20 February 2024  —  Andy Kerr

How does Android data recovery software work?

Acronis
Table of contents
Data recovery process
What are the different types of Android data recovery?
Best practices for android data backup
What's the best way to restore Android from backup?
Acronis True Image
formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

Android software has become the most widely used OS in the world for smart devices like TVs, mobile phones, etc. On our Android phones, we store a lot of information, like photos, videos, emails, and other private information, and we have all experienced the unpleasant feeling of deleting a file or photo by mistake. It can really be a heartbreaking moment if the deleted file was important for us, like a cherished family photo or a project we have worked on for many hours, and it is really a pain when we understand what we have done.

Fortunately, this file can be restored even if you haven't deployed an Android cloud backup solution. There are a few Android data recovery methods for retrieving a critical file.

But what exactly happens when we delete a file? We will explain it now. The data on our device is stored in the form of files, each with its own unique identifier. When a file is deleted, that doesn’t mean it is immediately erased from the device. Instead, the system marks the file’s space as available for new data, making it invisible to the user. However, until new data overwrites this space, the deleted file remains recoverable.

There are two main storage types where we can add new files and delete them as well:

Internal storage space: This is where the operating system, system apps, and user data are stored. It's also the primary storage space for apps, photos, videos, documents, and other files. Some devices are only provided with internal storage space; on the other hand, other mobile phones are able to use additional storage space, like SD cards.

External storage space: There are devices that can operate with both internal and external storage space (like SD cards), which provide additional storage capacity for users to store media and other files. Because every person has their own individual needs, some users need more space for storing their photos, videos, songs, and, of course, games.

But what happens if we erase a file by mistake and want to restore it? We will explain it in detail in this article. The process is quite straightforward.

Data recovery process

This process involves several stages to identify and recover deleted photos, videos, documents and other data from your Android phone or another smart device. Let's explore it in detail to understand the bigger picture.

Scanning

This is the first step in the process of recovery. The software starts a thorough scan of the device's storage and carefully searches through all sectors in order to find any signs of deleted files. This process may take some time, depending on the storage size and the amount of data present.

Identification

The software identifies deleted files once the scan is complete by recognizing their unique signatures or metadata. This feature enables the system to differentiate between active and deleted data, ensuring that only the files that have been deleted are specifically targeted for recovery.

Reconstruction

After identifying the deleted or lost data, the software starts the retrieval process of reconstructing it piece by piece, assembling fragmented data into whole files. This process is like solving a puzzle; each found piece helps bring the file back to its original form.

Restoration

Finally, the recovered files are presented to the user for review and restoration. Depending on the software, users may have the option to selectively recover specific files or restore all deleted data at once.

What are the different types of Android data recovery?

Our Android smartphones hold a wealth of memories, documents, and crucial information. The risk of losing data due to deletion, device malfunctions, or other mishaps can leave users in a panic to find ways to recover their valuable files. Thankfully, the field of Android data recovery provides a range of methods and techniques designed to tackle different types of data loss situations. There are different types of Android Data Recovery, so let's get started and talk about them in details.

Internal storage recovery

Internal storage recovery focuses on retrieving lost or deleted data from the primary storage partition of an Android device. This includes essential system files, application data, and our private and confidential content stored in the device's internal memory.

Internal storage recovery tools analyze the file system structure of the device to identify traces of deleted files. Then with scanning algorithms, these tools locate and recover deleted files from unallocated storage space, ensuring comprehensive data retrieval. Some advanced recovery methods may require root access to the Android device in order to read system files and directories.

SD card recovery

A lot of Android devices have the option to expand their storage by using SD cards. These cards allow for additional space to store things like photos, videos, and other media files. SD card recovery focuses on recovering data that has been lost or accidentally deleted from these storage devices, whether due to an accidental deletion or a hardware failure.

SD card recovery tools are designed to support various file systems commonly used in SD cards, such as FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS. In cases where SD cards are physically damaged or corrupted, specialized recovery techniques may be required to extract data from damaged sectors. To prevent further data loss, it's advisable to operate SD card recovery tools in read-only mode, minimizing the risk of accidentally deleted data overwriting.

