Deleting files from your Android phone may seem like a simple task, but it is important to make sure that you are permanently wiping the data to ensure that it cannot be recovered. Here are the steps you need to follow to permanently delete files from your Android phone:
Step 1: Backup your data: Before deleting anything, it is important to make sure that you have backed up any important files that you would like to keep. You can backup your files through cloud storage or by transferring them to your computer.
Step 2: Use a reliable file shredder app: There are a number of file shredder apps available on the Google Play store that you can download and use to permanently delete files. These apps overwrite the deleted files with random data to make sure that they cannot be recovered.
Step 3: Delete the files manually: If you do not want to use a file shredder app, you can delete the files manually. However, you need to make sure that you are using the right method otherwise the files may still be recoverable. You can do this by going to the file manager app and selecting the files that you want to delete.
Once you have selected the files, tap on the delete button and then choose the option to permanently delete the files.
Step 4: Format your phone: If you really want to make sure that the files cannot be recovered, you can format your Android phone. This process will wipe all data from your phone, so make sure that you have backed up anything important before doing this.
It is important to take the process of permanently deleting files seriously to ensure that your private information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. By taking the time to properly delete your files, you can ensure that your personal data stays safe and secure.
Are deleted files ever really deleted?
The answer to the question of whether deleted files are ever really deleted is both yes and no. When you delete a file, the file’s contents are not immediately erased from the computer’s hard drive. Instead, the computer marks the space in which the file was located as available, meaning that the file can be overwritten by new data at any point in time.
Therefore, in the short term, deleted files can be restored using various data recovery tools.
However, over time, deleted files can become harder to retrieve. This is because the computer will eventually reuse the space on the hard drive where the deleted file was located. When this happens, the deleted file is effectively gone forever, as the new data overwrites it. This process is known as data overwriting and it means that older deleted files may be harder to recover and may be permanently lost.
The ability to retrieve deleted files also depends on the specific circumstances of the deletion. If a file was deleted using the ordinary “delete” command, it is still relatively easy to retrieve it using free or low-cost data recovery software. However, if the file was securely deleted using specialized software or overwritten several times, it becomes much harder to retrieve.
It is worth noting that while it is technically possible to recover deleted files, there are no guarantees. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure regular backups of data, to avoid the risk of losing important information permanently.
Why does a file keep coming back after I delete it Android?
There could be a few reasons why a file keeps coming back after you delete it on an Android device. One possible explanation is that the file is being synced from a cloud storage service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. If you have the app installed on your device and the file is saved in a synced folder, deleting it from your device may not actually delete it from the cloud storage.
The next time the app syncs, the file will reappear on your device.
Another reason could be that the file is cached by the operating system or another app on your device. Android uses a feature called caching to load frequently accessed data quickly. This means that certain files, such as images or videos, may be stored in a cache to speed up your device’s performance.
If you delete the file, it may still be saved in the cache, which can cause it to reappear later.
Additionally, some apps on Android devices have their own trash or recycle bin feature, which stores deleted files for a specified amount of time before permanently removing them. If you delete a file within an app that has this feature, it may continue to exist in the app’s trash or recycle bin even after you have deleted it from your device’s file system.
Lastly, it’s possible that the file is simply being generated or downloaded again by the app or service that created it. For example, if you delete a file downloaded through a media streaming service, such as Spotify, the app may download the file again the next time you use it.
To prevent files from reappearing after you delete them, try checking for any synced cloud storage services or app-specific trash or recycle bins. You may also need to clear the cache for any apps that could be storing the file. Finally, consider disabling automatic downloads or updates for services that may be generating or redownloading the file.
Why do my deleted files keep reappearing?
There are a number of different reasons why your deleted files may keep reappearing on your computer. One possible explanation could be that these files are being backed up automatically by a cloud storage service or another type of backup software. Some programs may save backup versions of files that were deleted, and these backup versions can sometimes take precedence over the originals when you try to delete them.
