Recover Data From ES File Explorer Android

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

If you deleted files through ES File Explorer on Android and want them back, the answer depends on where they were stored: files deleted from internal storage or an SD card are not moved to a recycle bin by the app, so you need a file recovery tool or a backup; files deleted from cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox) can often be restored from that service’s own trash. This article explains the realistic options, step by step, and what to do before you try anything.

Why ES File Explorer Deletes Are Hard to Undo

ES File Explorer is a file manager, not a data recovery app. When you tap “Delete” inside it, the app sends a standard delete command to the Android system. On most devices, that command permanently removes the file’s directory entry and marks the storage space as available for new dataâ€”it does not put the file in a recycle bin or trash folder. The actual bytes may still exist on the flash memory until overwritten, which is why recovery is sometimes possible, but the window is small and success is never guaranteed.

There is also no official “ES File Explorer recycle bin” feature in the current versions of the app. Some older versions or third-party modified builds claimed to have one, but those are not reliable or safe to install. So if you deleted a file and then kept using the phone normally, the chance of recovery drops quickly.

First Steps: Stop Using the Device Immediately

The most important rule in data recovery is to stop writing new data to the same storage. If the deleted files were on your internal storage, avoid taking photos, installing apps, or downloading anything. If they were on an SD card, remove the card from the phone and connect it to a computer with a card reader. Every new file you create can overwrite the exact sectors where your deleted data still sits, making it unrecoverable.

Do not run a “deep scan” from a phone app while the phone is still in daily use. The scan itself is read-only, so it won’t overwrite data, but the background apps and system processes will keep writing cache files, notifications, and logs. The safest approach is to power off the phone and remove the SD card if the files were there.

How to Recover Deleted Files From Internal Storage

For files that were on the phone’s internal storage, you have two realistic paths: a backup or a computer-based recovery tool. Android does not expose internal storage as a raw disk to USB, so most Android recovery apps cannot actually scan the internal memory directly. They often work only on external SD cards. For internal storage, your options are:

Restore from a backup you made earlier (Google Drive, Google Photos, a PC backup, or a local backup file).
Use a PC-based tool that can access the phone in a special mode, if your device supports it. This is uncommon and often requires root access, which most users do not have.
Check if the file was synced to a cloud serviceâ€”if you had auto-upload enabled, the cloud copy may still exist.

If you have a rooted phone, you can use a tool like TestDisk or PhotoRec on a computer after creating a raw image of the partition. But this is advanced, requires technical knowledge, and may void warranties. For most users, the practical answer is: if it was on internal storage and you have no backup, recovery is very unlikely without professional help.

How to Recover Deleted Files From an SD Card

SD cards are much easier to recover because they are removable and appear as a normal drive to a computer. Here is the process that gives the best chance:

Remove the SD card from the phone immediately after you notice the deletion.
Insert the card into a computer using a card reader (built-in or USB).
Do not format the card or copy anything to it.
Use a reputable file recovery program that supports SD cards. Popular options include Recuva (Windows), PhotoRec (cross-platform), and Disk Drill (Windows/macOS). These are not affiliated with ES File Explorer, but they work on the card’s file system.
Choose the SD card drive, run a deep scan, and preview the found files. Recover them to the computer’s hard drive, not back to the same card.

Recovery success depends on how much the card has been used since deletion. If you only deleted a few files and then removed the card, the chances are good. If you continued using the card for days, the data may be overwritten.

What About Files Deleted From Cloud Storage?

ES File Explorer can also manage cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box. If you deleted a file from a cloud folder through the app, the file is usually moved to that service’s trash or recycle bin, not permanently erased. The steps differ by service:

Google Drive: Open the Drive app or website, go to “Trash” (left menu), select the file, and click “Restore.” Files stay in trash for 30 days (or longer for Google Workspace accounts).
Dropbox: Go to the Dropbox website, click “Deleted files” in the left sidebar, select the file, and click “Restore.” Free accounts keep deleted files for 30 days.
OneDrive: Open the OneDrive website, go to “Recycle bin” in the left menu, select the file, and click “Restore.” Files stay for 30 days (or longer with a Microsoft 365 subscription).

If the file was only stored locally on your phone and also appeared in a cloud folder, the cloud copy is separate. Deleting the local copy does not delete the cloud copy unless you chose “Delete everywhere” or the file was only a placeholder.

Common Mistakes That Ruin Recovery

People often make the situation worse without realizing it. The most common mistakes are:

Continuing to use the phone: Taking one photo or receiving one WhatsApp message can overwrite the deleted file’s sectors.
Installing recovery apps on the same phone: The app itself writes data to internal storage, which can overwrite the very files you want back.
Formatting the SD card: Formatting does not erase data completely, but it changes the file system structure and can make recovery harder.
Recovering files back to the same SD card: This can overwrite other deleted files. Always recover to a different drive.
Trusting “one-click” recovery apps: Many Android apps that claim to recover internal storage are scams or only work on external cards. They may also request unnecessary permissions.

How to Prevent This in the Future

Since ES File Explorer has no recycle bin, the only reliable protection is a backup. Set up automatic backups for your important files:

Use Google Photos or another cloud gallery app to back up photos and videos automatically.
For documents, use a cloud drive app (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) and keep the files synced.
For large files that you don’t want in the cloud, copy them to a computer or external hard drive regularly.
If you must use a file manager, consider one that has a recycle bin feature, such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer, which move deleted files to a trash folder first. But note that even those only protect files deleted through that app, not through other apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ES File Explorer have a recycle bin?

No, the official ES File Explorer does not have a recycle bin or trash folder for local files. Some third-party modded versions claimed to have one, but they are not official, may contain malware, and are not recommended. If you want a recycle bin, switch to a file manager that offers one.

Can I recover deleted files from internal storage without root?

In most cases, no. Android’s internal storage is not accessible as a raw block device to normal apps. Without root, recovery apps cannot scan the internal memory directly. Your only realistic hope is a backup or a cloud copy. Professional data recovery services may have specialized tools, but they are expensive and not guaranteed.

How long do deleted files stay on an SD card before they are overwritten?

There is no fixed time. It depends entirely on how much new data you write to the card. If you remove the card immediately and never write to it again, the files can remain recoverable for months or years. If you keep using the card, they could be overwritten within minutes.

Are free recovery tools safe to use?

Many free tools are safe, but you should download them from official websites or reputable sources. Avoid tools that ask for admin rights unnecessarily or that bundle adware. PhotoRec is open-source and widely trusted. Recuva has a free version that works well for SD cards. Always scan the downloaded file with your antivirus before running it.

What if I deleted a file from both my phone and the cloud?

If you deleted the file from the cloud too, check the cloud service’s trash. Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive all keep deleted files for 30 days (sometimes longer). If the 30 days have passed, the file is likely gone permanently from that service. Your only remaining hope is a local backup or a recovery tool on the SD card if the file was ever stored there.

Is it worth paying for professional recovery?

Professional recovery is worth it only if the files are extremely important and you have no backup. The cost can range from tens to hundreds of dollars, and success is not guaranteed, especially if the storage has been heavily used since deletion. For most users, trying a reputable free tool on the SD card is the first step, and professional services are a last resort.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.