Android Deleted Photo Recovery

Among the most common types of data loss on Android devices is the accidental deletion of photos. Android deleted photo recovery techniques focus specifically on retrieving lost or deleted images from the device's internal storage or SD card.

Specialized photo recovery tools employ advanced algorithms to detect and recover deleted image files based on their unique signatures or metadata. Users are typically provided with a preview of recoverable photos, allowing them to select specific images for retrieval. Some recovery tools offer integration with Google Photos, allowing users to restore deleted photos directly from their Google account.

Techniques and Tools for Photo Retrieval

In addition to dedicated photo recovery software, several techniques and tools can help retrieve deleted pictures from Android devices. Leveraging backup and sync features offered by cloud storage services, such as the Google Photos app, can help restore deleted photos from cloud backups.

Advanced data recovery techniques, such as data carving, involve scanning raw data sectors to identify and extract specific file types, including photos. Fragmented photos scattered across different storage sectors can be reconstructed using specialized tools piece together fragmented data.

Recover deleted text messages on our Android OS

Another important factor in recovering Android data involves retrieving deleted text messages. These messages can hold valuable information, and we frequently use messaging apps like Viber, Messenger and Google Messages app, to communicate with loved ones and colleagues. However, accidental deletions or lost texts due to device problems can cause feelings of anxiety and frustration. Thankfully, some tools and techniques can assist in recovering deleted texts from the messages apps we are using.

Conclusion

Luckily, we are presented with a multitude of options to retrieve lost or deleted data from our devices. Whether it's internal storage recovery, SD card recovery, or specialized photo retrieval techniques, each method offers its own set of advantages and considerations.

By understanding the different types of Android data recovery and leveraging appropriate techniques and tools, users can effectively navigate the challenges of data loss and safeguard their valuable digital assets. To avoid losing data, it's crucial to start scanning for deleted files as soon as possible after data loss occurs. Whether photos were accidentally deleted or permanently deleted, the right tools and techniques can help restore deleted images and recover data effectively. 

Best practices for android data backup

To prevent any data loss, we can advise you to start using android backup services, because this saves all your information in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or any other potential risk of losing your precious information, videos, photos, or documents.

All the devices using Android OS are closely related to the Google Drive backup option. Of course, you may choose to use another service provider that you prefer. However, if you choose Google Drive as your main backup option, all your information will be connected to Google's applications, like the Google Photos app and the Google Messenger app. On this cloud platform, all your information will be stored and protected. So in case of an emergency, you can restore all your data or a single file was deleted accidentally.

When you start using cloud services, you must schedule regular backups to keep updated with the latest data uploaded to that cloud. All cloud vendors will provide an automatic backup option, making life easier. Instead of a manual process, it will be fully automated, and you will have peace of mind knowing that all your latest data is being uploaded to the cloud.

Furthermore, when selecting your cloud service provider, you should consider the storage size that you will need, because there are different subscription plans with various monthly prices. In order to align your needs and meet your budget, you have to carefully consider this aspect. When you finally provide yourself with cloud storage space, you will know that whatever happens with your devices, you won't lose any files of yours.

Because the cloud will allow you to access information on multiple devices, you can restore information in the blink of an eye. It won't be a problem if you face unexpected scenarios like a mobile phone failure because you can restore data on the new device. This makes cloud storage services the best decision you can make to protect precious memories and information for years to come.

What's the best way to restore Android from backup?

  • Whether you're trying to transfer important information like photos, messages and contacts from an old Android phone to a new device or if you need to restore data after processing a factory reset, the process is simple. We provide step-by-step instructions below.
  • Before starting a backup process on a new or current device, complete a backup to the cloud of your phone containing all current information. If you have already scheduled automatic backups to be processed, skip this step.
  • We will explain two of the best ways to restore an Android phone from a backup.

