How to Delete Files Permanently on an Android Phone

Deleting files can be an easy or difficult task, depending on the type of file you want to delete and how you do it. There are several things you need to pay attention to before permanently deleting files on Android phones, such as:

  • Is the file on internal storage or an SD memory card?
  • Do you want to permanently delete files or just move them to the Trash or Bin folder?
  • Do you want to securely delete files and prevent them from being recovered by applications or cloud services?
How to Permanently Delete Files on an Android Phone

In this article, Bardimin will explain four ways to permanently delete files on Android phones using file managers, file shredders, PCs, and SD cards. Bardimin will also provide tips and tricks to manage files on Android phones more easily and efficiently.

Using File Manager

File Manager is a built-in app on your Android phone that lets you find, open, and delete files in different storage locations.

To permanently delete files on your Android phone by using a file manager, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Files app on your Android phone.
  2. Tap the file category that contains the file you want to delete.
  3. Tap Delete s Move 1 file to Trash.
  4. Confirm that you understand that the deletion can’t be undone, and then select Delete again.

However, this isn’t always safe because some apps or cloud services may still keep copies of deleted files. Therefore, Bardimin recommends you use another way to permanently delete files on Android phones.

Using a File Shredder

A file shredder is an additional application that can help you securely delete files and prevent them from being recovered by applications or cloud services. There are many free file shredder apps for Android, such as iShredder, Shreddit, and Data Eraser.

To permanently delete files on your Android phone by using a file shredder, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install the file shredder app that suits your preferences.
  2. Open the file shredder app and select a destruction algorithm that can be ensured to be permanent.
  3. Tap the Delete or Start Destruction button to start the removal process.

By using a file shredder, you can permanently delete files on your Android phone without worrying that they will be restored by apps or cloud services.

Using a PC

If you don’t want to install additional apps to permanently delete files, you can connect your Android phone to your PC and erase data through Windows. This method makes it easy to quickly find and delete specific items.

Here is how to connect an Android phone to a PC and clear data via Windows:

  1. Connect your phone using a USB cable and select Open Device to view files from the AutoPlay option.
  2. Alternatively, open File Explorer, select This PC and double-click the phone’s drive icon.
  3. If the drive looks empty, pull down the notification tray from the top of the phone screen, tap the USB charging this device, and select Transfer files or Transfer folder.
  4. From here, you can delete which files you want to delete.

Using an SD Card

If the personal files you want to delete are located on the SD memory card instead of your phone’s internal storage, there are several ways to permanently delete them. First, go to Settings> Storage> SD Card. Find the file you want to delete. However, this won’t make it unrecoverable, so you may have to format the card as well. This is true

To format the SD card, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings> Storage> SD Card and tap Format.
  2. Confirm that you want to erase all data on the SD card and tap Erase & Format.
  3. Wait for the process to complete and remove the SD card from the phone.

However, this method is also not completely safe because there is still the possibility to recover data from a formatted SD card. Therefore, Bardimin recommends that you use a file shredder application for SD cards, such as SD Maid, Secure Eraser, or Erase SD Card. This application can erase the data on the SD card with a stronger algorithm and prevent data recovery.

Tips and Tricks to Manage Files on Android Phones

In addition to permanently deleting files on Android phones, there are some tips and tricks that can help you manage files on Android phones more easily and efficiently, such as:

  • Use a cloud storage app, like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, to store your important files online and save storage space on your phone.
  • Use a cleaning app, like CCleaner, Clean Master, or AVG Cleaner, to remove unnecessary junk, cache, and temporary files and free up storage space on your phone.
  • Use a compressor application, such as ZArchiver, RAR, or 7Zipper, to reduce large file sizes and save storage space on your phone.
  • Use an organizing app, such as ES File Explorer, Solid Explorer, or Astro File Manager, to better organize your files and find lost or hidden files on your phone.

By using these tips and tricks, you can manage files on your Android phone more easily and efficiently.

Conclusion

Permanently deleting files on your Android phone is an important thing to do if you want to protect the privacy and security of your data. There are several ways to permanently delete files on Android phones, such as using file managers, file shredders, PCs, and SD cards.

However, not all of these methods are equally safe and effective, so you should choose a way that suits your needs and preferences. In addition, you can also use some tips and tricks to manage files on Android phones more easily and efficiently.

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