That question has crossed many people's minds. Sometimes, photos, videos, or audio files simply disappear from your phone.

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It will stay in the same place!

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You don't know if they were deleted, if they're hidden, or if something else strange happened. If this has happened to you, you're not alone.

In this comprehensive and clear guide, we'll show you step-by-step how to find your lost files, without needing to be a tech expert.

With simple words, practical advice and real examples.

There are no complicated technicalities or impossible steps here.

This article is made for you.

So you can recover what's yours: your memories, your messages, your important moments.

Why do my files disappear?

Before you start searching, it's worth understanding Why sometimes you can't see your files even if they are still on the cell phone.

Possible causes

• Accidental deletion: You accidentally tapped the “delete” option.
• System update: : the phone rearranged folders.
• Lack of space: : The system automatically deleted files.
• Hidden files: They are still on the cell phone, but they are not visible.
• SD card damaged or disconnected: Many photos and videos can be lost if the external memory fails.
• Cloud sync disabled: Your photos are online, not on your device.

The good news is that, in many cases, Your files are not deleted, they are just hidden..

Now let's find them.

How to search for your media step by step

We will show you where to look and how to do it, without complications.

1. Image gallery

The first place to check is your phone's gallery.

Many times, the photos and videos are there, just in a different folder.

Steps:

• Open the app Gallery either Photos.
• Tap the option “Albums” either "Library".
• Check folders like:
  • Camera
  • Downloads
  • WhatsApp
  • Screenshots
  • Recordings

Sometimes a new file can end up in an unexpected folder.

For example, an image received via text message might be in a different folder than the camera roll.

2. Recent Files

Many phones have a “Recent” section where you can see files that have been recently opened or downloaded.

Steps:

• Look for an app called “Files”, “My Files” or similar.
• Tap the option “Recent”.
• There you will see photos, audios and videos opened in the last few days.

This is useful if you don't remember the file name, but you've watched or listened to it recently.

The 3 best apps to recover videos and photos

1. Dumpster

A kind of recycle bin for Android, Dumpster saves what you delete, just in case you need it later.

And if you didn't have it before, you can use it to recover recent videos with a smart scan.

Highlighted Advantages

• Quick and easy recovery
• Ideal for seniors
• No internet connection required
• Support for all types of formats
• Clear and uncomplicated interface

Perfect if you accidentally deleted a video and want it back stress-free.

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2. Video Recovery App

As its name suggests, this app is specifically designed to rescue videos.

She doesn't get distracted by photos or documents. Just videos. And that makes her very efficient.

The best thing about this app

• Deep scan in seconds
• Compatible with hundreds of models
• Ideal for those who delete videos without realizing it
• Recover videos even if they are damaged or incomplete
• You can view the files before restoring

A very practical and direct option for those who need quick results.

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3. UltData – Android Data Recovery

This app is very complete and has advanced functions.

It not only recovers videos, but also photos, audio, documents and even messages.

But here we will focus on its ability to rescue videos.

Why choose UltData

• Advanced intelligent scanning technology
• Works without root
• Compatible with all types of video formats
• Allows you to export videos to another safe location
• Highly valued by older users for its ease of use

A comprehensive solution for those seeking security, simplicity and efficiency.

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Exploring phone storage

If it doesn't appear in the gallery, it's time to explore further.

3. Internal storage

Here you will see all the system folders.

You don't need to change anything, just observe.

Steps:

• Open the app My files either File Explorer.
• Enter to Internal storage.
• Check these folders:
  • DCIM: This is where the photos from the camera are saved.
  • Pictures: contains images from other sources.
  • Movies either Videos: if you recorded or downloaded a video.
  • Download: files downloaded from the internet.
  • Recordings: voice or screen recordings.
  • Music either Audio: may include audio voice notes.

Tip: If you see strange names like “IMG_20230401” or “VID_20230715,” tap them to see if they’re the right file for you.

4. SD card (if you have one)

Some devices save photos and videos to the external SD card.

If you removed it or it was damaged, they may stop appearing.

Steps:

• Return to the app My files.
• Enter to SD card.
• Repeat the scan in the same folders: DCIM, Pictures, Music, Download.

How to search for files by type

Sometimes you only remember if it was an image, a video or an audio.

Here we show you how to search for them according to the guy.

Images

• In Gallery, look for the tab Images.
• In My files, use the search function and type .jpg, .png, either .jpeg.

Videos

• In Gallery, go to the tab Videos.
• In the explorer, type .mp4, .3gp, either .mov.

Audios

• In My files, go to the folder Audio either Music.
• Use search with .mp3, .m4a, .ogg either .amr.

Tip: If you know the approximate date, sort the results by date to make your search easier.

What to do if files were deleted

What if you accidentally deleted them? There are still ways to recover them.

Recycle Bin

Some galleries have a trash can or “dumpster” where deleted files remain for 30 days.

Steps:

• Open Gallery.
• Look for the option Bin either Recently Deleted.
• If you see your photo or video there, tap Restore.

File history

On some versions of Android, you can see which files were recently opened, find my photos.

Steps:

• Enter to My files.
• Touch Record either Recent Activity.
• See if your file appears in the list.

Application-specific searches

Many images, videos, and audios come from messaging apps or social networks.

Here's how to find them, find my photos.

WhatsApp

• In the file explorer, find the folder:
  • WhatsApp > Media > WhatsApp Images
  • WhatsApp > Media > WhatsApp Video
  • WhatsApp > Media > WhatsApp Audio
• You can also search by contact within the chat and review “Media Files.”

Telegram

• File: Telegram > Telegram Images, Telegram Video, Telegram Audio.
• Review files by date.

Messenger or Instagram

These are usually stored in:

• Download
• Pictures > Messenger
• Movies > Instagram

How to avoid losing your files in the future

Now that you've learned how to find them, the best thing to do is to prevent them from disappearing again, find my photos.

Key tips:

• Organize your media: Create folders with easy-to-remember names.
• Make copies regularly: You can email files to yourself or upload them to online storage services.
• Do not delete without reviewing: Make sure you know what you are deleting before you tap “delete.”
• Avoid using automatic cleaning functions: They may remove media without notice.
• Move important files off your phone if possible.: for example, to a computer.

What if you've already checked everything and can't find anything?

Sometimes files really do disappear.

But you can still try other things.

Search for sent copies

Did you share that image or video with anyone?

• Check your email.
• Search other messaging apps.
• Ask the person if they still have it.

Synchronized devices

If you're using another phone or computer, it may have been saved there automatically.

Check:

• Picture folder on the other device.
• Open browser sessions.
• Download or transfer history, find my photos.

Final tips to avoid losing your memories

Here's a summary of everything we've learned to keep your media safe:

• Always check Gallery, Files and Trash.
• Explore storage internal and SD card.
• Sort by file type or by date.
• Organize and back up your photos and videos frequently.
• And above all: don't panic.
• With patience and these steps, you're likely to find them.

Conclusion

Where can I find my media? Finding my photos is no longer an unanswered question.

Throughout this article, you've learned step-by-step how to find and recover lost photos, videos, and audio files.

With simple tools, no technical jargon, and no need to know much about technology.

Don't let time or confusion erase your memories.

Take a few minutes, follow this guide, and get them back today.

Your content matters. So does your peace of mind.