Last December, XDA Developers discovered that Google's Files app would soon have a recycle bin available on Android . Now, according to a new post on XDA, it seems Google plans to include a recycle bin within the Settings app, starting with Android 12. In fact, some phones will be able to update to Android 12 , while others will not.
Google prepares a recycle bin for deleted files in Android 12
Android 12 may have a trash section
Continuing with the report, Android 12 may include a unified option for managing deleted files under Settings -> Storage . From here, users can view the number of files in the Android Recycle Bin, along with the option to permanently delete them. However, the option to restore items in the Recycle Bin appears to be missing in its current state.
The report also suggests that it's not likely to be a full-fledged Recycle Bin or Deleted Files folder. Take a look at the screenshots of this hidden feature below:
Recycle bin in Android 12?
As with almost all other new Android features, the feature's compatibility depends on several factors. To begin with, file management apps must use Android's MediaStore API, for this feature to work as expected. Also, we'll have to wait to see if popular recycle bin apps make changes to support this implementation.
That said, it's worth noting that the aforementioned trash can in the Settings menu isn't available by default in the two Android 12 developer previews released so far. Therefore, it's possible Google will omit the feature or test it in upcoming beta versions. We'll have to wait for the next Android 12 developer preview and future beta versions before drawing any firm conclusions. And, of course, we'll know for sure at Google I/O 2021, scheduled for May 18-20.