Smartphones have long since become our constant companions – from the alarm clock in the morning to the souvenir photos from the party in the evening. And because we always have them with us, large parts of our lives are now often contained within this small device.
We often only realize the consequences when something goes wrong and our phone gets stuck in the dreaded bootloop or lies in a puddle. No more access to pictures, videos, chats, and text documents. No more irreplaceable memories and important records.
In this article, we'll tell you what data recovery professionals advise in such cases – and what you can do to prevent it from getting to that point in the first place.
The most common causes of data loss on smartphones
Technical defects
Your phone is a technological marvel, but unfortunately also prone to defects. If it falls or is subjected to strong pressure, internal components can be damaged. But even if everything inside remains intact, a broken display will just as effectively prevent you from accessing your pictures.
Software error
Updates are important, but sometimes things go wrong. A faulty update or a system crash at the wrong moment can prevent the phone from starting up completely.
Viruses and malware
Viruses? Malware? Oh, come on, that could never happen to me! But it's not that simple in everyday life. One moment of inattention and an unsafe app is installed, which later turns out to be infected.
The truth is: anyone can catch a virus or malware.
Liquid damage
A moment's inattention and your phone slips out of your hand. And to make matters worse, it lands in a puddle, a lake, or the toilet. When this happens, the initial frustration with yourself is immense. Smartphone owners with waterproof devices are fortunate, but these can lose their water resistance through frequent use, drops, or even screen repairs. Furthermore, many phones aren't actually protected against all types of liquids.
But data recovery professionals can reassure you: liquid damage is one of the most common causes of data loss on mobile phones. So you're not alone!
Experts also emphasize that not all liquids are created equal when it comes to their effects on your smartphone.
Freshwater
A stroke of luck: If your phone came into contact with fresh water, the damage is often minimal. The chances of recovering your data are quite good, especially if you act quickly.
Saltwater
The worst-case scenario for your mobile phone is saltwater. It is highly corrosive and attacks circuit traces, contacts, and other components. The resulting damage is often irreparable.
Sugary liquids
Liquids with a high sugar content, such as cola, represent a special case. These leave sticky residues that are difficult to remove and can also lead to serious damage.
Avoid data loss
Clearly, ideally you don't want to meet the data recovery team at all. So what can you do to minimize the risk of data loss?
Make sure you update and back up regularly!
Without a doubt, your operating system and apps should always be up to date. However, by far the most important precaution is to make regular backups. While these won't prevent data loss, they will allow you to react to any mishaps with a smile. Data recovery experts recommend that for all data that is truly important to you, you not only use cloud services but also create physical backups on external hard drives .
Install security software and keep it up to date!
Reliable, up-to-date security software protects against viruses and malware. This minimizes the risk of data loss – and also protects you from other dangers such as phishing.
Don't carry your mobile phone around in your trouser pocket!
There are no reliable statistics on how people transport their mobile phones. However, data recovery experts are certain: far too many people simply keep them in their trouser pockets. This is the only way to explain the number of mobile phones that have ended up on asphalt or in toilet bowls.
However, there are now practical and fashionable alternatives available, ranging from belt holsters and lanyards to small crossbody bags or shoulder bags.
What if the worst happens?
Despite all precautions, it's happened. Your smartphone won't start or the display only shows incomprehensible hieroglyphs. While this is undoubtedly a stressful situation, try to stay calm. By following these tips, you have a good chance of still recovering your pictures, videos, or documents.
Turn off your smartphone
The longer your device continues to run after data loss, the lower the chance that data can be recovered.
This is especially important if the phone comes into contact with liquid. Do not use the phone under any circumstances, switch it off immediately, remove the memory card and, if possible, the battery, and let the device dry.
Use data recovery apps with care
There are apps like DiskDigger or Dr.Fone that can recover deleted files on smartphones. However, be aware that such software solutions are only intended for minor cases.
Utilize the expertise of professionals
Repair services
In cases of severe damage or complex software errors, it's time to seek professional help. The first step should usually be to contact a repair service. For Apple devices, the Apple Store can be a good place to start. Large electronics retailers often offer repair services as well.
Professional data recovery companies
Is your phone completely unresponsive? Don't worry, your data isn't lost! Data recovery experts have the know-how and equipment to recover pictures, chats, and documents even from damaged devices. Simply search online for reputable providers with contact information near you.
