Accidentally deleted a photo or file on your Samsung Galaxy? Don’t panic—Samsung has a built-in Recycle Bin (sometimes called Trash) baked into its apps.
But here’s the thing: there isn’t one universal bin. Instead, each app—like Gallery or My Files—has its own version. Let’s walk through where to find them and how to recover your stuff.
Deleted a Photo or Video?
Check the Gallery app
Samsung’s Gallery app includes its own trash folder for recently deleted photos and videos.
How to find it:
- Open the Gallery app
- Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the bottom right corner
- Select Trash (or Recycle bin)
- Browse deleted items—tap and hold to restore anything
Files stay in the bin for 30 days before being permanently removed.
Deleted a File?
Use the My Files app
Samsung’s file manager handles documents, downloads, and other files. It also has a Recycle Bin—but it might be turned off by default.
Here’s how to enable it if you haven’t already:
- Open the My Files app
- Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner
- Go to Settings
- Toggle Recycle Bin on
To access the bin:
- Open My Files
- Tap the three-dot menu again
- Select Recycle Bin
Deleted a Note or App?
Not everything has a Recycle Bin, but here’s where to check:
- Samsung Notes: Open the app > tap the ≡ menu > select Trash
- Google Photos: Tap Library > Trash
- Text messages (SMS): No recycle bin—only restorable if you backed them up
- Uninstalled apps: Redownload from the Play Store; app data may not be recoverable unless synced
Heads-Up on Storage
Files in the Recycle Bin still take up space on your phone. If you’re trying to free up room, remember to empty the bin manually. Just because you deleted something doesn’t mean it’s gone until you clear it permanently.
Quick Recap
AppWhere to Find the BinAuto Delete Time
GalleryMenu (⋮) > Trash30 days
My FilesMenu (⋮) > Recycle Bin30 days
Samsung NotesMenu (≡) > Trash~15–30 days
Google PhotosLibrary > Trash60 days
Didn’t Enable It First?
Unfortunately, if the Recycle Bin wasn’t switched on in My Files before the file was deleted, it likely can’t be recovered. You could try third-party data recovery apps—but in most cases, they’re hit or miss.
