How to Recover Photos And Videos After Factory Reset Android

Factory resetting your Android device can be a useful way to fix software issues or improve performance. However, one downside of performing a factory reset is that it erases all data on your device, including photos and videos. Losing precious memories and important files can be devastating, but don’t worry, there are ways to recover your lost data. In this blog post, we will explore different methods on how to recover photos and videos after a factory reset on Android devices.

What’s Needed

Before we dive into the recovery methods, let’s take a look at what you’ll need for the process:

• A computer or laptop
• A USB cable to connect your Android device to the computer
• Reputable data recovery software
• A backup of your data (if available)

Now that you have all the necessary tools, let’s move on to the steps you need to focus on to recover your lost photos and videos.

Video Tutorial:

What Requires Your Focus?

Recovering files after a factory reset can be a complex process. To increase your chances of successful recovery, here are a few key points to focus on:

• Stop using your Android device immediately after the factory reset to minimize data overwriting.
• Enable USB debugging on your device to establish a connection with the computer.
• Choose a reliable and reputable data recovery software for the recovery process.
• Make sure you have enough available storage space on your computer for the recovered files.

Now that we know what’s needed and what requires your focus, let’s explore different recovery options.

Option 1. How to Recover Photos and Videos via Google Photos

Google Photos is a cloud-based service that automatically backs up your photos and videos from your Android device. If you have enabled the backup feature before the factory reset, you can easily restore your lost files. Here’s how:

Steps:
1. Install the Google Photos app on your Android device.
2. Open the app and sign in with the Google account used for backup.
3. Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and go to "Settings."
4. Select "Back up & sync" and make sure the toggle is turned on.
5. Wait for the app to sync and restore your backed-up photos and videos.

Pros:
– Convenient and easy to use.
– Photos and videos are securely stored in the cloud.
– 15GB of free storage available.

Cons:
– Requires active internet connectivity.
– Limited storage space for free accounts.
– Limited options for advanced recovery.

Option 2. How to Recover Photos and Videos via Android Data Recovery Software

If you haven’t backed up your photos and videos or Google Photos didn’t restore all your files, using Android data recovery software is another effective method. These software tools are designed to scan your device’s internal storage and retrieve deleted data. Here’s how to recover your files using a popular data recovery software:

Steps:
1. Download and install the Android data recovery software on your computer.
2. Connect your Android device to the computer using the USB cable.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to enable USB debugging on your device.
4. Launch the data recovery software and let it detect your connected device.
5. Choose the file types you want to recover (photos and videos).
6. Start the scanning process and wait for the software to analyze your device.
7. Preview and select the photos and videos you want to recover.
8. Click on the "Recover" button and choose a safe location on your computer to save the recovered files.

Pros:
– Works even if you haven’t backed up your data.
– Recovers a wide range of file types, including photos and videos.
– Provides advanced scanning options for thorough recovery.

Cons:
– Requires a computer and USB connection.
– Success rate may vary depending on the software used.
– Some software options may require a paid license for full functionality.

Option 3. How to Recover Photos and Videos via Cloud Storage Services

If you have been utilizing cloud storage services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive to backup your Android device, there’s a high chance that your photos and videos are already stored there. Here’s how you can recover your files using cloud storage services:

Steps:
1. Install the respective cloud storage app on your Android device.
2. Sign in to your account associated with the cloud service.
3. Navigate to the photos or videos folder within the app.
4. Select the files you want to recover and choose the option to download or restore.
5. Wait for the files to be downloaded or restored to your device.

Pros:
– Files can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
– Provides additional storage space for your data.
– Continuous automatic backups for convenience.

Cons:
– Requires an active internet connection for recovery.
– Limited free storage space for most cloud services.
– Recovery options may vary depending on the cloud storage provider.

Option 4. How to Recover Photos and Videos via SD Card Recovery

If you had previously saved your photos and videos on an SD card and performed a factory reset without formatting the card, you can still recover your files using specialized SD card recovery software. Here’s how:

Steps:
1. Remove the SD card from your Android device.
2. Insert the SD card into a card reader and connect it to your computer.
3. Download and install a reliable SD card recovery software.
4. Launch the software and select the SD card as the target device for recovery.
5. Start the scanning process and wait for the software to analyze the card.
6. Preview and select the photos and videos you want to recover.
7. Click on the "Recover" button and choose a safe location on your computer to save the recovered files.

Pros:
– Specifically designed for SD card recovery.
– Recovers files even if the card has been formatted.
– Easy-to-use software with step-by-step instructions.

Cons:
– Only applicable if you have saved your photos and videos on an SD card.
– May not work if the card has been physically damaged.
– Limited options for advanced recovery.

Why Can’t I Recover Photos and Videos?

While the above options can help you recover lost photos and videos after a factory reset, there may be situations where recovery is not possible. Here are a few alternative solutions to explore:

1. Check your cloud storage accounts: Double-check if you have forgotten any other cloud storage accounts or services where you might have backed up your files.

2. Consult professional data recovery services: In extreme cases where the data is highly valuable, you can seek the assistance of professional data recovery services. They possess advanced tools and techniques to recover data from Android devices.

3. Avoid factory resets in the future: To prevent data loss in the first place, regularly back up your photos and videos to multiple locations, such as cloud storage, external hard drives, or your computer’s local storage.

Implications and Recommendations

As technology advances, our dependence on digital data, including photos and videos, increases. Losing such valuable files can have emotional and practical implications. To prevent future loss and ensure data recovery, here are a few key recommendations:

1. Regularly back up your Android device: Make it a habit to back up your photos, videos, and other essential data regularly. Utilize cloud storage services or manually transfer files to a computer or external storage device.

2. Enable automatic backups: Explore the backup settings on your Android device and enable automatic backups to ensure your files are securely stored.

3. Test recovery methods beforehand: Familiarize yourself with the recovery methods discussed in this blog post before disaster strikes. This way, you’ll be prepared to take quick action in case of data loss.

The Bottom Line

Factory resetting an Android device can be a daunting task, especially if it leads to the loss of precious photos and videos. However, with the right approach, you can recover your lost files and minimize the impact of data loss. By following the steps and recommendations mentioned above, you increase your chances of successfully recovering your photos and videos after a factory reset.

5 FAQs about Recovering Photos and Videos after Factory Reset

Q1: Can I recover photos and videos after a factory reset without any backups?

A1:

Yes, you can recover photos and videos using data recovery software designed for Android devices. While having a backup of your data is always recommended, using specialized recovery tools can help recover deleted files even without backups.

Q2: Is it possible to recover photos and videos if I have formatted my SD card after the factory reset?

A2:

Formatting an SD card after a factory reset significantly reduces the chances of recovering data. However, using dedicated SD card recovery software might still be able to retrieve some files depending on the extent of data overwriting and the specific software used.

Q3: How long does the data recovery process take?

A3:

The data recovery process duration depends on various factors, such as the size of the storage media, the software being used, and the complexity of the recovery. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

Q4: Can I recover data from an Android device that is not powered on?

A4:

No, data recovery from a powered-off Android device is not possible. The device needs to be turned on and recognized by recovery software to access and recover the data.

Q5: Are there any free data recovery software options available?

A5:

Yes, there are free data recovery software options available for Android devices. However, the functionality and success rate of these free versions might be limited compared to paid versions. It’s advisable to evaluate the features and reviews before making a choice.