Top Free Methods to Recover Deleted Files on Mac

If you’ve ever accidentally deleted a file on your Mac, you know how stressful it can be. Whether it’s an important document, cherished photos, or essential work files, the fear of losing your data can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover deleted files on a Mac for free. From built-in macOS features to third-party solutions, I’ve tried and tested them to bring you the best methods that really work. In this article, we’ll explore these solutions in detail, ensuring your lost files are recovered without spending a dime.

Common Scenarios:

Accidentally Deleted Important Work Files 💼

It’s common to accidentally delete work files while attempting to free up space or organize folders.
Sometimes, files are removed by mistake due to a misclick or by using keyboard shortcuts.

Emptied Trash Bin Unintentionally 🗑

The Trash Bin on Mac can be emptied unintentionally, leading to a permanent loss of files.
This often happens when users try to free up disk space without double-checking the contents of the Trash.

Data Loss Due to Software Crashes 💻

Software crashes or system errors can lead to unexpected data loss.
Apple’s macOS may sometimes malfunction during an update, causing files to disappear.

Step-by-Step Guide. Best Ways To Recover Deleted Files On Mac For Free:

Method 1: Recover from Trash Bin 🗑

Open the Trash Bin by clicking its icon on the Dock.
Browse through the deleted files to find the one you wish to recover.
Right-click on the file and select Put Back to restore it to its original location.

Note: This method only works if the Trash has not been emptied.

Conclusion: Recovering from the Trash is the simplest method if the file is still there and has not yet been permanently deleted.

Method 2: Utilize Time Machine Backup ⏳

Connect your Time Machine backup drive to your Mac.
Open the folder where the deleted file was originally located.
Click on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and select Enter Time Machine.
Navigate to the date before the file was deleted, select the file, and click Restore.
More information on Time Machine can be found on Apple Support.

Note: You need to have set up Time Machine prior to data loss.

Conclusion: Time Machine is an excellent built-in tool for recovering files if you have regular backups.

Method 3: Recover Using Terminal 📟

Open Terminal from the Applications > Utilities folder.
Type cd .Trash and press Enter to navigate to the Trash directory.
Use the ls command to list the files in the Trash.
Type mv [filename] ../ and press Enter to move the file back to its original location. Replace [filename] with your file’s name.
Refer to this guide on Setapp for more detailed instructions.

Note: Terminal is powerful; handle with caution to avoid unwanted changes.

Conclusion: Terminal can recover files that are still in the Trash, except it’s a bit more technical than other methods.

Method 4: Check iCloud Drive ☁

Open Finder and navigate to iCloud Drive.
Check the Recently Deleted folder within iCloud Drive for your file.
Select the file and click Recover to restore it.

Note: Files in iCloud’s Recently Deleted folder are retained for only 30 days.

Conclusion: iCloud Drive gives an extra layer of backup if you regularly sync your files online.

Method 5: Use Google Drive to Restore Files 🗂

Go to the Google Drive website or open the Google Drive app.
Navigate to the Trash section in Google Drive.
Select the files you want to recover and click Restore.
Here is more information on Google Support.

Note: Like iCloud, files in Google Drive’s Trash are kept for 30 days before permanent deletion.

Conclusion: Google Drive users can rely on this method if they regularly upload or sync their files to Google Drive.

Method 6: Restore with Disk Drill 📀

Download and install Disk Drill from their official website.
Launch Disk Drill and select the drive where your file was located.
Click on Recover to scan for deleted files.
Once the scan is complete, browse through the results to find your file.
Select the file and click Recover again to restore it. Full details can be found on CleverFiles.

Note: Disk Drill offers a free version with limitations, but it’s effective for recovering files.

Conclusion: Disk Drill is a robust tool for anyone looking for a more professional approach to data recovery.

Method 7: Use PhotoRec for Image Recovery 🖼

Download and install PhotoRec from their official website.
Open PhotoRec and select the drive where your lost files were stored.
Choose the file types you want to recover and start the scanning process.
Browse through the recovered files once the scan is complete.
Select the files you wish to restore and move them to a desired location.
More details can be found on the official PhotoRec website.

Note: PhotoRec is particularly designed for recovering deleted photos but can also retrieve other types of files.

Conclusion: A great utility for those needing to specifically recover image files lost from their Mac.

