Files & Photos Recovery: How to Restore Lost Data?
Introduction
In today’s digital world, mobile phones, computers, and storage devices have become an essential part of our lives. We store valuable files, photos, videos, and documents on these devices. However, accidental deletion, formatting, software crashes, or virus attacks can lead to data loss. Fortunately, file and photo recovery apps can help restore lost data.
In this article, we will discuss how file and photo recovery apps work, the best apps available, and tips to maximize your chances of recovering lost files.
Common Reasons for Data Loss
Before we dive into recovery solutions, let’s look at the common causes of data loss:
- Accidental Deletion – Deleting files by mistake is one of the most common reasons for data loss.
- Storage Formatting – Formatting a memory card, hard drive, or USB drive without backup can erase all data.
- Software or System Crash – Sometimes, system updates, software bugs, or sudden shutdowns can corrupt files.
- Virus or Malware Attack – Harmful viruses can delete or encrypt files, making them inaccessible.
- Physical Damage – A damaged hard drive, SD card, or USB can result in data loss.
How Do File & Photo Recovery Apps Work?
When you delete a file, it is not permanently removed from your device. Instead, the system marks the space as “available” for new data. Until new data overwrites it, recovery apps can scan and restore deleted files.
File recovery apps work by:
- Scanning storage devices for deleted files.
- Identifying recoverable data that has not been overwritten.
- Restoring files to their original or a new location.
Best File & Photo Recovery Apps
Here are some of the best apps for recovering lost files and photos:
1. DiskDigger (Android & Windows)
DiskDigger is a powerful recovery tool for both mobile and PC users. It can recover photos, videos, and documents from memory cards and internal storage.
Features:
- Recovers deleted photos, videos, and documents.
- Works on both rooted and non-rooted Android devices.
- Simple user interface with deep scan mode.
2. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Windows & Mac)
EaseUS is one of the best recovery tools for PCs and laptops. It supports recovery from formatted disks, emptied recycle bins, and external drives.
Features:
- Supports recovery of over 1000 file types.
- Recovers data from HDD, SSD, USB drives, and memory cards.
- User-friendly interface with a preview option.
3. Recuva (Windows)
Recuva is a free and easy-to-use file recovery tool for Windows users. It is effective in recovering lost files from hard drives, SD cards, and USB drives.
Features:
- Quick and deep scan modes for better results.
- Secure deletion feature to permanently erase files.
- Lightweight software with a simple interface.
4. Wondershare Recoverit (Windows & Mac)
Recoverit is a premium data recovery tool that can restore lost or deleted files from multiple storage devices, including crashed systems.
Features:
- Supports recovery of more than 1000 file formats.
- Recovers data from crashed computers.
- Advanced video recovery and repair options.
5. Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (Android & iOS)
Dr.Fone is a popular mobile data recovery app that works on both Android and iOS devices. It helps recover deleted messages, photos, and videos.
Features:
- Supports recovery from internal storage and SD cards.
- Works with both rooted and non-rooted devices.
- Easy-to-use with a preview feature.
How to Recover Lost Files & Photos?
Follow these steps to recover your lost data using a recovery app:
1. Choose the Right Recovery App
Select a recovery tool based on your device and file type. For mobile users, DiskDigger or Dr.Fone is recommended, while for PC users, EaseUS or Recuva is a good option.
2. Install and Launch the App
Download and install the selected recovery app on your device or computer.
3. Scan for Lost Files
- Open the recovery app and select the storage location where the file was deleted.
- Start the scanning process (Quick Scan for recently deleted files, Deep Scan for older or formatted files).
4. Preview and Select Files
Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Save the Recovered Files
- Choose a safe location (different from the original) to save the recovered files.
- Avoid saving recovered files on the same storage device to prevent overwriting.
Tips to Prevent Data Loss in the Future
To minimize the risk of losing important files, follow these precautions:
- Regular Backups – Always keep a backup of your important files on cloud storage or external drives.
- Use Antivirus Software – Protect your device from malware and viruses that can corrupt data.
