Ever wondered what if your important data like work documents, photos, videos, etc. get deleted on Mac? Recovering deleted files on Mac can be a crucial task but not impossible at all. Luckily, there are many macOS built-in as well as third-party free Mac data recovery software available that you can use to recover your lost files. Here, in this step-by-step guide, we will cover multiple methods, including both free file recovery programs and manual approaches to recover deleted files on a Mac, ensuring your files are not lost forever.
Recover Lost Files on Mac Using Free Mac Data Recovery Software
Before you proceed with manual workarounds like restoring lost files on your Mac via backups, you can try using a free Mac data recovery software. There are several recovery tools available online that can help you in easy and quick recovery of lost files. Stellar Data Recovery Free for Mac is an all-in-one free Mac data recovery option to bring back your lost data without too much of a hassle. This software is known for several amazing features, such as:
- It supports the recovery of files lost from local, external storage devices, encrypted devices, crashed computers, etc.
- Supports recovery of files deleted due to accidental deletion, formatting, corruption, virus attacks, and more.
- It provides a smooth, intuitive, and user-friendly interface along with quick recovery steps.
- Recover data from Mac devices powered with the latest M3 and T2 chips.
- Allows you to preview the recoverable files before saving them on your device
Step-by-Step Instruction on How to Recover Lost Files on Mac Using Free File Recovery Program:
Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Data Recovery Free for Mac tool on your device. Launch the software and from the What to Recover window, choose the type of files you need to restore and click Next.
Step 2: From the Recover From window, choose the storage location where your deleted data was earlier stored and click Scan.
Step 3: After completion of the scanning process, preview the recovered data and select the files you need to recover. Click the Recover button to save selected files at the desired storage location.
That’s it! Once you are done with the above steps, check if your recovered files are available at the storage location where you’ve saved them.
Other Alternatives to Recover Deleted Files on Mac
In this part of the blog, we will discuss various manual methods for the recovery of deleted files on Mac. Just go through these methods one-by-one to get your deleted data back:
Method 01: Check the Trash Bin
Every file after deletion on Mac devices goes to the Trash folder before being permanently deleted. It is stored in the Trash folder for about 30 days in which you can easily recover it by performing some simple steps:
- Click on the Trash icon appearing in your Dock.
- Go through the list of deleted files appearing in the Trash
- Select and right-click on the file that you need to restore and select the “Put Back” option. This will restore the selected file back to its original location.
Method 02: Recover Deleted Files Using Time Machine
If you are good at maintaining backup of your important files, you can use it to recover them when data loss occurs. Time Machine is a macOS in-built backup utility that automatically backs up your system files, including personal files, apps, and system settings. If you have enabled Time Machine backup on your Mac, follow the below steps to recover deleted files:
- Firstly, connect the external hard drive containing Time Machine backups to your Mac.
- Click on the Time Machine icon from the menu bar and select “Enter Time Machine”.
- In the Time Machine window, use the arrow keys to navigate through the Time Machine backups and select the data that you need to recover.
- After selecting the required files, click the Restore button and wait till the file gets successfully restored to the location that you’ve selected.
Method 03: Use iCloud Drive to Recover Deleted Files on Mac
If you have enabled iCloud drive on your Mac, your files may be backed up to the cloud. You can use this option to restore deleted files from any Apple device connected to your iCloud account. For this:
- Visit iCloud.com and enter your Apple ID and password to log in to your account.
- Click on iCloud Drive followed by clicking the “Recently Deleted” button appearing in the bottom-right corner.
- Choose the file you need to restore and click “Recover” to conclude the recovery process.
Tips for Smooth Recovery of Deleted Files on Mac
Now that you are familiar with various free Mac data recovery workarounds, it’s time to check a few important tips in order to enjoy a smooth and successful recovery process:
- Act Quickly: Once files are deleted, the space they occupied will be marked available for new data. The longer you wait, the higher the risk that new data will overwrite the deleted files and make the recovery process more complex.
- Check the Trash Bin First: Before applying a more complex method or using any free Mac data recovery software, always check the Trash Bin. Many deleted files are simply moved there and can be easily restored.
- Enable Time Machine Backups: As Time Machine is the best option for easy recovery of lost files on Mac, make sure it is enabled on your device and backed up regularly.
- Keep your software updated: Ensure that your macOS and recovery tools are up to date. Software updates often include important fixes and improvements that can enhance data recovery capabilities.
Wrapping Up
Recovering deleted files on a Mac can include simple to complex recovery workarounds depending on the type of deleted data, how earlier data were deleted, etc. It is important to carefully opt for the best Mac data recovery software or any manual recovery workaround. Always start with the easiest solutions, like checking the Trash Bin or using backups like Time Machine backups, iCloud Drive, etc. If these methods fail, move to third-party free Mac data recovery software, like Stellar Data Recovery Free for Mac. By following the step-by-step instructions and mentioned preventive tips, you can maximize your chances of successfully recovering deleted files on your Mac.