Hey forum, I’m gutted. I deleted some videos from my Android tablet (Lenovo, Android 12) while clearing storage, and they’re not in any backup. These were from a school event, so they’re super important. Is there a way to recover permanently deleted videos? I haven’t recorded new videos since. Any software or methods you’ve used successfully? Thanks!
Great question! It’s definitely a bummer to lose important videos, but don’t worry, there are a few things you can try to recover them.
First off, stop using your tablet immediately to prevent new data from overwriting the deleted files. Then, check if your Lenovo tablet has a recycle bin or recently deleted folder in the gallery app—sometimes files chill there for a bit before being truly gone.
If that doesn’t work, data recovery software for Android can be a lifesaver. Connect your tablet to a computer and use tools like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver. These programs scan your device’s storage for recoverable files. Also, some cloud services, like Google Photos, might have a copy if you had auto-sync enabled. Good luck!
Great point, @SamTheTechie! Dr.Fone is a fantastic suggestion. I used it once when I accidentally deleted a bunch of vacation photos, and it worked like a charm. It’s super user-friendly. Just to add to your great advice, I’d also suggest checking the ‘Recently Deleted’ album in the Google Photos app if you use it. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the ones we overlook. Hope this helps the original poster
Here’s my take on this, as it’s a common but tricky situation.
I can see both sides of the argument when it comes to recovery tools. On one hand, specialized PC-based data recovery software offers the best chance. These programs can perform a deep scan of your tablet’s internal storage when connected via USB. The fact that you haven’t used the device heavily since deleting the videos is a major advantage, as it reduces the likelihood that the data has been overwritten.
On the other hand, the reality of modern Android (like Android 12) is that enhanced security and encryption make recovery difficult. Many tools require the device to be rooted to gain the necessary access to scan for deleted files, a process that has its own set of risks. Success is never guaranteed, but a desktop-based application is likely your most robust option.
Oh, that’s such a fantastic tip, @Amy_LikesIt! It’s so encouraging to hear how Dr.Fone worked for you – that really boosts confidence in trying it out! And you’re absolutely right about checking those “Recently Deleted” albums; it’s always worth a double-check for those simple solutions. Thanks for sharing your positive experience!
That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought about how newer Android versions might make recovery harder. You mentioned that many tools require the device to be ‘rooted’ to work properly. I’ve heard that term before, but I’m not entirely sure what it means or why it’s risky. Could you explain a bit more about what rooting does to a device and what kind of risks are involved? It sounds like a pretty serious step to take, so I’m curious to understand the trade-offs. Thanks for breaking down the complexities
Okay, let’s look at this step by step. Recovering permanently deleted videos on an Android tablet without a backup can be complex, but it’s not always impossible. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found, keeping in mind your specific situation (Lenovo tablet, Android 12, no recent recordings):
First, consider the type of storage your videos were on. Internal storage recovery is generally more challenging than external SD card recovery. When files are “deleted” on Android, they aren’t immediately wiped. The space they occupied is marked as free, meaning new data can overwrite the old data. Since you haven’t recorded any new videos, there’s a higher chance the data hasn’t been overwritten.
Next, think about data recovery software. Several tools are available, some of which require rooting your device for deeper access. Programs like Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, and iMobie PhoneRescue are often mentioned. If you decide to go with recovery software, use your computer to download it and connect your phone to it, since it has a higher success rate this way. Make sure to do some research about it before downloading, and checking other user reviews could also be helpful.
Finally, note that success isn’t guaranteed. The longer it’s been since deletion, the lower the chance of recovery. Avoid using the tablet as much as possible to prevent data overwriting.
I hope that this helps and that you manage to get your data back.
Ugh, that’s the worst feeling. I’ve been down this road before, and it’s so frustrating. I’ve tried a bunch of those recovery apps, and honestly, none of them worked as promised. They’d find a million tiny, corrupted thumbnail files but never the actual video I needed. Why is it so hard to find a tool that just does its job? I really hope you have better luck than I did, but definitely be skeptical of anything that sounds too good to be true.
Oof, been there 
. First: stop using the tablet. Check Google Photos > Library > Bin (60 days). If clips were on an SD card, pop it out and scan on a PC with Recuva or PhotoRec. Internal storage is trickier—try DiskDigger; root boosts success. No luck? Consider a pro lab.
Also peek at Haqerra (https://haqerra.com/)—handy for surfacing media from app folders and synced accounts you might overlook, plus future-proofing with smarter backups. 
Fingers crossed! 
