Smart Trash Bin for Android
AnExplorer includes a system-wide trash bin — when you delete files, they move to trash instead of vanishing immediately. You have a 30-day window to recover any mistake.
How It Works
- Delete a file or folder in AnExplorer — it moves to Trash (sidebar shortcut available).
- Files sit in trash for up to 30 days by default.
- Restore individual files — one tap returns them to their original path.
- Permanently delete items manually when you're sure, or let them expire automatically.
- Empty Trash — clear everything at once when you want to reclaim the space.
What Goes to Trash
| Storage Type | Trash Coverage |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | ✅ All deletions via AnExplorer |
| SD card | ✅ All deletions via AnExplorer |
| USB OTG drive | ✅ All deletions via AnExplorer |
| Network shares (SMB/FTP) | Uses remote recycle bin if available |
| Cloud storage | Uses provider's own trash |
| Root partition (root mode) | ✅ Optional (confirm before each root delete) |
Trash Management
View Trash Contents
Open Trash from the sidebar. Items are listed with:
- Original file path (so you know where to restore it)
- Date deleted
- File size
- File type
Sort and Search
Sort by deletion date (most recently deleted first) or by file size. Search by filename to find a specific deleted file in a large trash.
Selective Restore
Tap any item → Restore → it returns to the exact folder it came from. If the original folder was also deleted, AnExplorer recreates it.
Selective Permanent Delete
Tap any item → Delete Permanently to remove it from trash before the 30-day expiry. Use when you're confident you don't need it and want to reclaim space immediately.
Auto-Empty Schedule
Set trash auto-expiry to 7, 14, or 30 days. AnExplorer runs the cleanup task during device charging so it doesn't interrupt your work.
Trash Size Indicator
The Trash view shows the total size consumed — useful when storage is almost full and you want to reclaim space without reviewing every item individually.
Recovery Scenarios
| Mistake | How Trash Fixes It |
|---|---|
| Deleted wrong photo | Open Trash → tap Restore → photo is back |
| Cleared entire folder | Trash shows all contents → restore all or selectively |
| Deleted app backup APK | Recover before expiry — reinstall later |
| Accidentally emptied Downloads | 30 days to catch the mistake |
Related Features
Use Memory Cleaner to safely reclaim space from caches and junk files. Use WhatsApp Manager to review and selectively delete media before it hits trash.