Method 8: Recover with Data Recovery Wizard 🛠

Download and install Data Recovery Wizard from their official website.
Launch the application and select the disk where the file was deleted.
Click on Scan to search for deleted files.
Once the scanning is complete, browse the list of recoverable files.
Select the file you want and click Recover. Complete guide is available on EaseUS.

Note: The free version has limits but offers enough features to recover essential files.

Conclusion: Data Recovery Wizard is an intuitive software for users needing to recover various file types easily.

Watch on Youtube: Top Free Methods to Recover Deleted Files on Mac

Precautions and Tips:

When Deleting Files, Double Check for Safety 🧐

Always review files in the Trash before emptying it.
Regularly back up your data using Time Machine or another reliable method.
Keep a habit of syncing important files to cloud storage such as iCloud or Google Drive.

Avoid Using the Disk After File Deletion 🚫

Minimize disk activity to prevent overwriting the deleted files.
If possible, use an external recovery tool without installing additional software on your Mac.
Perform file recovery operations as soon as you realize the data loss to improve success rates.

Stay Informed About Data Recovery Methods 📘

Read guides and tutorials on data recovery to better understand the process.
Bookmark important resources like HowToGeek for future reference.
Consider professional help if needed, but try free methods first.

Additional Info

While recovering deleted files on a Mac doesn’t always require professional intervention, understanding the various options available can significantly improve your success rate. Frequently backing up data is one of the most effective ways to prevent loss. Services like Time Machine and cloud storage solutions such as iCloud and Google Drive are incredibly useful. If you find yourself frequently recovering deleted files, it might be worth investing in a more comprehensive backup solution.

External hard drives provide another layer of security. Regular backups to an external drive ensure that even if your Mac’s internal drive fails, you’ll have a copy of your important files. You can find excellent external drives on Amazon or at Best Buy. Brands like Seagate and Western Digital offer reliable and affordable options.

For those using cloud storage, it’s crucial to regularly review your cloud backup settings. Make sure that essential files and folders are selected for automatic backup. This can save you time and ensure you always have the latest versions of your files accessible from anywhere.

Additionally, understanding file recovery software can be beneficial. Tools like Disk Drill and PhotoRec offer advanced recovery options, but always start with the built-in features like macOS’s Trash and Time Machine before trying third-party solutions. Each piece of software has unique features, and it might be advantageous to read user reviews or check out comparison articles on sites like TechRadar.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, losing files on a Mac doesn’t have to be a tragedy. By leveraging built-in utilities like Trash and Time Machine, cloud storage options such as iCloud and Google Drive, and powerful third-party tools like Disk Drill and PhotoRec, you can recover your lost data without spending a fortune. Always remember to keep backups, act quickly when data loss happens, and make use of the numerous free recovery guides available online. You can also refer to a comprehensive recovery guide on Medium for more detailed instructions on how to recover deleted files on Mac. With these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any data recovery challenges that come your way.

FAQ

What is the first step to take after realizing files are deleted on a Mac?

Avoid using your Mac immediately to prevent overwriting deleted files and increase the chances of successful recovery.

How can you find recently deleted files on a Mac?

Check the Trash bin by clicking on its icon in the Dock and searching for your deleted files.

Which key combination can help recover deleted files from the Trash?

Select the items in the Trash, right-click and choose Put Back to restore them to their original locations.

Can macOS Time Machine help in recovering deleted files?

Yes, Time Machine can restore deleted files if backups were created before the files were deleted.

How do you use Time Machine to recover individual files?

Open Time Machine from the menu bar, navigate to the desired backup date, and restore the selected files.

What is an effective free software option for recovering deleted files on Mac?

Disk Drill offers a free version that allows users to scan and recover deleted files on a Mac.

How do you recover files using Disk Drill?

Download Disk Drill, run the application, select the disk to scan, and choose files to recover once the scan completes. For more, visit Disk Drill

Is it possible to restore files from iCloud?

Yes, login to your iCloud account on iCloud.com, go to iCloud Drive, find Recently Deleted, and restore files.

Are there any terminal commands useful for recovering deleted files on a Mac?

There aren't direct commands for recovery, but using Terminal with other recovery tools can enhance the process.

Where can I find more tips on Mac file recovery?

For comprehensive insights, visit Apple Support for official documentation and recovery methods.