How to Recover Deleted Photos from Your Cell Phone with DiskDigger (Complete Guide)
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Losing photos from your cell phone can be a frustrating experience.
Sometimes a simple slip—a mistaken deletion of an image from your gallery, a system crash, or even an automatic cleanup—can cause important moments to disappear from your screen.
The good news is that, in many cases, these images can still be recovered.
And one of the most used tools to achieve this is DiskDigger.
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What is DiskDigger?
DiskDigger is a file recovery application that scans your device's internal memory for deleted data.
It is available for Android (mobile version) and also for Windows computers.
You can find recently deleted photos, videos, and other types of files, even after a cleanup or restore.
The free version allows you to recover images in basic formats.
For more complex videos and files, it is necessary to purchase the version DiskDigger Pro.
When does DiskDigger work?
Before starting with the tutorial, it is important to understand that DiskDigger does not work miracles. Works best in the following situations:
- The photo or video was deleted recently.
- The cell phone has not been used intensively after deletion.
- The device is Android (DiskDigger does not work natively on iPhone).
- The cell phone no root, but limited results are accepted.
- The cell phone has root, which allows for much deeper scanning.
How to Recover Photos with DiskDigger (No Root)
The free version of DiskDigger allows you to recover files even without root access, although with some limitations. Here's how to do it:
Step 1 – Install the app
- Open the Google Play Store and search DiskDigger.
- Download the app called “DiskDigger photo recovery” (developed by Defiant Technologies).
- Install and open the app.
Step 2 – Grant permissions
When you open the app, it will ask for permission to access your files. Accept. This is essential so it can scan your storage.
Step 3 – Choose the scan type
If your cell phone no root, DiskDigger will offer a “Basic Photo Scan” option. Select it.
This type of scan detects cached or recently deleted images that have not yet been overwritten.
Step 4 – Wait for the analysis
The app will begin scanning your phone's memory. This may take a few minutes, depending on the storage capacity.
During the process, you will see thumbnails of the photos found.
Step 5 – Select the files to recover
- Check the photos you want to restore.
- Click “Recover”.
- Choose where to save them:
- Send by email or cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).
- Save locally in a folder on the device.
- Upload to an FTP server (for advanced users).
Step 6 – Confirm the save location
If you choose to save locally, create a new folder or select an existing one.
Do not save in the original folder to avoid conflicts.
How to recover photos and videos with DiskDigger Pro (with root)
If your cell phone is rooted, you can use the version DiskDigger Pro to perform a deeper scan and recover more complex videos and files.
Step 1 – Root your device (optional)
- Rooting gives you full access to memory.
- This process depends on the cell phone model and may void the warranty.
⚠️ Important: Rooting is optional and only recommended for advanced users.
Step 2 – Install DiskDigger Pro
- Download the Pro version from the Play Store (it's paid).
- Accept the requested permissions.
Step 3 – Select the partition to scan
With root access, the app will show storage partitions as /data, /mnt, etc. Select the one where the deleted files were.
Step 4 – Choose the file types to recover
You can search for photos, videos, documents, audios, among others.
Step 5 – Run the full scan
This scan takes longer, but it's much more efficient. You'll find more in-depth results than with the free version.
Step 6 – Recover the found files
Select the files and save them as in the previous steps (cloud, local, FTP).
How to recover deleted WhatsApp photos with DiskDigger
Deleted WhatsApp photos are usually saved in folders like:
/WhatsApp/Media/WhatsApp Images/
During the scan, DiskDigger can find these folders and files. Use filters by date and size to make your search easier.
What to do if DiskDigger doesn't work?
If DiskDigger fails to recover your pictures or videos, try:
- Google Photos: Check your recycle bin. Images are stored for 30 days after deletion.
- Google Drive: Check if you have automatic backup enabled.
- Other recovery apps: as Dumpster, Dr.Fone either PhotoRec.
- PC Programs: Connect your cell phone to your computer and use tools like Recuva for SD cards.
Tips to avoid losing photos in the future
- Activate automatic backups on Google Photos or similar services.
- Avoid using your cell phone after deleting files. if you want to get them back.
- Save photos to SD card if possible.
- Avoid automatic cleaning apps, as they may temporarily delete images without notice.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about DiskDigger
1. Does DiskDigger work on iPhone?
No. DiskDigger is exclusive to Android. For iOS, you'll need PC programs like Dr.Fone, iMobie PhoneRescue, or EaseUS MobiSaver.
2. Is it necessary to have root?
Not always. The free version performs basic scans without root. Root provides better results and access to more file types.
3. Is the app safe?
Yes, as long as you download it from the Google Play Store. Don't download APK files from unknown sites.
4. Can I recover photos deleted months ago?
It's unlikely. The chances of recovery decrease over time, especially if the space has already been overwritten.
5. Does the app also recover videos?
Yes, but only in the Pro version and with root access.
Conclusion
DiskDigger is a powerful tool for recovering deleted photos and videos on Android devices.
Its interface is simple and allows any user to attempt to reverse a lost file, especially if the deletion was recent.
If you lost important images, it's worth a try.
But remember: the sooner you act, the greater your chances of success.
And once you've recovered, don't forget to set up an automatic backup. Because prevention is better than cure.
