Android devices, including the Samsung Tab A, have a digital trash system that allows you to recover files mistakenly deleted before their permanent deletion. Unlike Windows or Mac computers, where the trash is accessible from the desktop, tablets and smartphones store deleted files in specific locations, usually within apps like Gallery or My Files.
The location of the trash can vary depending on the version of Android and the One UI interface installed on the device. It is therefore important to know the different methods to access deleted files and recover them before they disappear permanently.
Where is the trash for deleted photos and videos on Samsung Tab A?
The Gallery app, which is used to display photos and videos saved on the tablet, has an integrated trash allowing you to recover recently deleted files.
Steps to find the trash in Samsung Gallery
- Open the Gallery app on the tablet
- Tap on the menu at the top right (icon with three vertical dots or three horizontal lines)
- Select the Trash option
- View the list of photos and videos deleted in the last 30 days
From this location, it is possible to restore a deleted file by selecting it and tapping on Restore. The image or video will then reappear in the album where it was before deletion.
Where to find the trash for deleted documents and files on the tablet?
The My Files app is the integrated storage manager on Samsung tablets. It allows you to manage documents, PDFs, downloaded files, and other content saved on the internal memory or an SD card.
How to access the trash in My Files
- Open the My Files app
- Tap on the Menu icon at the top right
- Select Trash or Deleted Files
- Check the list of files that can be restored
As with the Gallery, files remain in the trash for 30 days before being permanently deleted.
The trash on Google Drive and other storage apps
Online storage apps like Google Drive and OneDrive also have a trash where deleted files are kept. This allows you to restore a document even after its deletion on the tablet, as long as it hasn’t been permanently deleted.
Method to access the trash on Google Drive
- Open the Google Drive app
- Tap on the menu at the top left
- Select Trash
- Choose a file and tap on Restore
Similarly, OneDrive and other storage services offer a similar option to recover deleted files.
How to restore a deleted file on a Samsung Tab A tablet
If a file has been mistakenly deleted, it is possible to quickly restore it as long as it is still in the trash.
- Open the app containing the trash (Gallery, My Files, Google Drive…)
- Go to the Trash section
- Select the file to recover
- Tap on Restore
The file will be placed back in its original location, whether it’s a photo album, a storage folder, or a cloud space.
How long do files stay in the trash?
Most Samsung apps and storage services keep deleted files for 30 days before their permanent deletion.
After this period, it becomes impossible to recover the files, unless they had been backed up on a cloud or an external hard drive.
How to empty the trash and permanently delete files?
If the tablet’s storage space starts to run out, it is advisable to regularly empty the trash to free up memory.
Steps to completely erase deleted files
- Open the app containing the trash (Gallery, My Files…)
- Access the Trash section
- Tap on Empty Trash
- Confirm the permanent deletion of files
Once this action is performed, the files can no longer be restored.
