Pictures and PDFs missing

[indnajns]

I have an A52. Almost all my pictures have disappeared.  A few random ones, like one or two a month back through 2022 are still there, but all the rest are missing. There are a handful of pictures in the trash, but they are legitimately pictures I trashed. Also, an entire folder of PDFs disappeared. I know it was there Saturday (today is Tuesday) because I used files in it then. I think a bunch of other, random PDFs are missing, as there doesn't seem to be nearly as many as there usually are. You know, the odd stuff that sticks around when you check menus and things on the web and they leave files on your phone.  

No, I do not have Google drive or Sync or any of that turned on. I usually back up my stuff to my PC, but of course, I got a little lax and now everything is missing. I restarted the phone, but no change. Any ideas what happened and how I can recover my stuff?

[indnajns]

It seems to have changed my ring tone, as well. What is going on?

[Robin999]

Are your pictures etc normally stored internally or on the SD card?

[JAMES4578]

Hi @indnajns Have you searched thoroughly My Files ,definitely no trace of the others?  I think it is advisable to use both local and Cloud storage, in any case more than one source.  some other cloud Back ups explained here if you do not want to synchronise with one Drive or use Google. https://www.techradar.com/best/best-cloud-backup  whilst some Data Recovery software exists effectiveness will vary and cannot personally vouch for any ofd them. https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-best-data-recovery-software-for-photographers 

Folowing software upgrades it is also advisable to clear the cache partition, some cache files can be outmoded or corrupt in some cases.  Follow these steps:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Connect To Computer or other Device , Press and hold the Volume Up key and then press and hold the Power key
3. When the Android logo displays, release both keys.
4. Wait until the Android system recovery menu options appear.
5. Press the Volume down key several times to highlight wipe cache partition.
6. Press Power key to select.
7. Press the Volume down key to highlight yes, them and press the Power key to select.
8. When the wipe cache partition is complete, Reboot system now is highlighted.
9. Press the Power key to restart the device.

can also Repair apps from the same Recovery Menu.