How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac

Apple's macOS has gained many users because of its smooth performance, reliability, and interactive interface. If you are one of those users and accidentally deleted important data, don't worry. We provide several methods to help you recover deleted files on Mac, even if they were permanently removed.

Table of contents
Essential Knowledge You Should Know About Deletion
Can I Recover a File on Mac after Deleting?
Tips on Preventing Future Data Loss in macOS
Recap of Key Points
FAQs

Essential Knowledge You Should Know About Deletion

Before we move on to undelete Mac, let's understand the types of file deletion

Can I Recover a File on Mac after Deleting?

So, yes, even after permanent deletion. Here, you can learn what happens behind the scenes when you delete files, which is quite interesting.

The Mac operating system (OS) removes the file pointers. Without the pointers, the system doesn't know where the data is. However, the actual file is still in place—until new operations or processes overwrite it.

For that reason, you should act quickly when you realize that you deleted a file. But more importantly, you should avoid adding new files to that disk where the file was.

How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on MacBook Pro/Air, iMac and More

It is difficult but not impossible to retrieve such deleted file events. To do this, you can check out the following methods.

Way 1. From Time Machine

You may already know about Time Machine, a built-in backup feature exclusive to MacOS. If you enable it in advance, it will create a backup of your selected data in snapshot form. Even if you delete files permanently, you can use the backup to get those files back.

  1. Connect your Time Machine backup drive to your Mac.
  2. Open the folder where you deleted the file (i.e., the original location)
  3. Go to the Menu Bar and click on the "Time Machine" icon. Then select "Enter Time Machine."
  4. Use the timeline on the screen's right side to go to a version (time) before permanently deleting the file.
  5. Choose the files that you want to restore.
  6. Click "Restore" at the bottom of the screen to complete the process.

Tip: In addition to macOS recover deleted files, Time Machine can also restore your system to an earlier version if it encounters a serious failure.

Best for
This method is 100% effective if the backup contains the files you permanently deleted.
limitation
Time Machine only works if you have previously configured it to back up your data. Moreover, it will not get the files that were excluded from backups or removed in earlier snapshots.

Way 2. Use File Recovery Freeware

I don't have Time Machine set up. Can I still recover permanently deleted files on Mac? Of course, but you have to rely on a third-party tool in this case. Here, we will use two effective and free data recovery software for Mac to guide you through the process.

#1. FileRescuer

It is one of the most helpful tools out there that can help you quickly recover lost files on Mac no matter the reason.

Best Recovery Software for Mac
★★★★★ (Rating 4.8 by 693 Users)
Whether it is permanent deletion, emptying the trash, formatting, or other reasons for data loss, it is up to the task.
Supports internal and external hard disks, USB flash drives, memory cards, etc.
Restore documents, photos, videos, audio files, emails, archives, and more files on Mac. Free Download
Video Tutorial:
Step-by-Step Guide:
  1. First of all, Download and Install the FileRescuer on your Mac Device.
  2. Launch the software. You will see the Data Recovery option with the Storage Devices and Carshed Mac Recovery sub-options. Please make sure Storage Devices is in focus.
  3. Afterward, please select the hard drive where the lost files are located and click the "Search for lost files" option at the bottom right corner.
  4. Wait for the scan to complete.
  5. Now, Check the list of recoverable files and find the one you need.
  6. Finally, Click "Recover" to save your files to a safe location.

#2. PhotoRec

This is a very popular open-source undelete or unformat hard drive software. Even though it does not have a user interface, you can use the following steps to recover deleted files on Mac.

