Recovering Files On A Cell Phone That Has Been Factory Reset

I have a Samsung ZFold 4. After doing a factory reset I found that my pictures were not backed up to OneDrive even though I got a confirmation that they had been backed up. So now I'm hoping I can recover them from my phone. I'm looking for the best way for recovering files from a phone that has been factory reset. I have already tried using the Recuva software, and it's finding files but not the files I am looking for. I'm thinking I might not be missing something simple. When I set the software to search my phone, it winds up searching what appears to be a copy of my phone under users on C:. But the weird thing is there are two phones listed in that path. So it looks like the software isn't really searching my phone. I need a step by step instruction on how to recover files on a factory reset phone. Thanks!

 

Update. I was able to recover files with Recuva doing a deep scan, but jpg files will not open, saying they are in an unsupported format. I tried an online repair site but it failed to repair. The initial status was listed as broken. Any ideas?

 

Actually I don't think I was connected to my physical phone, but rather a copy of my phone listed in Users under Windows. I've been trying to root my phone but none of the software on the download page I've tried is working. I think it's because they are older versions. Root Genius 2.6 stops at 38% and a newer version I downloaded from FileCroc says my phone is too solid to root.......... Can anyone recommend a safe source for a root download?

 

I've determined that my problem is that I'm unable to root my phone because OEM unlock is not enabled on my phone, but it's also not showing up in Developers Options. It's been way more than 7 days since I've down a factory reset so the time limit resolution is not the issue. I bought this phone used so it shouldn't be my provider. And the firmware is up to date. Any ideas on how I can get OEM unlock to show up in Developers Options??

 

Hi, there might be something/someone here to help: https://xdaforums.com/f/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4.12657/

 

Thanks, but it appears that Samsung US and Canada versions of the Zfold 4 have permanently hid the OEM unlock option. From what I can find out my only option is to flash phones O/S which is well beyond my expertise........... but I might be able to find someone who is familiar with the process...........

 

That doesn't surprise me, someone thought it was a good ploy to squeeze more sales...

Yes, that would be close to my expectations, keep scanning; something might pop up somewhere.

 

Any luck getting your pics and data?

How long have you had the phone for and is it paid off yet? Also check with your carrier as to when they will unlock the phone and if it is done automatically. Verizon recently updated their unlock policy and IIRC it is 6 months, and is still supposed to be done automatically. But I'm not buying the automatic unlock as I have had my phone well over 1yr and it's long paid off, it's not a smartphone but still shows locked. So best to ask your carrier as you might be able to get it unlocked.

That said, you could also try Disk Drill https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/disk_drill.html . Mount the phone as a "drive" and run Disk Drill on that "drive".

Good luck.

 

I bought the phone used off of Amazon, so it's always been paid off. Through my research I found that Samsung has permanently disabled/hidden the OEM Unlock option on some versions of the phone, that include the US version. My carrier is T-Mobile and according the CSR I spoke to, they don't lock their phones, at least not phones that weren't theirs originally, and this wasn't bought thru them. But I will check out Disk Drill. Thanks!!

 

Ah, I see. That's a major bummer. I know there are some websites that offer 'unlock' codes/procedures for some phones for a fee. But they come with risks. Plus a big huge ? as to IF your model is one they can 'unlock'.

No problem, let us know how Disk Drill works.

I have used it in the past with good results on SD cards that got formatted, flash drives and harddrives. But haven't done it on a cellphone. Though I see no reason it can't be used to attempt data recovery on a pone as they act like and mount like an external drive when connected to a computer.

 

PS, you may need to go into (it might need to be deep into) the phone's settings (it may be more than one setting to be changed) and adjust settings to allow/give permissions and set administrator privileges for external access when the phone is connected to a computer. This so you, the computer and chosen software(s) maybe have and do a better job of accessing the internal storage and data recovery.

Next, are you able to remove the Sim and SD/Micro SD (or what ever is used for internal storage) so you could put them into external USB readers connected to your computer? This would bypass the phone's OS and lock. Though you may need to unlock/turn off security locks/remove passwords from the SIM and Storage cards so you, the computer and data recovery software can scan and access them/data on them directly when removed and inserted in external readers. I say this because on my phone it gives me the option to secure/password lock the SIM and Micro SD cards in the phone so IF lost or stolen it prevents someone accessing them to get the data. Yes there are SIM card readers you can buy.

Lastly, you said that you had set it so that Cloud Backup was "ON" and found the on the surface it looked like it didn't/wasn't backing up. Who is providing the Cloud Backup Service, T-Mobile and/or Samsung? Did you call Tech Support to see why it wasn't backing up and/or why it looked/looks like it didn't backup AND see IF they will try to recover any data/repair your Cloud account in hopes to access data stored that may have been/gotten "hidden"/"lost" for some reason/due to a glitch on their end? IF not, give them a call and try, see IF they will try to rescue/recover any/all data in your Cloud account connected to the phone.