How to recover lost or deleted files on a Mac?

How to Recover Deleted Files on a Mac

Losing important files on your Mac can be distressing, but there are several methods to recover them. Here are step-by-step instructions to help you retrieve lost or deleted files:

Method 1: Check the Trash Bin

Open the Trash Bin:

Click on the Trash icon in the Dock.
Look for your deleted files.
Restore Files: Right-click on the file you want to recover and select "Put Back." This will restore the file to its original location.

Method 2: Use Time Machine Backup

If you have Time Machine backups enabled, you can restore files from your backups.

Open Time Machine:

Click on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and select "Enter Time Machine." If the icon isn’t visible, you can find Time Machine in System Preferences.

Locate the Files:

Use the timeline on the right edge of the screen to navigate to a date before the files were deleted.
Browse through the Finder windows to find your lost files.
Restore Files: Select the files you want to recover and click the "Restore" button. The files will be restored to their original locations.

Method 3: Use File Recovery Software

If you don’t have a backup, third-party file recovery software can help retrieve lost files.
Download Recovery Software: Some popular options include Disk Drill, Data Rescue, and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. Download and install the software from their official websites.
Scan for Lost Files: Open the recovery software and select the drive where the files were located.
Start a scan to search for recoverable files. This process may take some time.
Recover Files: Once the scan is complete, browse the list of recoverable files.
Select the files you want to recover and choose a destination to save them. It’s best to save them to a different drive to avoid overwriting data.

Method 4: Check iCloud Drive

If you use iCloud Drive, your files might be saved there.

Open Finder: Navigate to the iCloud Drive folder in the Finder sidebar.
Search for Files: Browse or use the search function to find your missing files.
Restore Files: If the files were recently deleted, check the "Recently Deleted" folder in iCloud Drive and restore them from there.

Method 5: Professional Data Recovery Service

If the above methods fail, consider using a professional data recovery service.

Contact a Service:

Research and contact a reputable data recovery service. Some well-known options include DriveSavers and Ontrack.
Follow Instructions:
Follow their instructions for sending in your Mac or the affected storage device.

Receive Recovered Data:

The service will attempt to recover your files and return them to you, usually on a new storage device.
By following these methods, you should be able to recover lost or deleted files on your Mac. To prevent future data loss, regularly back up your files using Time Machine or other backup solutions.

Can permanently deleted files be recovered?

Recovering permanently deleted files on a Mac is challenging, but not impossible. The success of recovery largely depends on how quickly you act and the methods you use. Here are some strategies to consider:

Understanding Permanent Deletion

When you delete a file on a Mac and empty the Trash, the file isn’t immediately erased from the disk. Instead, the system marks the space as available for new data. Until that space is overwritten, it’s possible to recover the file.

Methods to Recover Permanently Deleted Files

Check Time Machine Backups:

Open Time Machine: If you use Time Machine for backups, you might be able to restore the deleted files.
Navigate to a Backup: Open Time Machine from the menu bar, and navigate to a backup date before the file was deleted.
Restore the File: Find the file and click "Restore" to recover it to its original location.

Use File Recovery Software:

Choose a Recovery Tool: Several third-party tools are designed to recover deleted files on a Mac. Popular options include Disk Drill, Data Rescue, and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
Download and Install: Install the chosen software and follow the instructions to scan your drive for recoverable files.
Perform a Scan: Run a deep scan to locate permanently deleted files.
Recover Files: Select the files you want to recover and save them to a different drive to prevent overwriting data.
Browse iCloud Drive: If your files were synced with iCloud Drive, they might be recoverable from there.
Recently Deleted Folder: Check the "Recently Deleted" folder within iCloud Drive for any recoverable files.

Professional Data Recovery Services:

Contact a Specialist: If software solutions fail, professional data recovery services can often retrieve data from damaged or corrupted drives.
Send Your Device: Follow the service provider's instructions to send your device for analysis and recovery.

Tips for Future Prevention

Regular Backups: Use Time Machine or other backup solutions to regularly back up your files.
Cloud Storage: Utilize cloud storage services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox for additional file protection.
File Management: Be cautious when deleting files and double-check before emptying the Trash.

Conclusion

While recovering permanently deleted files on a Mac can be difficult, it’s possible with the right tools and quick action. Always ensure you have regular backups to minimize data loss risks in the future.