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I downloaded some data recovery apps from Play Store. They failed to recover my deleted data, but they show some hidden WhatsApp files like .status.

Can they recover and steal my database file from them and upload it to their server?

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    Android 12 uses File based Encryption which makes file recovery extremely unlikely. See also comments here: android.stackexchange.com/q/246846/2241
    – Robert
    Aug 14 at 15:32
  • @Robert, why not make it an answer?
    – Rohit Gupta
    Aug 14 at 20:29
  • @RohitGupta because I am not familiar with all the details of FBE encryption in combination with the used file-system and I don't want to make a definitive answer about a system that I only know in general.
    – Robert
    Aug 15 at 6:53

1 Answer 1

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File recovery in newer Android OS is not possible.

Long Answer:

Most data recovery apps over the years have just failed to recover anything.

Some fake recovery by trying to get leftover data from cache or thumbnails and show them as recovered. These apps claim to be able to recover deleted files. However, their effectiveness can vary, and they might require certain permissions or features that may not be available in Android's newer versions due to increased privacy and security measures.

Even if device is rooted any data recovery app needs to acquire permission with user intervention and can not directly access storage as low level disk access.

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  • What if the file is automatically deleted for example whatsApp data base file which are automatically deleted after 7 days or when sender deleted photo from their side for everyone ? @mohsyn
    – Zai
    Aug 19 at 9:10
  • 'Deletion' either automatically or manually is the same. The file entry is removed and the space it was occupying is marked as empty. So, theoretically, it can be recovered using advanced forensics but it is not possible for applications in newer devices to recover deleted media in normal scenarios.
    – mohsyn
    Aug 19 at 10:38
  • Whether it is manually deleted or automatically deleted it is good to go or there is any difference between manually deletion and automatically deletion ( Automatically deleted as the database file in WhatsApp deleted automatically after 7 days ) are both action same or automatically deleted are not as good as manually deleted and one more thing if a FILE or PHOTO is automatically deleted in a device with FBE ( Android 12 ) it's encryption key is also Deleted with it or not @mohsyn
    – Zai
    Aug 21 at 15:47
  • @Zai that makes it suitable for a new question. Post another question. Thanks!
    – mohsyn
    Aug 21 at 20:15

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