Forum Discussion
How to Permanently Delete Photos from Android Before Selling
To permanently delete photos from Android device, including ensuring they are not recoverable, follow these steps:
1. Delete Photos from Gallery/Photos App:
* Open the Gallery or Google Photos app.
* Select the photos you want to delete.
* Tap the Delete option.
* Confirm deletion. Usually, the photos will move to a Trash or Recently Deleted folder.
2. Empty the Trash/Recently Deleted Folder:
* Navigate to the Trash or Recently Deleted album within the app.
* Permanently delete photos from Android there to free storage and prevent recovery.
* In Google Photos:
* Tap Library > Trash.
* Tap Empty Trash.
3. Clear App Cache and Data (Optional):
* Go to Settings > Apps.
* Select the Photos or Gallery app.
* Tap Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data.
* This can help remove residual data but won't recover deleted photos.
4. Use a File Shredder App (For Enhanced Security):
* Download a reputable file shredder or secure delete app from the Play Store.
* These apps overwrite the deleted data, making recovery very difficult.
5. Remove Cloud Backups:
* If your photos are synced with Google Photos, Google Drive, or other cloud services:
* Delete the photos from these services.
* Also, empty trash or recycle bins in cloud accounts.
6. Wipe Free Storage (Optional):
* Use a secure deletion app to wipe free space on your device.
* This overwrites previously deleted files, making recovery impossible.
7. Factory Reset (Last Resort):
* If you want to ensure all data is wiped, perform a factory reset:
* Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
Note: This deletes everything on the device, so back up important data first.