How can I recover deleted files on my Mac?

Data Recovery
1

I accidentally deleted some important files from my Mac and I’m really stressed about it. I need those files for a project deadline coming up soon. Does anyone know how I can recover them? Any help would be highly appreciated. Thanks!

2

Hey, I feel you! Been in that boat more times than I care to admit. First off, don’t freak out too much; there’s still a good chance you can get those files back.

  1. Check the Trash Bin: Have you checked your Trash? I know it sounds basic, but tons of people forget this step. Just double-click on the Trash icon in the dock, and see if your files are in there. If you find them, right-click on each one and select “Put Back.”

  2. Use Time Machine: If you’re using Time Machine—Apple’s built-in backup system—you’re in luck. Plug in your Time Machine backup drive, open the folder where the file was originally located, then click the Time Machine icon from the menu bar and select “Enter Time Machine.” You can scroll back and find your deleted files, then click “Restore.”

  3. Third-Party Recovery Software: If neither of those work, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Something like Disk Drill can be super helpful.

    This software scans your Mac for deleted files and helps you recover them. You can download it from Disk Drill Download. Once installed, run a full scan and see if it finds your lost files. It’s pretty user-friendly and usually gets the job done.

  4. iCloud Drive: If you’ve been using iCloud for storage, check out iCloud Drive. Go to iCloud.com, log in, and navigate to iCloud Drive. There’s a “Recently Deleted” folder where you might find your files.

  5. Professional Data Recovery Service: If none of the above methods work, your last resort might be to consult a professional data recovery service. These services can be expensive, but they’re also very effective at retrieving lost data that you can’t recover on your own.

So it boils down to this: start simple and move to more complex solutions as needed. Hope you get those files back in time for your deadline! :slight_smile:

3

You seriously trust using Time Machine or checking the Trash bin? Come on, folks, those are like the first things anyone does. If those basic steps were gonna work, our friend wouldn’t be here asking for help, right?

OK, reality check:

  1. Time Machine: It works only if you’re diligent about backups. If you’re one of those who barely ever plug in their backup drive, don’t get your hopes up.
  2. iCloud Drive: What’s the chance you actually save everything important there? We all know iCloud can be a bit flaky. Plus, iCloud Drive’s “Recently Deleted” folder only keeps files for 30 days. Good luck if your files don’t fit that timeline.

So talking about third-party software, yeah, Disk Drill isn’t bad, but beware—don’t expect miracles. Pros: pretty user-friendly, can recover most common file types, and has a free version that lets you see what it can potentially recover before you pay. Cons: It’s not 100%, sometimes files come back corrupted, and the full version ain’t cheap. Options like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard and Stellar can also do the job but same deal—pricey and no guarantees.

And professional data recovery services? Seriously? That’ll cost you an arm and a leg, and by the time you get your files back, your deadline will probably be long gone.

My bet? Go for Disk Drill if you can’t use your backups. Just keep your expectations realistic.

4

Alright, so you deleted some important files on your Mac, huh? That’s a rough spot to be in, but don’t completely stress out yet. I’ve got some additional methods that might just save the day for you.

  1. Restore Using Terminal Commands: Sometimes, the simplest way is through good ol’ Terminal. If you’re somewhat comfy with command-line utilities:

    • Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
    • Type cd .Trash and press Enter (makes sure you’re in the Trash directory).
    • Use ls to list the files inside Trash.
    • If you find your file, type mv [filename] .. (replace [filename] with the actual file name), and this moves your file back to the home directory.

  2. Recover from Email Attachments or Messages: Have you ever emailed or messaged that file to someone? Check your sent emails or message archives to see if the file might be stashed away there. Sometimes, just retracing steps like this can be surprisingly effective.

  3. Social Media Backup: If you upload or share your files through social media channels, you might be able to retrieve a version of your files from there. This isn’t a common method, but if you’re desperate to recover even an older version of your important documents, it’s worth a look.

  4. Google Drive / Dropbox Versions: One thing folks often overlook is the version history in cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

    • For Google Drive: Open your Drive, right-click on the file (if it’s been updated), select “View version history”.
    • For Dropbox: Sign in, navigate to the file’s location, click on the file you need, then tap on “Version History.”
      You can revert to an older version if your deleted file was previously uploaded there.

  5. Different External Backups: Aside from Time Machine, if you’ve ever used other external drives for backups, give them a try. Sometimes, the Mac’s built-in backup solutions may not cut it, but if you’ve ever copied something important to a flash drive or an old external hard drive, it might just be your saving grace.

  6. Technical Jargon Option: If you’re dealing with low-level disk operations, consider using a Hex Editor to locate file signatures. Now, you’d need some understanding of file systems (like HFS+, APFS) and file headers to identify the start and end of files directly on the disk sectors. With tools like iHex, it’s possible, though not quite user-friendly. Definitely a last resort unless you’re tech-savvy.

One option the others have brought up but you should really consider is Disk Drill. From the sounds of it, you might already be fed up with basic solutions. Disk Drill scans deeper into your drive’s sectors to locate lost files that aren’t showing up with simpler methods. You can get it from Disk Drill. It’s very user-friendly, and while it’s not 100% guaranteed, it’s definitely one of the best third-party solutions out there.

In summary:

  • Try Terminal Commands for quick file retrieval from Trash.
  • Peep through email and social media archives if you’ve ever shared those files.
  • Use version history in cloud storage systems like Google Drive and Dropbox.
  • Don’t forget about any old external backups lying around.
  • For advanced users, Hex Editors might help, but tread with caution.
  • If all else fails, Disk Drill is your go-to tool for thorough, possibly device-wide recovery efforts.

Remember, the key is to act fast. The longer you wait, the more you risk overwritten sectors which lower the chance of successful recovery. Good luck!