from a different model or software version.
Samsung says the recycle-bin function cannot be turned off. Its support instructions do not establish one retention period for every app’s bin. Samsung’s support guidance.
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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