Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Mac: Step-by-Step Guide

Method 1: Using Disk Drill App 🛠

• Download and install Disk Drill from the official website. Visit Disk Drill for the latest version.
• Launch the Disk Drill application and grant the necessary permissions.
• Select the drive from which you want to recover the deleted files.
• Click on the ‘Recover’ button to start the scanning process.
• Once the scan is complete, preview the found files and select the ones you want to restore.

Note: Disk Drill is effective in not only recovering files but also protecting and managing your data.

Conclusion: Disk Drill is one of the easiest and most reliable tools for recovering permanently deleted files on your Mac. Its user-friendly interface and powerful recovery capabilities make it highly recommended.

Method 2: Time Machine Backup ⏳

• Open Time Machine by clicking on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar.
• Select ‘Enter Time Machine’ to browse through your backups.
• Navigate to the date and time you suspect the file was still present.
• Select the files you want to recover and click on the ‘Restore’ button.
• Wait for the restoration process to complete and check if the files are back in their original location.

Note: Ensure that you have a recent Time Machine backup before relying on this method.

Conclusion: Time Machine is exceptionally useful if you have maintained regular backups. It’s a straightforward and effective way to restore permanently deleted files.

Method 3: Using Terminal Command 🖥

• Open Terminal from the Utilities folder.
• Type the command: ‘sudo pmset -a securevirtualmemory 0’ and press Enter.
• Next, type: ‘sudo chflags nohidden /Volumes’ and press Enter.
• Navigate to the Volumes directory in Finder to locate your lost files.
• Move the recovered files to another safe location.

Note: This method is more technical and should be used by users comfortable with command-line interfaces.

Conclusion: Using Terminal commands can be an advanced yet effective way to recover files if you’re familiar with macOS’s underlying system.

Method 4: Cloud Backup Services ☁

• Log in to the cloud storage service where your files were backed up, such as iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
• Navigate to the ‘Trash’ or ‘Deleted Files’ section in the cloud service.
• Locate the files you wish to restore.
• Select the files and click on the ‘Restore’ button.
• Wait for the files to be restored to their designated locations on your Mac.

Note: Ensure you have enabled file syncing and backup options in your cloud storage service to utilize this recovery method.

Conclusion: Cloud services are incredibly handy for recovering files lost due to deletion or other issues. Always ensure your important files are backed up to the cloud.

Method 5: Check Recent Files 📂

• Click on the Apple menu and select ‘Recent Items’.
• Look through the list to see if your deleted files are still accessible.
• If found, open and resave the files to a different location on your Mac.
• This method works best for files that were recently deleted.
• Ensure to double-check the file paths and save locations during this recovery process.

Note: This method is only effective for very recent file deletions.

Conclusion: Checking recent files can sometimes save you the trouble of using complicated recovery methods, especially for files that were deleted very recently.

Method 6: Restore from Email Attachments 📧

• Access your email accounts and search for the names of the missing files.
• Look through sent and received emails for attachments containing the lost files.
• Download the attachment files and save them to your Mac.
• You can use this method particularly for documents or images shared via email.
• Make sure to check all email folders, including ‘Sent,’ ‘Inbox,’ and ‘Trash’.

Note: This method will only work if you’ve previously emailed the files or received them as attachments.

Conclusion: Restoring files from email attachments can be an effective last-resort solution, especially when you don’t have other immediate recovery options available.

Method 7: Specialized Recovery Services 🛡

• If the above methods fail, consider seeking help from a professional data recovery service.
• Research and select a reputable data recovery provider with good reviews.
• Send the affected drive or device to the service center as per their instructions.
• Wait for an evaluation and cost estimate regarding the recovery process.
• Proceed with the recovery service if the terms and estimated success rate are acceptable to you.

Note: Professional recovery services can be expensive, but they are worth it for crucial data.

Conclusion: Specialized recovery services are a reliable option when all other methods have failed. Make sure to choose a service provider with proven expertise and good customer feedback.

Method 8: Using Backup Software 🛟

• Install and open your preferred backup software, such as Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper!
• Follow the software instructions to access and recover deleted files.
• Use the software’s interface to search for and select the items you wish to restore.
• Proceed with the recovery process according to the software’s guidelines.
• Ensure that the recovered files are saved in a secure and easily accessible location on your Mac.

Note: This method relies on having previously set up and used backup software on your Mac.

Conclusion: Backup software can be a lifesaver if you’ve been diligent about creating backups. It offers a straightforward way to recover deleted files without much hassle.