  1. First, download PhotoRec from the official TestDisk website. Extract the files from the archive.
  2. Open Terminal and navigate to the directory where PhotoRec is located. Run the command sudo ./photorec to start the program. You may need to enter your Mac password.
  3. Use the arrow keys to choose the hard disk and volume of the lost files and press Enter.
  4. Select the hard drive's file system type. In most cases, choose "Other" unless the filesystem is an ext2/ext3/ext4.
  5. Select scan the entire storage device.
  6. Choose a location where the recovered files will be saved.
  7. Start to undelete items. After the process is finished, you will see a summary.
Best for
It is very effective at recovering permanently deleted files on Mac in the absence of backup, but you have to start the process as soon as possible.
limitation
Not 100% guaranteed

How to Find Recently Delete Files on Mac

It might happen that you accidentally deleted the file, but it wasn't a permanent deletion. This is what we mean by normal deletion, and it's easier to get them back here. Here's what you can do:

Way 1. Use Undo Option

When you realize you accidentally deleted a file, please immediately press "Cmd + Z" to undo the action. The item will then reappear on your screen. It's that simple.

Best for
Best for quick mistakes where you have just deleted a file and realize it right away.
limitation
If you perform other operations, this will become invalid.

Way 2. From Trash Bin

This is going to be the first place you check after you recently deleted a file, or files. The deleted stuff ends up in the "Trash" - the "Recycle Bin" of Windows. You can use it to undelete Mac files, here's how:

  1. Open the Trash on the dock.
  2. Search for the file you recently deleted.
  3. Right-click the file and select "Put Back."

Note that the deleted file will be restored to its original location.

Best for
If you have not emptied the Trash yet, this method is simple and the first line of recovery.
limitation
If the files are beyond the time limit or deleted from external drive then recently deleted files cannot be found by this method.

Way 3. From iCloud

For Mac users with iCloud Drive, accidentally deleting files is no big deal. To undelete Mac files, follow the steps below. However, iCloud Drive only stores files for 30 days. If this limit is exceeded, they will disappear forever.

  1. Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
  2. After signing in, click the "iCloud Drive" option to open it.
  3. Choose the "Recently Deleted" option at the bottom of the page. This will show all the data that was recently removed.
  4. You can manually select the files and click the "Recover" option to get them back.
Best for
Your Mac has iCloud sync turned on.
limitation
Files never synced or deleted outside the synchronization window will not be recoverable through iCloud.

Bonus tip: How to set up iCloud Drive on your Mac to avoid losing important files.

  1. Click the Apple menu on the top of the screen and select System Preferences.
  2. Click your username in the sidebar.
  3. Select iCloud and click Drive.
  4. Turn on Sync This Mac. (For macOS 13 - 13.2, click Open > Options)

If you have other Apple devices, you can also click here to see more ways to enable iCloud Drive.

Way 4. Utilize the Recently Deleted Option from the Photos App

Good news for Mac users who accidentally deleted photos and videos from their photo albums: there is now one more way to retrieve them. You can check the "Recently Deleted" option, which is a unique feature of the Photos app.

  1. Open the Photos app.
  2. Check the Recently Deleted album.
  3. Find the photos or videos you wanted.
  4. Restore them to their original location by clicking "Recover."

Helpful Tip: To recover deleted photos or videos on a Mac, you must do so within 30 days of the deletion, just like with iCloud.

Best for
You have already imported them into the Photos App.
limitation
Only for pictures and videos.

Way 5. Use Terminal

Finally, you can find accidentally deleted files on Mac using Terminal, but it might require some advanced skills. Here’s what to do:

  1. Open the "Finder" on your Mac, go to "Applications," then "Utilities," and click on "Terminal."
  2. The next step is to type "cd. Trash" and then click "Return."
  3. Now, Type "ls -al ~/.Trash" and click "Return" again.
  4. Type "mv filename ../" (You must enter the file name + extension such as "Screenshot .png").
  5. Press "Return" and type "Quit" and leave the Terminal.

This method will move the file you accidentally sent to Trash back to its original location.

Best for
Users who prefer to use the command line or dock without showing the Trash.
limitation
It is ineffective for permanently deleting files or emptying the Trash. Furthermore, if you enter the wrong command, it may lead to further data loss.

Tips on Preventing Future Data Loss in macOS

Recap of Key Points

No matter the situation, the methods we provided can help you successfully recover deleted files on Mac. Each recovery method has some limitations that you must understand clearly to complete the work quickly. However, it is important to handle your files carefully and always back them up to prevent this issue from happening again.

FAQs

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