Fixed: How To Recover Permanently Deleted Files On Mac [2023]

Here’s how to recover permanently deleted files on your Mac in 2023, complete with solution to have the issue fixed.

Proven Ways to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Mac [Updated]

Accidentally deleted important files and emptied the Trash? Wondering how to restore permanently deleted files on Mac? Don’t worry; there’s hope. In this post, we will walk you through the process of Mac file recovery, helping you retrieve those crucial files you thought were lost forever.

Whether you’re looking to recover permanently deleted files on Mac for free or seeking useful tips to prevent data loss, we have all the answers. So, stay with us.

Things Before Learning How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Mac

Before we discuss how to restore permanently deleted files on Mac, it’s important to ensure that the files have truly been permanently deleted. Many users mistakenly believe that their files have disappeared, when in fact they have simply been moved or hidden.

Option 1: Check Your Trash

One of the initial steps to recover permanently deleted files on Mac is to check your Trash. Deleted files often end up here, giving you a chance to restore them. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open your Trash bin by clicking on its icon in the Dock.

Step 2: Search for the specific files you wish to retrieve.

Step 3: Right-click on the files and select “Put Back” to restore them to their original location.

Option 2: Show Hidden Files

Sometimes, files may appear to be permanently deleted when, in fact, they are hidden. Here’s a straightforward guide:

Step 1: Open Finder on your Mac. Then, go to “Go” and select “Computer.”

Step 2: Choose “Macintosh HD” to access your main hard drive.

Step 3: While you are inside the Macintosh HD directory, press Shift + Command + . (period).

Part 1: Easiest Way to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Mac

The most straightforward way to recover permanently deleted files on Mac is through a backup. But what should you do if you don’t have a backup? That’s where Tenorshare 4DDiG comes in to help. It’s a fast, reliable, and efficient data recovery software that utilizes advanced algorithms for data retrieval. Here are some of its notable features:

Capability to recover over 2000 data types, including photos, videos, audio, documents, and more.
Support for various data loss scenarios like deletion, formatting, corruption, and more.
Easy recovery from various sources such as Mac and Mac-based storage devices, crashed computers, encrypted devices,and more.
Impressive success rate and offer a smooth interface.
Free from viruses, malware ads and pop-ups.

Now, let us tell you how to recover permanently deleted files on Mac in just a few clicks:

Step 1: After launching Tenorshare 4DDiG, you’ll find a list of your devices and drives on the home interface. Choose the drive containing your permanently deleted files and click on the ‘Scan’ button.

Step 2: This powerful tool will start scanning the selected drive to locate deleted files. During the scan, you’ll start seeing various deleted files appearing on your screen. You can switch between Tree View and File View to find and preview the files you need.

Step 3: Now, select the files you wish to recover from the list. Click the ‘Recover’ button and specify where you want to save the recovered files.

Part 2: How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Mac for Free

Solution 1: Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Mac from iCloud

As mentioned before, if you’ve backed up the files you deleted, you don’t need to worry about how to recover permanently deleted files on Mac. Most Mac users typically choose iCloud as their backup option, but some users opt for other cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive. Regardless of your choice, the process of file recovery remains straightforward.

Step 1: Launch your web browser and navigate to iCloud.com. Next, sign in using your Apple ID and password.

Step 2: On the iCloud homepage, click on the “Drive.”

Step 3: You might find the deleted files on the “Recents” folder or the “Recently Deleted” folder.

Step 1: Navigate to the ‘Data Recovery’ section by scrolling down on the iCloud homepage.

Step 2: Click on the “Restore Files” button and it will start to search recoverable files.

By following these steps, you can easily recover permanently deleted files on Mac for free.

Solution 2: Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Mac Using Time Machine

When it comes to restoring permanently deleted files on Mac, we have to mention Time Machine. This wonderful tool has been a lifesaver for countless Mac enthusiasts, offering seamless and automatic backups of your entire system, including documents, photos, and settings. Here’s how you can use Time Machine to restore your files:

Step 1: Connect the drive with the Time Machine backup to your Mac, and then click the Time Machine icon in the menu bar, selecting ‘Enter Time Machine.’

Step 2: Use the timeline on the right side of the screen to select a date when the file you want to recover was still available.

Step 3: Navigate through your backup using Finder to find the deleted file you want to recover.

Step 4: After you’ve located the file, simply choose it, and then click the “Restore” button. Time Machine will then copy the file back to where it originally belonged on your Mac.

Part 3: What Should You Do If None of the Above Methods Works?

When all other methods fail to recover permanently deleted files on Mac, reputable data recovery services may be the final resort. These experts use specialized tools and skills to try and get back your lost data, even when it seems impossible.

However, these services are typically expensive, and the cost can vary depending on the complexity of the recovery process. Additionally, the process can be time-consuming, potentially taking several days or even weeks to complete. If the deleted files are of great value to you, this method is still worth trying.

Part 4: Useful Tips to Prevent Data Loss on Mac

To prevent asking questions like “How to recover permanently deleted files on Mac” again on help sites, taking preventive measures is essential.

Connect an external hard drive and set up Time Machine to automatically back up your Mac regularly.
Use external hard drives or network-attached storage (NAS) devices for additional backup options.
Services like iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive can automatically sync your important files to the cloud.
Installing professional data recovery software in advance can allow you to take immediate measures when data is lost.
Keep your operating system and software up to date.

Final Words

In conclusion, knowing how to recover permanently deleted files on your Mac is a valuable skill that can save you from the anguish of losing important data. Among the methods available, Tenorshare 4DDiG stands out for its remarkable success rate and simplicity. This powerful software has already assisted numerous Mac users in successfully recovering lost data without backup files. So, must give it a try.

FAQs about How to Restore Permanently Deleted Files on Mac

Q1: How do I recover permanently deleted folders on Mac?

A: There are five proven methods to recover permanently deleted folders on your Mac:

Solution 1: Firstly, check your Trash Bin.

Solution 2: Use Time Machine if you’ve backed up your Mac with it before.

Solution 3: Try data recovery software like Tenorshare 4DDiG if you don’t have a backup.

Solution 4: Contact a professional data recovery service.

Solution 5: If you’ve been using iCloud to back up your files, you can check there for the deleted folder.

Q2: Can permanently deleted files be recovered?

A: Yes, it’s possible to recover permanently deleted files if they haven’t been overwritten yet. Using data recovery tools or maintaining a backup can help. However, if the file has been securely deleted or overwritten by new data, recovery can be very challenging or nearly impossible.

Q3: How do i recover permanently deleted files on Mac using Terminal?

A: No, it’s impossible to recover permanently deleted files on Mac using Terminal. Terminal can only recover files that are still in the Trash folder.