How to recover permanently deleted files on Mac
Losing important files on your Mac can be a distressing experience, especially when you’ve permanently deleted them. However, don’t despair just yet. There are several methods you can try to recover your deleted files. In this article, we will discuss various ways to recover permanently deleted files on Mac, ensuring that you can get your precious data back.
1. Use the Trash
The first and simplest method to recover deleted files on Mac is by checking the Trash. When you delete a file, it is moved to the Trash, where it remains until you empty it. To recover a file from the Trash:
1. Open the Trash by clicking on its icon on the Dock.
2. Find the file you want to recover.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Put Back” to restore it to its original location.
2. Use Time Machine
If you have enabled Time Machine, you can use it to restore deleted files from a previous backup. Here’s how to do it:
1. Connect an external drive or start up from a Time Machine backup disk.
2. Open the Time Machine application from the Dock or menu bar.
3. Navigate to the date when the file was still available.
4. Select the file and click on “Restore” to save it to its original location.
3. Utilize third-party data recovery software
If the above methods don’t work, you can try using third-party data recovery software designed specifically for Mac. Some popular options include:
– Disk Drill
– Stellar Data Recovery
– EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
These tools can scan your Mac’s storage and recover deleted files, even if they have been permanently deleted. To use these tools:
1. Download and install the data recovery software of your choice.
2. Run the software and select the drive where your deleted files were located.
3. Start the scanning process and wait for the software to complete.
4. Once the scan is finished, browse through the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files and start the recovery process.
4. Check for hidden files
Sometimes, files may appear as deleted when they are actually hidden. To check for hidden files:
1. Open the Terminal application.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: `find /path/to/directory -name “.hidden” -print`
3. The command will list all hidden files in the specified directory. You can then recover them by renaming the files or using a file manager that supports hidden files.
5. Contact a professional data recovery service
If all else fails, you may need to contact a professional data recovery service. These services have advanced tools and techniques to recover data from damaged or formatted drives. However, this option can be expensive and may not guarantee a successful recovery.
In conclusion, recovering permanently deleted files on Mac is possible with the right methods and tools. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of retrieving your lost data and getting back to work or enjoying your files once again.
