How to Recover Deleted Files on Your Mac

Edited 4 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

File RecoveryMacData ManagementAppleSoftwareDevice ManagementBackupSecurityPerformanceTroubleshooting

It can be a stressful experience when you accidentally delete important files on your Mac. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover those files. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the various methods used to recover deleted files on your Mac, ensuring that you are armed with the knowledge to handle such situations effectively.

Understanding file deletion

When you delete a file on your Mac, it doesn't disappear immediately. The file is first moved to the Trash, where it remains stored until you empty the Trash. If you haven't emptied your Trash, restoring your file is as simple as moving it back to its original location.

Step-by-step guide to recovering files from trash

1. Open the Trash by clicking the Trash icon in your Dock.
2. Locate the file you want to recover.
3. Right-click on the file and select Put Back. This will restore the file to its original location.

If you've already emptied the Trash, you'll need to use other methods to recover your deleted files. This is where macOS features like Time Machine backups and special recovery software come in handy.

Using Time Machine to recover deleted files

Time Machine is a built-in backup feature in macOS. If you are using Time Machine to back up your data, it is easy to recover a deleted file.

A step-by-step guide to using Time Machine

1. Connect your Time Machine backup drive to your Mac.
2. Click the Time Machine icon in the menu bar, then choose Enter Time Machine.
3. Use the timeline at the right edge of the screen to find the date and time the file came into existence.
4. Go to the folder where your file was located.
5. Select the file you want to recover and click on the Restore button.

Using the terminal to recover deleted files

If you're comfortable using the terminal, you can sometimes recover deleted files using command lines, especially if the files were recently deleted and haven't been overwritten.

A step-by-step guide to using the terminal

1. Open Terminal from the Applications > Utilities folder.
2. Type sudo lsof | grep /Volumes and press Enter. This command lists open files.
3. Find the file you want to recover and note its location.
4. Use cp command to copy the file back to a safe location. For example:

   cp /path/to/deleted/file /path/to/restore/location

Using data recovery software

If the above methods don't work, specialized data recovery software can help. These tools scan your storage for recoverable files and provide an interface to restore them.

Popular data recovery software

Some of the well-known data recovery tools for Mac include:

• Disk Drill: Known for its user-friendly interface and powerful recovery capabilities.
• Data Rescue: A reputable tool that offers deep scanning options.
• PhotoRec: An open-source option that's effective for a wide variety of files.

A step-by-step guide to using Disk Drill

1. Download and install Disk Drill from its official website.
2. Open Disk Drill and select the disk where the deleted file was located.
3. Click on the Search for lost data button to start the scanning process.
4. Once the scan is complete, browse the list of recoverable files.
5. Select the files you want to recover and click on the Restore button.

Preventative measures

It is always better to prevent accidental deletion than to recover lost files. Here are some tips to help you avoid this dilemma in the future:

• Regular backups: Make sure you have an automated backup solution like Time Machine or iCloud.
• Deleting carefully: Double-check files before deleting them to make sure they are not important.
• Use an external drive: Store important files on an external drive for an added layer of security.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted files on your Mac can be a straightforward task if you use the right methods and tools. From checking the Trash and using Time Machine to using Terminal commands and data recovery software, you have many options at your disposal. Additionally, taking preventive measures can help you avoid data loss in the future. Always keep your backups updated and handle important files carefully.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll greatly improve your chances of successfully recovering lost files on your Mac, minimizing stress and ensuring that your important data remains intact.

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