7 Ways Recover Deleted Phone Numbers Android: Expert Tips & Tricks
Losing important phone numbers can be a significant inconvenience, especially if they were not backed up. Fortunately, there are several methods to recover deleted phone numbers on Android devices, each with its own set of steps and requirements.
1. Restore from Trash
One of the simplest ways to recover deleted contacts is by accessing the "Trash" or "Deleted Items" folder in the Google Contacts app. Here’s how you can do it:
-
On the Web:
- Open Google Contacts in your web browser and log in with the same Google account used on your phone.
- Select "Trash" from the menu on the left. If you don't see it, select the three-line menu button at the top left.
- Choose the contact you want to restore and click "Recover."
-
On Your Phone:
- Open the Contacts app on your Android device.
- Access the menu (usually three dots) and select "Fix & manage" > "Trash".
- Select the contact you want to restore and tap "Recover."
Deleted contacts are stored in the trash for 30 days before they are permanently deleted.
2. Undo Changes
If you have synced your contacts with your Google account, you can undo changes to restore deleted contacts. Here’s how:
- On the Web:
- Log into Google Contacts.
- Go to the settings of Google Contacts and select "Undo changes."
- Choose the timeline from which you want to restore your contacts and click "Undo".
3. Import Phone Numbers Again from Google Account
If your contacts are synced with your Google account, you can import them again to recover deleted numbers:
- On Your Phone:
- Open the Contacts app.
- Go to "Menu" > "Manage Contacts."
- Tap "Import or export contacts" > "Import" and select the source (e.g., Google account).
4. Recover Deleted Contacts From SIM Card
If your contacts were stored on the SIM card, you can import them back:
- On Your Phone:
- Open the Contacts app.
- Go to "Menu" > "Manage Contacts."
- Tap "Import or export contacts" > "Import" and select the SIM card as the source.
5. Restore Your Google Account Contacts Backup
If you have backed up your contacts with your Google account, you can restore them from the backup:
- On the Web:
- Log into Google Contacts.
- Go to the settings and select "Restore contacts."
- Choose the backup you want to restore from and follow the prompts.
6. Restore Deleted Contacts Without Backup
If you did not make a backup, you can still try to recover deleted contacts using third-party software. Here’s how:
- Using Third-Party Software:
- Download and install a reliable data recovery tool like MobiKin Doctor for Android, FonePaw Android Data Recovery, or DroidKit.
- Connect your Android device to the computer via a USB cable.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted contacts.
- Preview and select the contacts you want to recover, then click "Recover" to restore them.
Important Note: Some of these tools may require rooting your device, which can void your warranty and expose your device to security risks. Use these tools with caution and only if you are comfortable with the risks involved.
7. Use Call History and Caller Identification Apps
If the above methods do not work, you can try looking at your call history or using a caller identification app:
-
Check Call History:
- Open the Phone app and go to the call history.
- Look for the number you are trying to recover. If you have called the number before, it will be listed here, although it may not have the contact name associated with it.
-
Use Truecaller:
- Download and install Truecaller, a caller identification app.
- Truecaller can help identify unknown numbers in your call history and provide additional details such as the phone carrier and location.
By following these steps, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering deleted phone numbers on your Android device. Always remember to back up your contacts regularly to avoid such situations in the future.