Transferring data from your old phone to your new Android Galaxy device via Samsung smart switch:

  • Step 1. On your new device, access Settings > Accounts and Backup > Bring data from the old device.
  • Step 2. Tap Agree > Allow > Receive data > Galaxy/Android.
  • Step 3. Select the type of connection you want to use to process the backup with: cable or wireless. If using a cable, connect the two devices with a USB cable. For wireless connections, make sure both devices are connected to the exact same network.
  • Step 4. Select the data you want to transfer, then tap Transfer. You will have to wait a few minutes to complete the process, depending on the size of the data you want to backup, and then you are ready to go and enjoy your new device.

How to restore your phone from a Google backup?

When you add your Google account during the process of device setup or sign in by going to Settings > Google, the information you previously backed up will now be available on your new device.

When you're setting up your new device, simply follow the on-screen steps to restore your Google backup.

  • Step 1. At the Copy apps & data screen , tap Next.
  • Step 2. On the Use your old device screen, tap on Can't use old device.
  • Step 3. Sign in to your Google account and agree to the Terms of Service.
  • Step 4. Select what you want to restore to your device, then tap Restore.

Wait until the process is complete before starting to use the new device. Ensure you have selected the option for automatic backups.

Is rooting my Android device necessary for data recovery?

Let's start by explaining what rooting an Android device means because it confuses many people. To root a device is to obtain privilege over subsystems on the device. This is like jailbreaking an Apple device. When you buy a smartphone, the manufacturer and/or carrier impose restrictions on the device to protect it against malware and prevent unintentional damage.

The answer to whether you need to root your Android device for data recovery is no. Rooting is not always necessary to recover data from an Android device. Data recovery can often be done without rooting, especially for common accidental deletion or formatting scenarios. So, you can proceed with the data recovery without rooting it.

Android data recovery simplified

Restoring a phone from a backup using cloud services is the easiest and most reliable method. As mentioned in the article earlier, it doesn't require special knowledge. It is enough to have already an account where you have stored your data. In this case, you need to access your account in the cloud service provider system and transfer the data to the new device or, after processing a factory reset on your current phone.

By using cloud backup services, you ensure that no matter what happens, your information will always be available, and you can transfer it to as many devices as needed. Nowadays, having such services is a great benefit. You are not only able to restore data quickly, but you also protect digital assets from being permanently lost.

One of the best service providers for protection and backup options is Acronis True Image. When you choose us, you will receive countless benefits, cutting-edge technologies, and complete protection of your cherished digital assets. Thus, you will have peace of mind and won't become a victim of cybercriminals. Your data will be protected from unauthorized access, ransomware attacks, viruses, security breaches, identity theft, worms and other cyberthreats.

Furthermore, our cloud services will always be on your side when you need to restore any information you need, whether it was unintentionally deleted or due to the failure of a device. You will always be able to restore the data you want. Our cloud and local backup solutions guarantee that your data will always be available whenever needed. Also, the automatic replication of data in the cloud will help you maintain your full data backup on the cloud, so when you add new files to your devices, they will be automatically uploaded to the cloud.

Acronis True Image, the most complete, flexible full-image backup software available, will always be next to you in tough times and cover your back. We have been market leaders for many years in cyber protection and cloud services, confirmed by our client’s satisfaction and the countless awards we have won. If you want to provide yourself with the best Android backup service, choose us. You won't regret it for a second; you will see this decision as the best one you have made to keep your data protected and safe for many, many years.

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Author
Andy Kerr
Senior Product Marketing Manager - Backup & Recovery
Andy Kerr is an accomplished marketing professional with over a dozen years of experience in the cyber resilience industry, with particular focus on Backup and Disaster Recovery. As Senior Product Marketing Manager at Acronis, he gains valuable insight into business data protection challenges and the best solutions to overcome them. Andy's exceptional ability to convert complex IT solutions into easily understandable concepts enables organizations to thrive amidst increasing data security challenges.

About Acronis

A Swiss company founded in Singapore in 2003, Acronis has 15 offices worldwide and employees in 50+ countries. Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud is available in 26 languages in 150 countries and is used by over 20,000 service providers to protect over 750,000 businesses.

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