Accidentally deleted files are one of the most common problems faced by MacBook users. Valuable documents, photos or projects that disappear in a few clicks… It can be panic-inducing, but there are various methods for data recovery. In this article, we will examine not only the basic methods but also lesser-known and specific data recovery techniques. Here you can find all the tips to recover accidentally deleted files from your MacBook.
1. Recover Deleted Files with Recycle Bin and Terminal
The first stop for deleted files is usually the Trash . But sometimes even the Trash doesn't bring your file back. In such cases, you can perform a deeper recovery via Terminal .
Step 1: Recover from Trash
- Click on the Trash Can icon on your desktop.
- Right-click on the file you want to restore and use the "Put Back" option.
Step 2: Recovery Using Terminal
You can try a more advanced recovery method using Terminal . However, you should be careful when using this method because incorrect commands can lead to other problems.
- Open Terminal: enter the command "cd .Trash" and press Enter.
- To move the file, use the command: "mv file_name /destination_folder".
Note: When performing operations via Terminal, it is very important to type the file name and target folder correctly. Otherwise, you may not be able to find your file.
2. Roll Back to Old Versions with Time Machine
Time Machine is a macOS feature that takes regular backups and offers the ability to restore them to different dates. However, a lesser-known aspect is that it backs up not only files but also file versions. This feature is especially useful if you work with documents that are constantly changing.
Step 1: Recover with Time Machine Backup
- Click the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and select "Enter Time Machine".
- Revert the file to its original version by selecting an appropriate date from the timeline.
Step 2: Recover Specific File Versions
- To see the version history of a specific file, right-click on the file and select "Restore." This can be a lifesaver, especially for documents that are constantly updated.
3. Repair Deleted Partitions with Disk Utility
Sometimes files can become inaccessible due to a problem with the hard drive. In this case, Disk Utility in macOS can help you recover data by repairing corrupted partitions.
Step 1: Repair Disk with Disk Utility
- Open Disk Utility by going to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility .
- Select your disk or partition in the left panel, then click the "First Aid" tab.
- Click "Run" to start the repair process. Disk Utility will scan and repair any errors in the file system.
Step 2: Check External Drives
To check lost or deleted files on external drives, you can also scan external drive with Disk Utility . Especially, this tool can be quite effective to find accidentally deleted or inaccessible files on your external drives.
4. Recover Files with Lesser-Known Features of iCloud Drive
iCloud can back up not only photos and documents but also file versions, which is especially useful when you want to revert to a previous version of a file you were working on.
Step 1: Restore with iCloud.com
- Go to www.icloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Open the "iCloud Drive" tab and go to the "Recently Deleted" folder.
- Select the deleted files and click the "Restore" button.
Step 2: Restoring File Versions
- To restore a previous version of a file, especially one updated via iCloud, right-click on the file in iCloud Drive and use the "Restore Versions" option.
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5. Advanced Data Recovery Software
In some cases, the above methods may not work. In such cases, you can resort to professional data recovery software. Below are some of the popular and reliable data recovery software for MacBooks:
Recommended Software:
- Disk Drill: Deeply scans deleted files on MacBook. It is known for its easy-to-use interface and different data recovery modes. It can also recover deleted data from USB, external drives, SSDs, and memory cards.
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: It has comprehensive data recovery features. It allows you to recover different types of files, such as photos, videos, documents, and emails.
- Stellar Data Recovery: Stellar, a professional tool, can easily find lost or deleted data on your MacBook. With its deep scanning mode, it is very effective in recovering deleted or formatted data on your disk.
Tip: Before using data recovery software, back up your disk and data. Don't skip this step to avoid further data loss during the recovery process.
6. Recover Files on MacBook with Recovery Mode
In certain data loss situations, MacBook can help you recover data with Recovery Mode . This method can be used to recover data lost due to hard drive problems.
Step 1: Start MacBook in Recovery Mode
- Turn off your MacBook, then simultaneously press and hold the "Command (⌘) + R" keys while pressing the power button. Recovery Mode will open.
- By selecting Disk Utility, you can check and repair problems in the file system.
Step 2: Reinstall macOS
- If the problem is caused by a bug in the macOS operating system, you can reinstall the system by selecting the "Reinstall macOS" option in Recovery Mode . This process only refreshes the operating system without deleting your current data.
Don't forget to check out our content for quick data backup solutions and tips on your MacBook !
7. Tips to Prevent Data Loss
Recovering deleted files can be difficult, so it's best to take precautions beforehand to avoid data loss:
- Regular Backup: Back up regularly with Time Machine or iCloud Drive so you can always keep your files safe.
- Use Trash Safely: Keep files in Trash for a certain period of time instead of permanently deleting them immediately.
- Use Safe Software: Be careful when installing third-party software. Malware that threatens your computer can lead to data loss.
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Conclusion
It is possible to recover accidentally deleted files on your MacBook. Although the process can be complicated at times, you can recover your data in most cases with the methods above. Getting into the habit of making regular backups and knowing the most effective way to recover deleted files will minimize your risk of losing data.
