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When photos get deleted from a UFS storage card, they usually do not go to a recycle bin. The files disappear from gallery or folders, which makes recovery confusing for users. This approach is different from regular memory/SD cards and computer drives.
However, whether the UFS storage is internal or removable, deleted photos still exist inside the storage for some time. Recovery of the deleted photos from an external UFS Storage largely depends on how the storage is used after deletion and the tools used for recovery from it.
This article explains what UFS storage is, how photo deletion happens on external UFS storage, and what recovery options are available for users. The focus is on safe recovery steps that help users understand what is possible and what is not.
UFS or Universal Flash Storage, is a fast storage technology used in modern digital devices that offer SSD like swift data transfer and high read and write speed for smartphones. UFS Storage card are designed as external storage drives for modern smartphones, specially compatible with Samsung devices. However, It is also a type of internal storage used in modern smartphones and tablets.
UFS storage is faster than older storage types. It helps apps open quickly and lets the phone save photos and videos much faster. However, UFS storage does not have a recycle bin. When you delete photos, the card’s file system marks that space as empty. The photos are not shown anymore, but the data may still be present until new data overwrites it.
Photos can be deleted in many ways. In my case, it happened during storage cleanup. Other times, people delete photos by mistake while selecting multiple files. Sometimes kids playing with your device or phone can also remove these photos unknowingly.
Some users lose photos when moving files between folders or storage drives. File system errors can also cause photos to disappear without warning. In many of these cases, the photos are not fully erased right away. This is why recovery can still work if you act early.
The first step is to stop using the storage card where the photos were stored. Do not take new photos. Do not install apps when the external UFS Storage is in use. Also, do not download files or any new data as it can overwrite deleted photos, which reduces recovery chances.
Next, check any cloud backup service you use. Look at Google Photos or other backup apps. Sometimes photos are still there. If the photos are not backed up, then software recovery is the next option.
Yes, deleted photos can be recovered from UFS storage. However, recovery is not guaranteed. It depends on how much time has passed and how much new data has been written. Sometimes it can be harder to recover data from external UFS storage compared to that of SD cards.
It uses encryption and system level protection. Some recovery methods need special access, but not all cases require it. In such scenarios, desktop recovery software usually works better than mobile apps. These tools scan the storage deeply and look for image data that still exists.
Time plays a big role in photo recovery. When photos are deleted from the external UFS storage, the space becomes available for reuse. The phone may overwrite it at any time. If you keep using the phone, the deleted photos may be lost forever. That is why stopping phone usage is very important. The sooner you start recovery, the better the chances. I started recovery the same day I deleted the photos. This helped a lot and my photos were still intact.
After researching different tools, I chose the best rated photo recovery software, Stellar Photo Recovery. I had used it once before for a memory card, so I trusted the name. I installed it on my Windows laptop and connected my UFS storage card to the computer via a card reader. The software detected the storage drive and showed simple instructions. First I had to select the drive from which files could be recovered and then followed each step carefully. The scan took some time - maybe around 40 minutes. Once the scan starts don’t interrupt it in between. After the scan finished, the software showed a list of recoverable photos.
Stellar Photo Recovery scans the UFS storage at a deep level. It looks for image file data such as JPG and PNG formats. The software lets you preview photos on click before recovery. This helps you select only the photos you want. The recovered photos are saved on the computer, not back to the external UFS storage drive. This method keeps the UFS storage safe and avoids overwriting any data. The interface is simple and does not use any technical steps or jargon. Even beginners can understand the steps very easily.
In my case, I recovered most of the deleted photos. Most of the images were complete. A few were partly damaged but were fixed later with the help of online photo repair tools. A few of my photos did not appear at all. This usually happens when data gets overwritten.
No software can recover files that no longer exist in storage. That is a limitation of all recovery tools. Still, getting back most of the photos was helpful. The important pictures were saved, and that mattered more than the missing ones.
After this experience, I changed my habits. I turned on automatic photo backup. This ensures photos are saved online regularly. I also copy important photos to my computer once a month. It takes time, but it adds safety and relying on a single device is risky. Also before deleting any files, I now double-check folders.
If you have also deleted photos from a UFS storage card, don’t panic because recovery is possible. The key is to act quickly and avoid using the smartphone or device where the card is being used as primary storage. Understanding how UFS storage works helps set realistic expectations. Sometimes all photos might not be recoverable, but many can.
From my experience, Stellar Photo Recovery was useful and easy to use. It helped me recover photos that I thought were gone. If you ever face this problem, stay calm. Stop using the phone. Check backups. Try a reliable recovery tool. Photos hold information and memories, and it is worth trying to get them back.
