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Recover Missing OneDrive Photos After Samsung Factory Reset
Question details
The user is unable to find their backed-up photos in OneDrive after performing a factory reset on their Samsung mobile device.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive / Samsung Gallery
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Checking OneDrive for backed-up photos following a complete device factory reset.
- Observed behavior
- Photos are missing from the cloud storage because Samsung Gallery and OneDrive use two-way synchronization, meaning local file deletions during the reset may have synced to OneDrive.
Ensure you know the exact Microsoft account credentials linked to your Samsung Gallery and do not capture new photos on your device until the recovery process is complete to prevent overwriting data.
Check and Restore from the OneDrive Recycle Bin
Use this method to recover photos that were recently deleted due to the two-way synchronization between Samsung Gallery and OneDrive.
Samsung Gallery and OneDrive utilize a two-way synchronization feature. This means that if photos are wiped from your gallery during a factory reset, the deletion may automatically mirror to your OneDrive account. Fortunately, these files are usually moved to the cloud recycle bin for 30 days.
Go to OneDrive.com on a computer or mobile browser and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Samsung device.
Click on the 'Recycle bin' option located on the left-hand navigation pane of the OneDrive interface.
Locate the missing photos, select the checkboxes next to them, and click 'Restore' at the top of the page to move them back to their original folders.
Restore Entire OneDrive to an Earlier State
If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can undo all actions on your OneDrive by reverting it to a time before the factory reset.
Contact Microsoft OneDrive Support
Use this option if the photos are not in the recycle bin and you do not have a restore point available.
Discover WPS Office for Secure Document Management
While resolving your OneDrive photo sync issues, consider switching to WPS Office for a lightweight, free, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. Enjoy seamless document creation, editing, and reliable built-in cloud backups without complex sync configurations.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installation file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite.
- 3. Sign In and Start Creating: Open WPS Office, sign in to activate your free cloud storage, and begin seamlessly editing your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did resetting my phone delete photos from OneDrive?
Samsung Gallery and OneDrive use two-way synchronization. When a factory reset wipes the local storage, the system may interpret the missing files as intentional user deletions and sync that deletion command directly to your OneDrive cloud.
How do I disconnect Samsung Gallery from OneDrive?
Open your Microsoft Account security settings online, navigate to 'Apps and services you've given access', locate Samsung, and select 'Remove these permissions'. Alternatively, you can unlink it directly from the Samsung Gallery settings under the 'Sync with OneDrive' option.
Are permanently deleted OneDrive files recoverable?
Once files are emptied from the OneDrive recycle bin, they are generally permanently deleted. However, Microsoft 365 subscribers can use the 'Restore your OneDrive' feature within 30 days, or you can contact Microsoft Support to request a backend server check.
How can I safely back up photos before a factory reset?
Before resetting, manually copy your files to a physical hard drive or use a one-way backup service rather than a sync service. If using OneDrive, temporarily disconnect your Samsung account from OneDrive beforehand to break the two-way sync.