- Be Careful While Deleting – Double-check before deleting files to avoid accidental loss.
- Enable Auto-Save – Many apps offer auto-save features to prevent data loss.
- Use Reliable Storage Devices – Avoid using cheap or faulty memory cards and USB drives.
Pros of file recovery App
| Application | Pros |
|---|---|
| Stellar Photo Recovery | – Supports a wide range of image formats, including RAW files from various camera brands. – Recovers photos from various storage devices like SD cards, USB drives, and hard disks. – User-friendly interface. |
| Disk Drill | – Offers quick and deep scan options to address different recovery scenarios. – Supports a wide range of file formats and storage devices. – User-friendly interface. |
| EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard | – Supports a wide range of file types, including images, documents, and videos. – User-friendly interface. – Offers both quick and deep scan modes. |
| Recuva | – Free version available. – User-friendly interface. – Offers both quick and deep scan modes. |
Cons of file recovery App
| Con | Description |
|---|---|
| Incomplete Recovery | Some applications may fail to recover all lost files, especially if the data has been overwritten or the storage medium is severely corrupted. |
| Quality Degradation | Recovered photos might suffer from reduced quality or corruption, leading to unusable files. |
| Privacy Concerns | Certain apps may access personal data beyond the recovery process, potentially leading to privacy breaches. |
| Malware Risks | Some recovery tools, especially those from unverified sources, can contain malware or adware, posing security threats to your device. |
| Limited Functionality in Free Versions | Many free versions of recovery software offer restricted features, necessitating the purchase of premium versions for full capabilities. |
| Complex User Interface | Certain applications have complicated interfaces that can be challenging for non-technical users to navigate effectively. |
| Time-Consuming Scans | Deep scans required for thorough recovery can be time-intensive, especially with larger storage devices. |
| False Positives | Some tools may list files as recoverable even when they are corrupted beyond repair, leading to false hope. |
| Compatibility Issues | Not all recovery applications support every file format or storage device, limiting their usefulness in certain scenarios. |
| Cost | High-quality recovery software can be expensive, and not all users may find the investment worthwhile, especially for one-time recovery needs. |
Alternatives of File recovery App
| Application Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Disk Drill | Disk Drill is a comprehensive data recovery tool available for both Windows and macOS. It supports the recovery of various file types, including photos, videos, and documents, from multiple storage devices such as hard drives, memory cards, and USB drives. The software offers advanced scanning algorithms and additional disk tools for data protection and management. |
| Recuva | Developed by the makers of CCleaner, Recuva is a user-friendly recovery tool for Windows systems. It can retrieve files from damaged or recently formatted drives and supports a wide range of file types, including images, documents, and emails. Recuva offers both quick and deep scan modes to ensure thorough file recovery. |
| Stellar Photo Recovery | Stellar Photo Recovery specializes in recovering multimedia files, including photos, videos, and audio files, from various storage devices. It supports a wide array of file formats and offers features like thumbnail previews and selective recovery. The software is compatible with both Windows and macOS platforms. |
| EaseUS MobiSaver | EaseUS MobiSaver is designed for mobile device data recovery, supporting both iOS and Android platforms. It can recover lost photos, contacts, messages, and other data directly from smartphones, tablets, or SD cards. The software provides a straightforward interface and offers both free and paid versions with varying features. |
| DiskDigger | DiskDigger is a versatile recovery tool available for Windows and Android devices. It can undelete and recover lost photos and documents from hard drives, memory cards, and USB flash drives. The app offers both basic and advanced scanning modes to cater to different data loss scenarios. |
Conclusion
Losing important files and photos can be stressful, but recovery apps offer an effective solution. Whether you’re using a PC, Mac, or mobile phone, tools like DiskDigger, EaseUS, Recuva, and Dr.Fone can help retrieve lost data. However, prevention is always better than recovery, so make regular backups and take precautions to protect your valuable files.
If you ever face data loss, don’t panic—use the right recovery tool and follow the steps mentioned in this guide to restore your lost files successfully!
