drfone logo
Dr.Fone App

Recover lost data from Android

Dr.Fone - Data Recovery

Recover Deleted Files from Android

  • Supports the recovery of all deleted data like call logs, contacts, SMS, etc.
  • Recover data from broken or damaged Android
  • Highest success rate of recovering data.
  • Compatible with 6000+ Android devices.
Free Download Free Download
Watch Video Tutorial

Recover Android's Hidden Files

Alice MJ

Feb 29, 2024 • Filed to: Data Recovery Solutions • Proven solutions

Not all Android users are aware of the existence of hidden files, but they can be valuable tools to safeguard your personal content from prying eyes.

Hidden files are like secret files on your phone that you can't see in the normal file folders. They are hidden away so that you don't accidentally mess them up or share them with others.

But what happens if these hidden files are accidentally deleted? Fortunately, the answer is reassuring – yes, they can be retrieved. Treating them like any other regular file, you have a chance to retrieve deleted hidden files on your Android. Let's delve further into how to recover deleted hidden files on Android mobile.

Part 1: What are Hidden Files in Android

Hidden files are perfect for keeping sensitive information, like private photos or important documents. When you hide them, it's less likely that someone using your phone will stumble upon them.

Hidden files also help to keep things tidy on your phone. Temporary files or app data you don't need to see all the time can be hidden. Therefore, your file folders can look cleaner and are easier to navigate.

To use hidden files, you'll need to learn how to hide and unhide them. It's usually as simple as using the File Manager and selecting the files you want to hide. When they're hidden, you can still access them when needed, but they won't clutter your view all the time.

The methods to hide/access Android files may vary depending on the model. But mostly, you can do this through the settings.

There are two methods to access the hidden files or folders:

Method 1: Using File Manager

The first way to recover deleted hidden files in Android is by using File Manager. The File Manager is a native app that comes pre-installed on most Android devices. It allows you to browse, organize, and manage files and folders stored on your phone's internal storage or external memory.

More detailed steps on how to use the File Manager to find hidden files:

  • Step 1:  Open your phone’s File Manager.
  • Step 2: Look for the settings or options menu within the File Manager app.

Open File Manager settings to access hidden files

  • Step 3: Allow the "Show hidden files" option. This setting will make the hidden files visible in the File Manager.

Allow to show the hidden files

  • Step 4: Navigate back to the main file directory of the File Manager. You should now be able to access and view the previously hidden files.

Method 2: Using Photo Gallery

If you want to access your hidden photos or videos on the Gallery, you can do so using a straightforward method through the phone's Gallery.

How to use Gallery to access the hidden files/folders:

  • Step 1: Launch your Android Gallery app. Then, access the settings.

Go to the Gallery settings to access the hidden files

  • Step 2: Look for the option labeled "View hidden albums" and select it. Once enabled, the Gallery app will display hidden albums.

Select View hidden albums on the setting

  • Step 3: Finally, tap on the folder containing the hidden photos or videos to view its contents.

Part 2: How To Recover Deleted Hidden Files in Android

Although you need certain steps to access it, recovering deleted hidden files on Android is actually similar to retrieving normal files. Android devices have a built-in mechanism known as the recycle bin, which functions much like its counterpart on computers.

When you delete a file, regardless of whether it is a regular file or a hidden one, it is commonly relocated to the Recycle Bin, Trash, or Deleted Items folder.

How to recover deleted hidden videos on Android:

  • Step 1: Start by opening the Gallery on your device.
  • Step 2: Tap the "Deleted items" or "Trash" icon within the Gallery. This section contains photos that have been deleted but haven't been permanently erased from your device's storage yet. Take your time to browse through these photos to find the ones you want to recover.

Open the Android gallery to see deleted items folder

  • Step 3: You can select individual videos one by one or use the "Select all" feature to restore all deleted photos simultaneously.
  • Step 4: Once you've selected them, tap "Restore." Doing so will restore the chosen photos to their original location within the Gallery. To hide the files again, just transfer or move them back to the hidden folder.

Restore the deleted files

Please remember to act promptly when recovering deleted photos, as you might permanently remove the files from the "Deleted items" or "Trash" section after a certain period.

Backing up your photos is also a great practice to ensure you have copies in case of accidental deletions or other unexpected data loss situations.

Part 3: How to Recover Files on Android

In case you need a more comprehensive data recovery solution, you can use Wondershare Dr.Fone. This popular software also offers a data recovery tool with several features to ensure effective retrieval of any deleted files. It can work as your hidden file recovery software for Android.

style arrow up

Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (Android)

World's 1st Android smartphone and tablet recovery software.

  • Recover Android data by scanning your Android phone & tablet directly.
  • Preview and selectively recover what you want from your Android phone & tablet.
  • Supports various file types, including WhatsApp,Messages & Contacts & Photos & Videos & Audio & Document.
  • Supports 6000+ Android Device Models & Various Android OS.

Key features of Wondershare Dr.Fone’s data recovery tool:

  • Multiple recovery modes tailored to different scenarios
  • Preview the recoverable data before proceeding with the recovery process
  • Selective recovery to choose specific files for recovery
  • Secure and safe without any data loss
  • Intuitive interface that simplifies the recovery process

How to recover deleted hidden files Android with Dr. Fone's data recovery tool:

  • Step 1: Open Dr.Fone and establish a connection with your Android phone.

Launch the Dr.Fone software on your computer and establish a connection with your Android. Once you have connected both devices, proceed to the "Toolbox" section and opt for "Data Recovery."

Launch Dr.Fone Data Recovery tool

  • Step 2: Specify your device type.

Next, select "Android" within the Data Recovery section. Proceed by selecting "Recover Android Data" to continue the recovery procedure.

Select Recover Android Data from the options

  • Step 3: Select the file types for recovery.

Dr.Fone will present you with a list of all recoverable file types. To expedite the scanning process, you have the option to choose specific file types for recovery or exclude unnecessary ones. Then, select "Start Scan."

Select the file type to recover

  • Step 4: Preview and restore deleted files.

Once the scanning process is complete, Dr.Fone will display a preview of all the recoverable data. Take some time to review the files and choose the ones you wish to restore.

If you are looking for how to recover deleted hidden photos in Android, the steps are the same. Just choose photos when selecting the file types.

After finalizing your selections, click the "Recover" button. Dr.Fone will then prompt you to pick a destination on your computer where you want to export the recovered files. Select the desired file location and click "Recover" again to initiate the restoration process. Then, you are done!

Select the file location and start recovering the files

safe Downloadsafe & secure

Conclusion

Hidden files are purposely concealed from the user's view in a file system. They typically store sensitive or system-related information that casual users should keep from modifying or accessing. Users can also hide their own files, like private photos or videos, to maintain privacy.

However, there's always a possibility that these hidden files may get lost due to unforeseen events. We have covered how to solve this matter in this article. Recovering hidden files is no different from retrieving regular files, making the task easy to do.

Alice MJ

staff Editor

Android Recover

Recover Apps
Contacts Recover
Files Recover
Messages Recover
Music/Videos Recover
Photos Recover
Broken Android Recover
Social Apps Recover
Android Recover Tips
drfone
Your Complete Mobile Solution
  • ● Manage/transfer/recover data
  • ● Unlock screen/activate/FRP lock
  • ● Fix most iOS and Android issues
Recover Now Recover Now Recover Now
Home > How-to > Data Recovery Solutions > Recover Android's Hidden Files