If you're a user of operating systems like macOS, Windows, or even GNU/Linux, you've already gotten used to the classic recycle bin. This feature allows you to rethink deleting files, as they can be recovered before being permanently deleted. However, when you switch to Android, you might be wondering: Where is the Android Trash? Is there a similar option that allows you to recover files that you accidentally deleted or want to recover later? In this article, you'll discover: In detail and up to date, everything related to the trash in Android, how it works and the most effective alternatives to recover deleted files.
Where is the trash located on Android?
Unlike what happens in desktop operating systems, Android does not include a unified recycle bin. natively. The main reason is the optimized storage space management and a focus on efficiency, as mobile devices often have limited storage capacity, especially when you factor in the space occupied by the system and apps. Dedicating several gigabytes exclusively to a central trash can would prevent you from making the most of your storage resources.
Instead of a global trash can, Android delegates the recycling function to different applications. Thus, apps like Google Photos, Files by Google, Gmail, or the galleries of some brands (Samsung, Huawei, among others) implement their own internal trash cans, functioning as small "limbos" for files and data about to be permanently deleted. For a deeper understanding of how to manage and locate deleted files, you can consult our guide on how to manage and locate deleted files. How to find the recycle bin on Android.
- Android does not have a unified trash can: Each application manages its own trash, if it includes one.
- Some layers of customization, like Samsung or Huawei, have added a trash can for photos and videos in their gallery.
- Google is implementing improvements progressively, like Files by Google, which already has an integrated trash can.
Where do deleted files go on Android?
When you delete files or data on Android, in most cases They don't go to a centralized location like they do on PC.Deletion is immediate unless the app in question has its own trash. This makes recovery entirely dependent on the app used and whether that app offers a temporary file retention system.
There are notable exceptions:
- Google Photos: When you delete photos or videos, they are sent to the Google Photos trash, where they remain for 60 days if you have a backup and 30 days if you don't, until they are permanently deleted. For more details, visit our guide on how to delete them. recover deleted files on Android.
- Google Drive: Deleted files go to an internal trash and are permanently deleted after 30 days.
- gmail: Deleted emails go to the trash for 30 days before being permanently deleted.
- Galleries of Samsung, Huawei and other manufacturersThese customization layers integrate a trash can into your image gallery, typically with a 30-day retention period.
- Files by Google: Your trash stores files deleted from the app itself for 30 days.
Messaging apps (like WhatsApp) or many third-party apps They do not have any waste bins, so once a file is deleted, it disappears immediately, unless you have a backup set up.
Bins specific to the most important applications
While there is no general trash can, the most popular apps from Google and major manufacturers have their own recycling systems. Knowing these bins is essential to be able to restore what you have deleted by mistake.:
Google Photos
- Deleted photos and videos go to the trash for 60 days (if backup is enabled).
- To access: Go to Google Photos, tap 'Library' and you'll see the 'Trash' option.
- You can restore or permanently delete items from here.
gmail
- Deleted emails remain in the trash for 30 days.
- Access: Open Gmail, go to the side menu, and scroll to 'Trash.'
Google Drive
- Deleted files are stored in the internal trash for 30 days.
- Access: Open Google Drive, go to the menu and select 'Trash'.
Google Keep
- Deleted notes remain in the trash for 7 days.
- Enter the app and look for the 'Trash' section in the side menu.
Samsung Gallery
- Deleted photos and videos are retained in the trash for 30 days before being completely deleted.
- Go to the Gallery, tap the menu, and select 'Trash'.
- It is also possible to restore images from this trash.
Google Files
- It includes a trash can where files deleted from the app are stored for 30 days.
- To access: Open Files by Google, tap the menu icon, and select 'Trash.'
- From there you can restore or permanently delete any recently deleted files.
Temporary bins in customization layers
Some manufacturers include an additional trash can in their customization layers, especially in the gallery app. Among the most notable:
- Samsung (One UI): Gallery with integrated trash can.
- Huawei (EMUI): The gallery includes a 'Recently Deleted' section where deleted files are stored for 30 days.
- Xiaomi: Some models also integrate a trash can into their gallery app.
Android 11 and later: Towards a universal trash can
With the arrival of Android 11, Google introduced the Scoped Storage, which allows developers to create temporary trash more easily and securely. This means that Some applications may implement more comprehensive and centralized trash options, although there is still no universal system-wide trash can. Files by Google has been a pioneer in incorporating this feature, and more apps are expected to be progressively added in future versions of the system.
