Have you ever factory reset your Android phone and realized too late that you forgot to back up your photos? Losing important pictures can be devastating, especially if they hold sentimental value. Fortunately, there are ways to restore lost photos on your Android device. In this guide, we’ll cover different methods that could help you recover your photos quickly and effortlessly.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we get started, here are a few things that you’ll need:
- Your Android phone
- A computer or laptop with a USB port and internet connection
- Google account credentials
- A reliable photo recovery software
- A USB cable
What requires your focus?
It’s important to work quickly and efficiently after you’ve realized your photos are missing. Choose a recovery method that suits your level of technical expertise, make sure you have all the necessary equipment, and don’t write over your data. You’ll also want to avoid taking new photos or installing new apps so that you don’t overwrite existing data on your phone.
Different Methods to Restore Photos on Android After Factory Reset
Method 1: Via Google Photos app
If you had your photos backed up to Google Photos, then restoring them after a factory reset is easy.
1. Open the Google Photos app on your Android device.
2. Tap on the three lines in the top left corner of the app.
3. Select “Trash” or “Bin”.
4. Find the photos you wish to restore, tap and hold them.
5. Tap “Restore” at the bottom of the screen.
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward
- No external software required
Cons:
- Works only if Google Photos is enabled for backup
- Only photos backed up until the date of the factory reset can be restored
Method 2: Via Android Data Recovery Software
If you don’t have Google Photos backup enabled, a reliable photo recovery software could be your best bet to recover the photos.
1. Download and install a reputable photo recovery software on your computer. We recommend EaseUS MobiSaver, Wondershare Dr. Fone, or Disk Drill. These programs have user-friendly interfaces and great success rates.
2. Launch the software and connect your Android device to your computer via USB cable.
3. Enable USB debugging. Follow the on-screen instructions to allow USB debugging.
4. The software will ask you to select the type of file you want to recover. Select “Photos” and proceed.
5. The software will then scan your phone, and once the scan is completed, it will display the photos that were found. Check the photos you want to recover, and click on “Recover”.
Pros:
- Very effective in recovering lost photos
- Can recover photos lost due to various reasons
Cons:
- The software may not always be able to recover all the lost photos
- Some recovery software may involve purchasing a license
Method 3: Via Google Drive or Dropbox
If you had your photos saved to Google Drive or Dropbox, you have a good chance of recovering them after a factory reset.
1. Open the Google Drive or Dropbox app on your Android device.
2. Look for a folder named “Photos” or “Camera Uploads”.
3. If you find your photos in that folder, select the images you wish to recover.
4. Tap the “Download” button to save the photos to your device.
Pros:
- Unlimited storage capacity for images on Google Drive or Dropbox
- Easy to use and no additional software required
Cons:
- It may take some time to find the photos you want to recover among other files
- Requires an active internet connection
Method 4: Via Cloud Storage Providers
If you had your photos backed up to any cloud storage providers other than Google Drive or Dropbox, you may be able to retrieve them after a factory reset.
1. Sign in to your account with the respective cloud storage provider.
2. Find the folder containing your photos.
3. Select the photos you want to recover.
4. Click on the “Download” button to restore the photos to your device.
Pros:
- You may be able to retrieve photos you didn’t back up on Google Drive, Dropbox, or other providers
- Some cloud storage providers offer free unlimited storage
Cons:
- You need to have an account with the respective cloud storage provider and available storage
- It may take some time to search for the photos you lost among other files in the cloud storage
Method 5: Via Android Backup
If you have Android backup enabled for your device, it is possible to retrieve your lost photos after a factory reset.
1. Go to the “Settings” menu on your device.
2. Select “System” or “System Update”.
3. Choose “Backup & reset”.
4. Select “Restore from backup” and follow the prompts.
Pros:
- If you have Android backup enabled, photos will automatically be backed up on Google Drive
- You may be able to recover other lost data as well
Cons:
- Only works if Android backup was enabled before the factory reset
- Unable to restore specific files (photos only or complete restore)
Why Can’t I Restore Photos on Android After Factory Reset?
You may encounter some difficulty restoring your photos on Android after a factory reset due to various reasons.
1. The Photos Were Not Backed Up
Sometimes, we forget to back up our data, or automatic backups were not enabled. If you didn’t back up your photos before resetting your phone, recovery becomes impossible.
2. Overwritten Data
When you restore your device or set up a phone as new, some data may be overwritten, making it impossible to restore lost photos.
3. Corrupted Photos
If your photos were already damaged or corrupted before your phone factory reset, they may be unrecoverable.
Implications and Recommendations
While there are several options to retrieve lost photos after a factory reset, the best way to get your photos back would be to back them up regularly. You can use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox, or backup apps like Google Photos or iCloud on iOS. Here are a few more suggestions:
- Enable automatic backups on your Android device.
- Create a backup on your computer or laptop periodically.
- Mark important photos for easy recovery.
- Store important photos in multiple places for added safety.
5 FAQs about Restoring Photos on Android After Factory Reset
Q1: What’s the best method to restore photos on Android after a factory reset?
A: The best method for restoring photos on Android after a factory reset is via Android Data Recovery Software or Google Photos app if you have them backed up prior to resetting your phone.
Q2: How long does the software take to recover lost photos on Android?
A: The time taken to recover lost photos on Android depends on the size and number of photos you are attempting to recover. It could take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Q3: Is it possible to restore specific photos after a factory reset?
A: It’s possible to restore specific photos if you have them backed up on Google Photos or to your computer. Otherwise, you’ll have to restore all of your photos.
Q4: Is there any way to avoid losing photos after a factory reset?
A: The only way to avoid losing photos after a factory reset is by backing them up regularly through cloud storage or backup apps and syncing them with your phone.
Q5: What can I do if the software failed to recover my lost photos?
A: If the software fails to recover your lost photos, you can try using another recovery software or seek professional help from a data recovery service.
Final Words
Restoring lost photos on Android after a factory reset can be overwhelming, but it’s important to take immediate action to recover them before they’re overwritten. With the right resources and knowledge, retrieving your lost photos on Android is possible. Always remember to back up your photos regularly to avoid such distressing situations.