Recover Android's Hidden Files

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.

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

Available on: Windows Mac

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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."

• 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.

• 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."

• 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!