Another possibility is that the files are somehow hidden or locked in a way that prevents them from being permanently deleted. This could be due to issues with file permissions or ownership, or it could be caused by malware or other security threats. In some cases, deleted files can also be recovered using data recovery software or other tools designed to restore lost or deleted files.
If you’re experiencing this problem repeatedly, it’s important to take steps to address the underlying cause. You may need to review your backup settings or configure them differently, or you may need to run a malware scan or update your antivirus software to protect against new threats. Additionally, you may need to adjust your file permissions or implement other security measures to prevent unauthorized access to your files.
With the right combination of tools and strategies, you can eventually get to the bottom of this issue and prevent it from happening again in the future.
How do I stop my Android from recovering deleted files?
If you want to stop your Android from recovering deleted files, you need to disable the feature that allows it to do so. This feature is called “Automatic Restore” and it is enabled by default in most Android devices. This feature is designed to help users restore data and apps that they have deleted accidentally or lost due to a device wipe.
To disable Automatic Restore, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to your device’s Settings app.
Step 2: Scroll down and find the “Backup & Reset” option.
Step 3: Tap on “Backup & Reset” to open the settings.
Step 4: Find the “Automatic Restore” option and turn it off.
By turning off the Automatic Restore feature, you will stop your Android device from recovering deleted files. However, keep in mind that this will also disable the feature that allows you to restore data and apps after a device wipe or factory reset. So, if you plan to factory reset your device or switch to a new phone, make sure to turn the Automatic Restore feature back on before doing so.
Additionally, if you have deleted files that you don’t want to be recovered, you should take some additional steps to ensure that they are permanently deleted. One way to do this is to use a file shredder app, which will overwrite the deleted files with random data to prevent them from being recovered.
Another option is to use encryption to protect your data, making it more difficult for hackers or data recovery tools to access your files.
How do I stop deleted pictures from coming back on my Android?
When you delete a picture from your Android device, it usually goes to the “Trash” or “Recycle Bin” folder for a certain amount of time before it is permanently deleted from the device. This is done to ensure that accidental deletion of files can be undone by returning the deleted files back to their original location on the device.
However, sometimes deleted pictures might reappear even after they have been deleted from the device or the recycle bin. In this case, there are a few things you can do to stop deleted pictures from coming back on your Android.
Firstly, you can check if your device is set to automatically sync photos with cloud storage services such as Google Photos or Dropbox. If it is, the deleted pictures might be retrieved from the cloud storage and restored back to your device. To prevent this from happening, check the settings of your cloud storage app and disable the sync option for photos.
Secondly, you can try clearing the cache of your Gallery or Photos app. The cache is a temporary storage area that helps apps to load faster. However, a corrupted cache can cause issues such as deleted pictures reappearing on your device. To clear the cache of your Gallery or Photos app, go to Settings > Apps > Gallery/Photos > Storage > Clear Cache.
Thirdly, you can try using a third-party app such as File Manager or ES File Explorer to permanently delete the deleted pictures from your device. These apps enable you to search for and delete files from your device’s internal storage and external SD card. You can also use these apps to find and delete any residual files that might be causing the deleted pictures to reappear on your device.
Lastly, if none of the above solutions work, you might need to factory reset your Android device. This will delete all data and files from your device, including the deleted pictures. However, before doing so, make sure to backup all your important files and data to avoid losing them.
Deleted pictures reappearing on your Android device can be frustrating, but there are solutions to stop this from happening. By disabling cloud storage sync, clearing cache, using a third-party app, or even factory resetting your device, you can permanently delete the deleted pictures from your device and prevent them from coming back in the future.
How do you delete a file that won’t delete?
When you encounter a file that won’t delete, it can be frustrating and time-consuming. However, there are still several methods you can try to remove stubborn files from your computer. Here are some tips to help you permanently delete files that won’t delete:
1. Close any programs or processes that are using the file: Before attempting to delete the file, make sure that no programs or processes are currently accessing it, as that can prevent it from being deleted. You can check for open files and processes using the Task Manager or Resource Monitor.
