How to Recover Deleted Files from Your Cell Phone and PC

Did you accidentally delete an important file?

It could be a work document, PDF, spreadsheet, presentation, audio file, ZIP file, or even an entire folder.

The problem is that when you realize the file has disappeared, you don't always know where to look.

Before considering the file lost, there are a few places worth checking.

THE Windows Recycle Bin, the Google Drive Trash, the iCloud, the Google Photos And backups can keep a copy even after the file has been removed from its original location.

If the file is no longer available in those locations, there is specialized software that can scan the storage to look for data that can still be recovered.

In this guide, you will learn 6 tools to try and recover deleted files, both on computers and on cell phones and memory cards.

Is it possible to recover a deleted file?

In some cases, yes.

When you delete a file, it doesn't necessarily mean that all the data disappears immediately from the device.

Depending on the storage system, the space occupied by the file may be marked as available to receive new data.

Therefore, one of the most important recommendations is Avoid overusing the device after deletion..

The more new files that are saved, the greater the possibility that old data will be overwritten.

But there is an important difference:

File in the trash: It's usually much simpler to recover.

File permanently deleted: It may require specialized software, and there is no guarantee of recovery.

1. Windows Recycle Bin

If you deleted a file on your Windows computer, Don't start by installing a recovery program..

First, check the trash can.

Deleted files typically remain there until you choose to empty it or the system removes them according to storage procedures.

How to recover

1. Open the Bin in the work area.
2. Search for the file or folder.
3. Right-click and choose Restore.

The file will be restored to its original location before deletion.

This is the fastest way to recover recently deleted documents, PDFs, images, spreadsheets, and other files in Windows.

What if the trash can is already empty?

In that case, you can switch to a data recovery tool.

2. Google Drive

If the file was stored in Google Drive, It's worth checking the trash before looking for external software.

Google Drive has a specific area for deleted files.

How to recover

1. Access the Google Drive.
2. Open the section Bin.
3. Locate the file and select it. Restore.

Google states that files sent to the trash remain there for a limited time before being permanently deleted.

This means that if you recently deleted an important document, you may be able to recover it without installing any programs.

Google Drive ✅ — Access Google Drive

3. Recuva

If you deleted files from your computer and they are no longer in the Recycle Bin, the Recoil, CCleaner's tool is one you might consider.

The software was developed for recovering deleted files on Windows computers.

According to the official website, Recuva can recover files from hard drives, memory cards, USB drives, and other compatible storage devices.

It also offers a free version.

How to use Recuva

1. Download and install Recoil.
2. Choose the file type and the location where it was stored.
3. Scan and select the files found.

The software displays the results found and allows you to choose which files you want to try to recover.

Recuva ✅ — Official download

An important recommendation

If possible, Do not install Recuva on the same disk where the deleted file was located..

For example, if you deleted a document from drive C:, installing a lot of new data on that same drive may increase the risk of overwriting information that could still be recovered.

4. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

Another well-known alternative is... EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

The software was developed for recovering deleted files and supports different data types, including documents, photos, videos, music, emails, and other files.

The platform offers versions for Windows and macOS It offers a free version with limited recovery, as well as paid plans with additional features.

How to use

1. Install the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
2. Choose the disk or device where the file was located.
3. Run the search and view the results.

Next, select the files you want to recover and choose a different location to save them.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard ✅ — Official website

Why choose a free version?

It allows you to test whether the software can find the files before you decide if it's worth purchasing a paid plan.

This is especially useful when you don't yet know if the file can be recovered.

5. Disk Drill

THE Disk Drill It is another data recovery tool for Windows and macOS computers.

The platform offers support for different file types and storage devices, including internal disks, external hard drives, memory cards, and USB drives.

The software has features to search for deleted files and allows you to preview the results found before performing certain recovery actions.

How to use

1. Download and install Disk Drill.
2. Select the disk, card, or drive you want to check.
3. Run the search and look for the deleted files.

If you find the desired file, follow the recovery process indicated by the program.

Disk Drill ✅ — Official website

The platform offers versions with different usage conditions, so it's worth checking the current limits before making any payments.

6. PhotoRec / TestDisk

If you're looking for a free and more advanced alternative, there is... PhotoRec, developed as part of the TestDisk project.

Despite the name "PhotoRec," the tool isn't just for photos.

It can recover various types of files from storage devices, including documents, compressed files, videos, music, and other formats.

The project is Free and open source..

How to use

1. Download the PhotoRec/TestDisk on the official website.
2. Select the disk or memory card.
3. Choose the partition and the search type.
4. Begin the recovery process.

The interface is more technical than that of commercial programs, so it may not be the best choice for those who have never used recovery tools.

But it's an interesting option for those looking for a free alternative.

PhotoRec / TestDisk ✅ — Official website

How to recover deleted files from a memory card?

If the file was on an SD or microSD card, the procedure may be slightly different.

First, Stop using the card..

After:

1. Remove the card from the device.
2. Connect it to your computer using a compatible reader.
3. Run a tool like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill or PhotoRec.
4. Scan the machine.
5. Save the recovered files to another disk.

Do not save the recovered files again to the same card that is being analyzed.

This could overwrite other data that could still be recovered.

What if I deleted a file from my phone?

In this case, the first thing is to find out. where the file was stored.

If it was a Google Drive document, check the Drive trash.

If it was a file stored locally on Android, check the trash folder in the Files app or the device manufacturer's app, if available.

On your iPhone, check the app where the file was stored, iCloud Drive, and backups.

It's also worth searching for the file name on the device itself. Sometimes, the file wasn't actually deleted—it was just moved to another folder.

File permanently deleted: is it still possible to recover it?

It depends.

When a file is removed from the Recycle Bin, it may no longer be normally accessible by the operating system.

This does not necessarily mean that all the data disappeared at that instant.

Tools such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill and PhotoRec They may try to locate data that is still present on the device.

Although, None of these programs can guarantee the recovery of all files..

If the data has already been overwritten, recovery may be impossible.

Therefore, the sooner you notice the problem, the better.

What NOT to do after deleting a file.

If the file is important, avoid certain actions:

❌ Do not continue downloading large files.

New data may occupy the space previously used by the file.

❌ Do not install multiple programs on the same disk.

The installation also records new data.

❌ Do not save the recovered file on the same device.

Choose a different hard drive, flash drive, or storage device.

❌ Do not format the device.

If you still intend to attempt a recovery, do not format the storage without first understanding the consequences.

Which tool to choose?

It depends on your device.

If you're looking for a simple solution, start by Trash or backup This is usually the best way.

If the file has already been permanently deleted, a specialized tool may be the next step.

Recover your deleted files

Losing an important document doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up on it immediately.

Start by checking the Windows Recycle Bin, Google Drive, iCloud, or the application where the file was stored..

If it is no longer available, tools such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill and PhotoRec They can help in searching for data that is still present in storage.

Remember: The less you use the device after deletion, the greater the chances of recovery..

And if the file you lost was a photo or video, there are also specific tools for those formats.

Written by Nara

I think, therefore I write! Content Writer, Compliance Analyst, and SEO Editor | Over 7 years of experience. As an introvert, I discovered that writing is the perfect way to connect, engage, and communicate with others. I deeply believe in the power of words; for me, transforming complex concepts into accessible content is a simple act of inclusion. I specialize in transforming Finance, Credit, and digital world topics into clear, search engine optimized (SEO) content that brings brands closer to their audiences. My experience is backed by certifications from leading market references: ANBIMA, Rock Content, and HubSpot.

Updated on August 26, 2026