How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac

If you’re a Mac user who’s ever faced the panic-induced moment of realizing a crucial file has been deleted, then you know the urgent need for a reliable recovery solution. I was in that very situation recently and found solace in the powerful data recovery tool called Disk Drill. In this article, I’ll share how I managed to recover my deleted files on Mac using Disk Drill, as well as other alternative methods that worked for me.

1. Step-by-Step Guide. Recover Deleted Files On Mac:

Method 1: Using Disk Drill 🛠

• Download and install Disk Drill from CleverFiles.
• Launch Disk Drill and select the drive where your deleted files were located.
• Click on the ‘Recover’ button to initiate the scanning process.
• Once the scan is complete, review the list and preview the files to ensure they are the ones you want to recover.
• Choose the files and click on the ‘Recover’ button again, selecting a safe location to save them.

Note: The free version of Disk Drill allows you to recover up to 500MB of data. For more, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Conclusion: Disk Drill’s intuitive interface and powerful scanning capabilities make it a solid choice for recovering deleted files on Mac.

Method 2: Check the Trash Bin 🗃

• Open the Trash Bin by clicking its icon in the dock.
• Look through the contents to find your deleted file.
• Right-click on the file and select ‘Put Back’ to restore it to its original location.
• If you’ve found multiple files, select them and drag them out of the Trash Bin to a safe location.

Note: Files remain in the Trash Bin until it’s manually emptied, so always check there first for a quick recovery.

Conclusion: The Trash Bin should be the primary place to search for recently deleted files, as it’s the easiest and quickest recovery option.

Method 3: Use Time Machine Backup ⏳

• Connect your Time Machine backup disk to your Mac.
• Click on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and choose ‘Enter Time Machine’.
• Navigate through the backups to find the file or folder you want to restore.
• Select the item and click on ‘Restore’ to recover it to its original location.

Note: This method only works if you have been running Time Machine backups prior to the deletion of the file.

Conclusion: Time Machine is an efficient way to recover deleted items, provided that you have set up regular backups.

Method 4: Terminal Command 🖥

• Open Terminal from the Utilities folder within Applications.
• Type the following command: cd .Trash
• Then list deleted files using: ls -al
• To recover a specific file, use: mv filename ../, replacing 'filename' with the actual name of your file.

Note: Terminal commands require precise syntax; a small error can lead to undesirable outcomes.

Conclusion: Terminal can be a powerful tool for more tech-savvy users who are comfortable using command-line interfaces for file recovery.

Method 5: Third-Party Software Solutions 🔄

• Research and select a third-party file recovery software like Stellar Phoenix, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard or Wondershare Recoverit.
• Download and install the chosen software.
• Follow the software’s instructions to scan for deleted files on your Mac.
• Preview recoverable files, select them, and proceed with the recovery process.

Note: Most recovery software offers a free version with limited capabilities or a full version at a cost.

Conclusion: Third-party recovery solutions are numerous, and choosing one depends on your specific needs and budget.

2. Precautions and Tips:

Regular Backups Are Key 🔑

• Set up Time Machine to run automatic backups regularly.
• Consider using cloud storage services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox for additional backup layers.
• Regularly check backup integrity to ensure they are functioning properly.

Immediate Action Can Save Your Data ⏱

• Avoid using your Mac to prevent overwriting deleted files.
• Run a recovery tool like Disk Drill as soon as possible.
• If recovering large files, save them to an external drive to avoid data overwriting.

3. Why Data Recovery Is Possible

Understanding why data recovery is possible can be reassuring when you face a file deletion scenario. When files are deleted on a Mac, the system marks the space they occupied as available for new data but doesn’t immediately remove the actual data. This means that until new information writes over it, the original data remains physically present on the disk.

This mechanism is the reason why quick action following deletion enhances the chances of successful recovery. The likelihood of retrieving files decreases as new data fills the disk space. Using tools like Disk Drill exploits this window of opportunity as they scan for data remnants before they’re gone for good.

While recovery chances are favorable under certain conditions, there is always the risk of partial or complete data loss. This potentiality underscores the value of preventive measures, such as routine backups and cautious data management.

For a deeper understanding of how file deletion and recovery work, consider reading expert articles on reputable tech websites like How-To Geek or TechRadar.

Conclusion:

Lost files on Mac can induce panic, but as we’ve covered, solutions like Disk Drill and other methods offer hope for data recovery. I’ve personally benefitted from these tools, especially Disk Drill, to retrieve files I once thought were gone forever. Always remember, quick action and regular backups are your best defense against permanent data loss. For any Mac user, knowing how to recover deleted files using tools like Disk Drill can turn a potential disaster into a minor setback.

FAQ

How can I recover files I deleted from the Trash on my Mac?

To recover files deleted from the Trash, you can use Time Machine if you have a backup. Alternatively, explore third-party recovery tools like Disk Drill or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac.

Is there a built-in feature on macOS for recovering recently deleted files?

Yes, macOS has a built-in feature to recover recently deleted files through the Trash. Right-click on the Trash icon, select Open, locate your file, and drag it out to restore.

Can I get back a file I deleted without a backup on my Mac?

Without a backup, recovery is not guaranteed but possible using file recovery software. Consider professional applications that specialize in deep scans to retrieve lost data.

Does macOS have a versioning feature that can help restore previous versions of a file?

macOS does offer a versioning feature through Time Machine, allowing you to restore previous versions of a document if backups were made periodically.

Can I undo a deletion on my Mac if I immediately realize my mistake?

If the deletion was recent, you might be able to press Command + Z to undo the action, effectively restoring the deleted file to its original location.

What steps should I take immediately after accidentally deleting an important file on my Mac?

First, stop using your Mac to avoid overwriting the data. Then attempt to restore from the Trash or use Time Machine. Lastly, consider file recovery software if necessary.

Is it possible to recover files deleted from an external drive connected to my Mac?

Yes, files on an external drive can often be recovered with software designed for Mac data recovery, as long as new data hasn’t overwritten the old data.

Can I recover specific file types, like photos or documents, after deletion on Mac?

Most recovery software allows you to target and restore specific file types, including photos and documents, enhancing the efficiency of the recovery process.

What are my options if I have a solid-state drive (SSD) in my Mac and need to recover files?

Recovery can be more challenging on SSDs due to TRIM technology, but it’s not impossible. Use specialized SSD recovery tools and stop using the drive immediately.

Are there any risks involved in using third-party recovery software on my Mac?

There is a risk of overwriting data with improper tool usage. Always use reputable recovery software and if uncertain, consult with a professional.