2. Try deleting the file in Safe Mode: Booting into Safe Mode can help you delete stubborn files because it only loads essential system files and drivers. To boot into Safe Mode, restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly during startup. Once you’re in Safe Mode, try deleting the file again.
3. Use a command prompt: If the file won’t delete using the standard method, you can use a command prompt to delete it. To do this, open the command prompt by pressing the Windows key + R and typing “cmd” before pressing Enter. Then navigate to the folder where the file is located and use the “del” command to delete it.
4. Take ownership of the file: Sometimes a file won’t delete because you don’t have the necessary permissions. In this case, taking ownership of the file can help. Right-click the file and select “Properties.” Then open the “Security” tab and click “Advanced.” Click the “Owner” tab and choose your account as the new owner before clicking “OK” to save the changes.
5. Use a third-party software: If all else fails, you can use a third-party software like Unlocker or FileAssassin to delete the file. These applications can help you identify the process or program preventing the file from being deleted, and force-delete the file if necessary.
Deleting a file that won’t delete can be frustrating, but there are several methods you can try to remove the file permanently. Start with the easiest options like closing open programs or deleting the file in Safe Mode, and then move on to more advanced methods like taking ownership or using third-party software if necessary.
Why files are not getting deleted?
There could be multiple reasons why files are not getting deleted. One possibility could be that the file is currently in use by an active process or application, which means that the operating system is unable to delete it. Another reason could be that the file has been set to read-only or has restricted access permissions, which makes it difficult or impossible for the user to modify or delete it.
Another possible reason could be that the file has been corrupted or damaged, which may prevent it from being deleted. In some cases, a system or software error may also prevent files from being deleted. For instance, if there is a problem with the file system or a software bug, the operating system may not be able to remove files or directories.
Additionally, certain viruses or malware programs can prevent files from being deleted, as they may modify the file attributes or permissions to protect them from being deleted. It is essential to run regular malware scans and keep your antivirus software up to date to avoid such situations.
Moreover, some particular system files in the operating system are protected and cannot be deleted to ensure its stability and functionality. several factors can prevent files from being deleted, ranging from system errors and active processes to file permissions or malware. In some cases, taking ownership, disabling background applications and services, and modifying the file permissions can help delete the file.
However, it is always advisable to consult with a professional or seek technical assistance if you encounter file deletion problems regularly.
Why is some files not deleting in Android phone?
There can be various reasons why some files may not be deleted in an Android phone. One possibility is that the file may be currently in use by another app or system process. This can prevent the file from being deleted until the app or process finishes using it. For example, if you are trying to delete a photo while the gallery app is open, the file may not be deleted until you close the app.
Another possible reason is that the file may be part of the operating system or a pre-installed app, and these files may have certain permissions that prevent users from deleting them. In such cases, rooted Android devices may be able to access system-level permissions and delete these files, but it is not recommended for casual users to attempt this as it can lead to instability and other issues.
It is also possible that the file is located in a read-only directory or storage location, preventing deletion. This can happen if the file is on a read-only memory card or if the user does not have adequate permissions to modify the directory or storage location.
Lastly, some files may not be deleted due to a bug or software issue. In such cases, clearing the cache or data of the app that is trying to delete the file or restarting the phone may help fix the issue.
There can be various reasons why some files may not be deleted in an Android phone, and it is important to understand the underlying cause to properly troubleshoot the issue.
How do I stop files from being recovered?
To stop files from being recovered, you need to make sure that they are fully erased from your computer’s storage device. Here are some steps you can take to achieve this:
1. Empty Recycle Bin – This is the first and easiest step in making sure that your files cannot be recovered. Once you delete a file from your computer, it is sent to the Recycle Bin. However, simply deleting it from there doesn’t actually erase the file. Emptying the Recycle Bin will get rid of the file permanently.
