How do I recover permanently deleted files on Mac

Do you have iCloud backup?

For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, macOS’s Terminal can be used to attempt file recovery using certain commands. However, this method is not as straightforward or reliable as using dedicated recovery software and is generally recommended only for advanced users. Note: Incorrect usage of Terminal commands can lead to further data loss or system issues. Proceed with caution and consider professional assistance if unsure.

When built-in options aren’t available, third-party data recovery software becomes invaluable. These tools can scan your Mac’s storage drive for traces of deleted files and attempt to restore them. Below are some of the most reputable data recovery applications for Mac.

Recovering permanently deleted files on a Mac without Time Machine is achievable through the use of reliable third-party data recovery software or professional services. By acting quickly, minimizing usage of your Mac, and utilizing the appropriate tools, you can enhance your chances of retrieving lost data. Additionally, implementing robust backup strategies will help safeguard your valuable information against future data loss incidents. Remember that while recovery tools are powerful, they are not foolproof, and the success rate can vary based on the extent of data overwriting and the specific circumstances of the deletion.

Recovering permanently deleted files on a Mac can be a real hassle, if you’ve deleted something and want to recover it, don’t write anything more to that drive. Every new file you create can potentially overwrite the deleted data you’re trying to get back. So, chill out, stop binge-watching shows for a bit, and don’t download new stuff.
There are a ton of data recovery programs out there, but not all of them are created equal. Some can be super sleazy and may not actually do anything helpful or might even cause more harm than good. I’ve tried a few, and honestly, some were a total waste of time. If your Mac’s hard drive is on its last legs, trying to recover files could be a nightmare. If the drive is making weird noises or acting funky, it might be better to take it to a pro instead of risking further damage. Your files might be there, but pushing the drive too hard might render it completely toast.

Sometimes we get so caught up in the recovery process that we forget to consider what we’re actually looking for. If you deleted a massive video file or a bunch of images, and you want to recover permanently deleted files on Mac. keep in mind that the larger the file, the more at risk it is of being overwritten. If it's been a while, you might be out of luck with those larger files. 

When I was organizing my computer a while ago, I also did the stupid thing of emptying the Trash and deleted a bunch of work files. I was desperate without Time Machine, but later I found that APFS snapshots could be a lifesaver. It really helped me recover permanently deleted files on Mac. Let me share my experience!

The APFS file system supports the snapshot function. Even if you don't enable Time Machine, sometimes the system itself may generate automatic snapshots. The operation is as follows:

1. Open "Disk Utility".

2. Select your system partition and click "Show APFS Snapshots" on the toolbar.

3. If you see relevant snapshot records, choose a suitable time point to restore.

4. Although this is not Time Machine, it can be an invisible savior to recover permanently deleted files on Mac.

Tips

There are two points to note when using this method to recover permanently deleted files on Mac:
Make sure the disk format is APFS (the system default should be).

Snapshot recovery will overwrite your subsequent operation data. It is recommended to back up existing files before trying.

When I was organizing my computer a while ago, I also did the stupid thing of emptying the Trash and deleted a bunch of work files. I was desperate without Time Machine, but later I found that APFS snapshots could be a lifesaver. It really helped me recover permanently deleted files on Mac. Let me share my experience!

The APFS file system supports the snapshot function. Even if you don’t enable Time Machine, sometimes the system itself may generate automatic snapshots. The operation is as follows:

1. Open "Disk Utility".
2. Select your system partition and click "Show APFS Snapshots" on the toolbar.
3. If you see relevant snapshot records, choose a suitable time point to restore.
4. Although this is not Time Machine, it can be an invisible savior to recover permanently deleted files on mac.

Tips

There are two points to note when using this method to recover permanently deleted files on Mac:
Make sure the disk format is APFS (the system default should be).

Snapshot recovery will overwrite your subsequent operation data. It is recommended to back up existing files before trying.

So, if you don’t have Time Machine turned on, but use APFS format, you can really try this snapshot function. Maybe you can easily recover permanently deleted files on Mac! Hope your files can be successfully recovered too! 😊

Recovering permanently deleted files on a Mac without Time Machine can seem daunting, but with the right approach and tools, it is often possible to retrieve your lost data. Whether you’ve accidentally emptied the Trash, deleted files using Terminal commands, or experienced data loss due to system errors, this guide will walk you through effective methods to recover permanently deleted files on macOS without relying on Time Machine backups.

1. Act Quickly and Minimize Usage

When you delete a file, macOS doesn’t immediately erase the data from the storage drive. Instead, it marks the space as available for new data. To maximize the chances of successful recovery:

• Stop Using Your Mac Immediately: Avoid installing new software, downloading files, or saving anything else to your Mac. Continued use can overwrite the space where your deleted files reside, making recovery impossible.
• Avoid Restarting Your Mac: While not always necessary, restarting can sometimes reduce the likelihood of successful recovery if the system starts writing new data to the disk.

2. Check Other Locations for Your Files

Before diving into data recovery software, ensure that your files aren’t stored elsewhere:

• iCloud Drive: If you use iCloud, your files might still be available there. Visit iCloud.com and sign in to check your files.
• Other Cloud Services: Check services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive if you use them.
• Recently Deleted Folder in Apps: Some applications, like Photos or Pages, have their own “Recently Deleted” folders.

I recently encountered a similar problem on my Mac and I really understand your desperation. After completely emptying the Trash, recovering permanently deleted files on Mac is indeed tricky, but it is not hopeless. Here are two solutions I know, I hope it will be helpful to you:

Method 1: Try to recover through Terminal

Open Terminal on your Mac and enter sudo fs_usage to view real-time disk activity. If you know the approximate path to the folder, you can try using the find command, such as

find / -name "file name"

Method 2: Try iCloud Drive or email attachments

If you have used iCloud to sync files before, log in to the iCloud web version (icloud.com) and check whether there are any archives in "Recently Deleted". In addition, if the file has been shared through email or other services, you can trace back to the email attachments or historical versions, and you may find some of the content. This method is also a disguised way to recover permanently deleted files on Mac.

Although these methods may not be as efficient as professional tools, there is always hope if you don't have Time Machine. It should be noted that the sooner you try, the better, to avoid new operations overwriting the deleted data. If the file is really important to you, you may consider professional tools, because the success rate of recover permanently deleted files on Mac is also related to the tool. Good luck!