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Are you running out of storage space on your Android phone due to a large number of photos? Deleting photos from your device can help free up space and make your phone run more efficiently. However, simply deleting photos from your phone’s gallery does not permanently remove them. These deleted photos can still be recovered using various tools. If you want to ensure that your photos are completely gone and cannot be retrieved, you need to delete them permanently. In this blog post, we will discuss different methods to delete photos permanently from your Android phone.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To delete photos permanently from your Android phone, you will need:
1. An Android phone with sufficient storage space.
2. A reliable data erasing tool.
3. A computer with USB connectivity.
4. A USB cable to connect your Android phone to the computer.
What Requires Your Focus?
Before you proceed with deleting photos permanently, it’s important to back up any important photos that you want to keep. Once you delete photos permanently, there is no way to recover them. So, take some time to go through your photos and make sure you have backed up any that you want to keep.
Different Methods to Delete Photos Permanently from Android Phone
Method 1: Using Built-in Android Settings
1. Open the "Settings" app on your Android phone.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Storage."
3. Tap on "Pictures" or "Gallery" from the list of apps.
4. Select the photos you want to delete permanently.
5. Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
6. Choose "Delete" or "Delete All" to permanently delete the selected photos.
Pros:
– Built-in feature, no additional tools required.
– Quick and easy to use.
Cons:
– Photos can still be recovered using data recovery tools.
Method 2: Using File Manager App
1. Download and install a file manager app from the Google Play Store (e.g., ES File Explorer, File Commander).
2. Open the file manager app and go to the "Pictures" or "Gallery" folder.
3. Select the photos you want to delete permanently.
4. Tap on the delete icon or choose the "Delete" option from the menu.
5. Confirm the deletion to permanently remove the selected photos.
Pros:
– Gives you more control over file deletion.
– Can permanently delete photos from specific folders.
Cons:
– Photos can still be recovered using data recovery tools.
Method 3: Using Data Erasing Software
1. Download and install a reliable data erasing software on your computer (e.g., iShredder, Dr.Fone – Data Eraser).
2. Connect your Android phone to the computer using a USB cable.
3. Launch the data erasing software and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your phone.
4. Choose the "Erase Photos" or similar option from the software’s interface.
5. Select the photos you want to delete permanently.
6. Click on the "Erase Now" or similar button to start the data erasing process.
Pros:
– Provides a higher level of data security.
– Can permanently delete photos and other data types.
Cons:
– Requires a computer and data erasing software.
– May take longer than other methods.
Method 4: Factory Reset
Important Note: Performing a factory reset on your Android phone will erase all data, including photos, contacts, apps, and settings. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.
1. Go to the "Settings" app on your Android phone.
2. Scroll down and tap on "System" or "General Management."
3. Tap on "Reset" or "Backup and Reset."
4. Choose "Factory Data Reset" or a similar option.
5. Read the warning message and tap on "Reset Phone" or "Erase All Data."
6. Enter your phone’s security code or pattern to confirm the factory reset.
Pros:
– Permanently deletes all data on the phone.
– Useful if you want to start fresh with a clean device.
Cons:
– Erases all data, including photos, contacts, and apps.
– Requires a backup of important data before performing the factory reset.
Why Can’t I Delete Photos Permanently?
1. Deleted photos are moved to the "Trash" or "Recycle Bin" folder and can be restored from there. Solution: Empty the trash or recycle bin folder to permanently delete the photos.
2. Some apps or cloud services automatically back up and sync your photos, causing them to reappear after deletion. Solution: Disable the backup and sync feature for these apps or services.
3. Android operating system retains temporary files or backups that include deleted photos. Solution: Use a data erasing software to securely delete these files.
4. Deleted photos may still exist in the phone’s internal storage or SD card. Solution: Use a file manager app to locate and delete these photos.
Implications and Recommendations
1. Always back up your important photos before deleting them permanently.
2. Double-check your selection before permanently deleting photos to avoid losing valuable memories.
3. Regularly clear cache and temporary files to free up storage space on your Android phone.
5 FAQs about Deleting Photos Permanently from Android Phone
Q1: Can I recover permanently deleted photos from my Android phone?
A: No, once photos are permanently deleted, they cannot be recovered using conventional means.
Q2: How can I ensure that my photos are permanently deleted?
A: Use a reliable data erasing software or perform a factory reset on your Android phone.
Q3: Are there any risks involved in deleting photos permanently?
A: Yes, deleting photos permanently will result in the loss of those photos. Make sure to back up any important photos before deleting them.
Q4: Can I delete photos permanently without a computer?
A: Yes, you can use built-in Android settings or a file manager app to delete photos permanently without a computer.
Q5: Will deleting photos permanently improve the performance of my Android phone?
A: Yes, deleting photos permanently will free up storage space and can improve the performance of your Android phone.
Final Words
Deleting photos permanently from your Android phone is essential if you want to ensure that they cannot be recovered. Whether you choose to use built-in settings, a file manager app, data erasing software, or perform a factory reset, make sure to back up any important photos before proceeding. By following the methods discussed in this blog post, you can reclaim storage space on your Android phone and protect your privacy by permanently deleting photos.