2. Use a file shredding program – If you want to make sure that the file is fully and permanently deleted from your hard drive, you need to use a file shredding program. There are several programs available that will overwrite the file with random data, making it much more difficult to recover.
3. Use disk wiping software – Disk wiping software goes beyond file shredding and will overwrite entire hard drives or partitions with random data. This is a more extreme method, but it guarantees that no one will be able to recover any files from that drive or partition.
4. Physically destroy the hard drive – If you have extremely sensitive information that you want to make sure cannot be recovered, the best method is to physically destroy the hard drive. You can do this by taking a hammer or drill to the drive, or by taking it to a specialized company that can destroy it for you.
The best way to prevent files from being recovered is to make sure they are fully erased from your computer’s storage device either by emptying the Recycle Bin, using a file shredder or disk wiping software, or physically destroying the hard drive.
How do I make sure my photos are not recoverable?
The accidental deletion or loss of photos can be heart-wrenching, but the permanent deletion of photos from your device is equally vital for data privacy concerns. Deleted photos are not permanently gone and can be recovered by anyone who has access to your device or special tools. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the photos are permanently deleted from the device so that they are not recoverable.
Below are some ways to ensure permanent deletion of photos:
1. Use a reliable data erasing software: You can use third-party data erasing software like iShredder, CCleaner, and Eraser to delete the photos entirely from your device. These tools rewrite the storage areas with new data patterns to make it impossible to recover the deleted data.
2. Encrypt your device: Encrypting your device will add a layer of protection that makes it almost impossible to recover the deleted data. Enabling encryption will scramble the data, making it unreadable to the device or computer outside of the encryption. Encryption features are available on most smartphones, tablets, and computers, so be sure to enable them to safeguard your data.
3. Shred photos manually: Manually shredding photos is the most feasible and free way to delete photos permanently. To do this, you can select the photos you want to delete and open them using a photo editor. Then, use specific tools in the editor to overwrite the file several times, making it impossible to recover the data.
4. Factory reset: A factory reset wipes all data from your phone, including photos. However, to be sure you have erased your photos permanently, encrypt your device first, and then initiate a factory reset. This will overwrite the data with new information signifying that the previous data is gone.
You can use any of the methods above to ensure that your photos are permanently deleted from your device or computer. However, keep in mind that deleting data permanently may not be 100% safe. Therefore, always be cautious when handling sensitive photos and avoid saving copies in the cloud or external devices.
What files are Undeletable?
Undeletable files refer to those system files that cannot be deleted or modified without proper permissions and administrative access as they are essential to the functioning of the operating system. These files are usually protected by the system and cannot be easily deleted even by mistake.
Some of the examples of undeletable files on a Windows operating system include DLL files, executables, system restore points, Windows registry entries, critical system files, files protected by TrustedInstaller service, and files in use by other programs or services.
DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files are essential components of the operating system that contain a set of instructions and functions that multiple programs can share. These files are critical for the stability of the system and cannot be deleted manually. If a DLL file is corrupt or missing, it can cause errors and crashes in different programs.
System restore points are created automatically by the operating system to help users restore their system to a previous state in case of any issues. These restore points contain critical system files, registry entries, and settings that are necessary for the proper functioning of the system.
Windows registry is a hierarchical database that contains configuration settings and options for the entire operating system and installed applications. Modifying or deleting registry entries can cause issues with the operating system, applications, and hardware drivers.
Files protected by TrustedInstaller service are system files that are owned and controlled by the TrustedInstaller account. This account has full control over these files, and even administrators cannot delete or modify these files without first taking ownership of them.
Lastly, files in use by other programs or services cannot be deleted until the programs or services using them are closed or terminated. Trying to force-delete these files can cause program crashes and data loss.
Many files on a computer system are considered undeletable due to their critical nature and protection by the system. Although some of these files can be removed with proper permissions and administrative access, it is generally recommended to leave them intact to ensure the stability and proper functioning of the operating system.