Many people believe that when they delete a file from their cell phone, it disappears forever and that there is no way to recover deleted files.

But the truth is different: this data is still there — just invisible to the system. 

When you delete a file, it is not actually “destroyed.” 

What happens is a logical deletion: the system simply marks that space as available, ready to be replaced by new data. 

So as long as that space isn't overwritten, the information is still there — waiting to be retrieved.

That's why, by acting quickly, you can recover deleted files from Android or even recover deleted files on iPhone.

Whether on Android or iOS, deleted files remain stored until they are overwritten. 

Therefore, specialized applications can search these hidden areas and bring back what seemed lost.

One of the most popular apps for recovering deleted files on Android!

DiskDigger scans your internal storage and SD card for recently deleted photos, videos and documents. 

Furthermore, the app works without root, but root access allows for a deeper scan. Ideal for those who need to recover deleted photos quickly and easily.

Designed to recover deleted files on iPhone, PhoneRescue allows you to scan both the device and iTunes or iCloud backups. 

Thus, it is useful to restore data even after system updates or crashes. 

Finally, iMobie does not require jailbreak and is recommended by mobile data recovery experts.

Dumpster works like a smart recycle bin, storing copies of files you delete on Android. 

This way, it allows you to recover deleted files from the recycle bin with just one tap, which is great for preventing future losses.

Focused on advanced users, Dr.Fone allows you to recover deleted files from your phone even after formatting. 

The app supports messages, contacts, photos, videos and more. 

Additionally, for more complete results, the app may require root, but it also offers useful features without it. 

Compatible with recent versions of iOS, UltData allows you to recover deleted photos and videos, WhatsApp messages and attachments, among other files. 

It scans your iPhone directly or uses encrypted cloud backups. 

Recommended for those who want to recover deleted files without backup, D-Back has an intelligent search engine that locates data even on corrupted systems. 

Furthermore, the app supports more than 20 file types and does not require jailbreak, making it one of the best apps for users who have lost sensitive data after unexpected failures.

Not every recovery app works the same — and choosing the wrong one can cost you time and important data. 

That's why we've prepared this comparison table with the best apps for recovering deleted files!

Before installing certain recovery apps, you may come across terms like “root” (on Android) or “jailbreak” (on iPhone). But what does that actually mean?

Rooting Android is like having full access to the phone's system. 

With this, you can access hidden areas, modify system files and allow applications to perform deeper scans.

Jailbreaking is the iPhone equivalent of rooting. It allows the user to bypass Apple's restrictions to access internal parts of the system.

It is not always necessary to install applications to recover what was lost. 

In many cases, the phone itself may have made an automatic backup — or the file may be saved on the memory card. 

Therefore, these are simple, safe and ideal solutions for those who want to recover deleted files from their cell phone without complications.

If you have automatic backup enabled, there is a good chance that the file is stored in the cloud.

Therefore, services like Google Drive, OneDrive and iCloud usually store deleted documents, photos and videos for up to 30 days.

These platforms allow you to recover files deleted from the recycle bin, simply by accessing the app or website and restoring with one click.

If your phone uses a memory card, it may contain old versions of the deleted files.

This way, you just need to remove the card, insert it into a computer with an SD reader and use scanning software like Recuva or EaseUS.

This is a great way out for those who want to recover deleted files on Android even after resetting the device.