In some recent versions of Android (starting from Android 12), you can find, by accessing Settings> Storage, a 'Trash' option where deleted files appear from apps that use the new API. However, its availability depends on updates and apps that support the File Recycling API.
How to Recover Deleted Files on Android
Depending on the app and file type, Recovering deleted files on Android is possible through several methods:
- Trash cans integrated into appsIf the file was deleted from Google Photos, Google Drive, Gmail, or another app with a trash can, go to that section and select the 'restore' option.
- Specialized third-party apps: You can install applications such as Dumpster, Recycle Bin, DiskDigger or the ones we detail below to try to recover deleted files.
- Connecting to a PC and using recovery software: PC programs like FonePaw, Dr.Fone, or similar allow you to scan your phone's storage to find deleted files.
- Recovery from backupsIf you have backup enabled in Google Photos, WhatsApp, or Drive, you can easily restore files.
However, the effectiveness of recovery is not always guaranteedIf the deleted file has been overwritten by new data, it may be unrecoverable or corrupted. Furthermore, many recovery apps only allow you to restore files deleted after installation, so they're not suitable for files deleted before installing the app.
Top apps for file recovery on Android
Below are some of the best apps for recovering deleted files or installing an additional trash can on your Android phone:
Detective Studio Photo Video Audio Removed
This app allows Recover deleted photos, videos, images, and contacts You can use it from both the internal memory and the SD card. It doesn't require connecting your phone to a PC and is easy to use from the device itself. This can be especially useful if you've accidentally deleted an important file that you didn't have a backup of.
File Recovery – Recover Deleted Files
Similar to the anterior, File Recovery makes it easy to recover deleted photos and videos. Its main advantage is that does not require root access and is capable of scanning both internal memory and SD cards. You just need to select the type of deleted file and wait for the results to appear to restore them.
Trash apps for Android: add a recycle bin if your phone doesn't have one
If your device or apps do not have a trash can, you can install third-party applications that simulate a recycle bin and are compatible with most file managers. Here are some of the best options:
Samsung (Native Trash in Gallery)
Samsung mobiles with One UI integrates a trash can into the Gallery app for images and videos. Access is simple:
- Open the Gallery app.
- Click on the menu (three horizontal dots).
- Select 'Trash'.
- There you can restore or delete recent photos and videos.
dumpster
HKBlueWhale Recycle Bin
With more than 10 million users, HKBlueWhale allows you to recover deleted photos, videos and music After installing the app, which is free and easy to use, it creates a "buffer" where everything you delete from that moment on will be stored until it's actually deleted, providing room for accidental file recovery.
Baloota Dumpster: Recycle Bin
Another highly recommended option, Baloota Dumpster offers a robust file recovery system Thanks to its compatibility with images, videos, audio, and all types of digital files. It's free, easy to use, and available in more than 14 languages.
Trash in third-party applications and file managers
In addition to the apps already mentioned, there are Other file managers that integrate recycle bin:
- Files by Google: As already mentioned, it has a trash can and is safe, fast and free.
- Explorers from other brandsSome smartphones include their own file manager with trash (check the native app on your phone).
How to permanently empty the trash on Android
To free up space and ensure that files are completely deleted, you should access the trash for each application and empty it manually. Remember that Files in the trash still take up space until they are permanently deleted, so if you need extra space or want to protect your privacy, go to each app and empty its trash.
- Open the app that has the trash (Google Photos, Files, Gallery, Drive…).
- Go to the 'Trash' section.
- Select the files or click the option to empty them completely.
- Confirm permanent deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Trash on Android
- Can permanently deleted files be recovered? If a file has been deleted from the trash, it is unlikely to be recovered unless a previous backup exists.
- Why can't I find the 'Trash' option on my Android? Not all Android versions or apps have this feature. Make sure you have the latest app and system updates.
- Is the Android trash taking up a lot of space? Files in the trash continue to take up storage until they are permanently deleted.
- Do messaging apps like WhatsApp have a trash can? No, WhatsApp permanently deletes messages and files unless you have a backup.
Although Android does not yet have a universal recycle bin like desktop systems, the sum of partial trash in the main apps and the third-party app options They allow you to recover most accidentally deleted files if you act in time. Stay informed about your system's updates, check for updates, and always enable automatic backups. This will reduce the risk of losing valuable information on your Android mobile device.