How do I recover permanently deleted files on Mac

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.