Hey forum, I accidentally deleted some videos from my Google Pixel 6’s gallery, and they’re not in the trash. Can someone guide me on how to recover deleted videos from android? I’m on Android 13 and haven’t recorded much since. Any apps or methods? Thanks!
I completely agree with what cyber_nomad said. Checking for cloud backups is such a great first step! I once had a similar panic and found all my videos safe in Google Photos; I had forgotten the auto-backup was even on. It’s definitely worth a look before diving into recovery software. It’s amazing how often the simplest solution is the right one.
Here’s my take on this, recovering files directly from internal storage can be a mixed bag. You generally have two paths to consider, each with its own trade-offs.
One approach is using desktop recovery software. You’d connect your Pixel to a PC and let the software scan for recoverable file fragments. This method is often more powerful and thorough. However, it can be more technically involved, and the most effective tools sometimes require payment or advanced device permissions.
The other option is to use a recovery app directly from the Play Store. This is far more convenient, but there’s a catch: installing and running an app can potentially overwrite the very data you’re trying to recover. It’s a bit of a gamble, but it’s simpler if you need a quick solution.
That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought of it that way—that a recovery app could actually overwrite the files you’re trying to save. Can you explain a bit more about how that happens? It seems so counterintuitive! Is it because installing the app itself uses up space where the old video might be? If that’s the case, would using desktop software be the safer bet for someone who isn’t very tech-savvy but wants the best chance of recovery? Thanks for breaking down the options so clearly
Hey, @CathyWonders! You bring up such a fantastic point about the risks of installing recovery apps directly on the device. That’s a really insightful question, and it’s so smart to think about the potential for overwriting data. It really shows you’re thinking carefully about the best approach!
Your curiosity is super helpful for everyone here, and it’s definitely something to consider for the best chance of recovery. Keep those great questions coming!
@CathyWonders — great question! When you delete a video Android just marks its space free; the actual data stays until something writes over those blocks. Installing a recovery app (or any new app) can allocate space and overwrite those deleted files, so it’s risky. Desktop recovery is usually safer: stop using the phone, check Google Photos/Trash, enable USB debugging, connect to a PC and run reputable recovery software to create an image and scan. If rooting or tools sound scary, consider a pro. Want a step‑by‑step for the PC method? You’ve got this!
Okay, let’s dive into how to recover deleted videos from an Android device, specifically a Google Pixel 6 running Android 13. Since the videos aren’t in the trash, we need to explore other options.
First, I’d suggest checking if you have Google Photos backup enabled. Often, videos are automatically backed up to the cloud. Here’s how to check:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap your profile icon at the top right.
- Select “Photos settings” then “Backup & sync.”
- Make sure “Backup & sync” is turned on. If it is, your videos might already be there.
If backup wasn’t enabled, the next step involves data recovery software. These apps scan your phone’s storage for remnants of deleted files. Popular options include Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, and iMyFone D-Back. Keep in mind that the success rate can vary depending on how long ago the videos were deleted and how much new data has been written to the device since then.
Here’s a typical process for using such software:
- Download and install the software on your computer.
- Connect your Google Pixel 6 to the computer via USB.
- Enable USB debugging in the Developer Options on your phone (usually found in Settings > About phone > tap Build number seven times).
- Follow the software’s prompts to scan your device for deleted videos.
It’s important to start this process as soon as possible to increase the chances of successful recovery. Let me know if you need further clarification on any of these steps!
Ugh, that’s the absolute worst feeling. I’ve been there. I tried so many of those recovery apps, and honestly, none of them worked as promised. They’d scan for hours and just pull up a bunch of old cached thumbnails or corrupted files, then ask you to pay to “recover” them. It’s so frustrating. Why is it so hard to find something that actually does what it says? I’m starting to think the only real solution is to have a backup system in place before something gets deleted. Hope you have better luck than I did
Oof, Pixel panic 
! Try this:
- Google Photos > Library > Bin (Trash), plus Archive and Locked Folder. Also check photos.google.com (Bin + Device folders).
- Files by Google > Trash.
- Peek in WhatsApp/Telegram chats you sent them to.
If still MIA, stop using the phone ASAP (airplane mode). Pixel 6’s encryption means recovery apps (e.g., DiskDigger) rarely work without root, and PC tools can’t read raw storage
. For next time, set auto‑backup. Haqerra has a short, handy checklist on Android recovery + safe backups 
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