Forum Discussion
Asainna
Jan 10, 2025Iron Contributor
What is the best data recovery for Mac in 2025? Please recommend!
A few days ago, I accidentally deleted a very important work folder on my MacBook, and the key is that I haven't backed it up yet! đ I couldn't find it in the Trash, and I searched for data recovery for mac tools online. I feel that there are too many options, and I have no idea which one is really reliable. Has anyone used the best data recovery tool for Mac, which has a high recovery rate, fast speed and stability?
My device is a MacBook with an M1 chip, running macOS Ventura, and I usually rely on it for work. Although I also have a Windows 11 laptop, I don't use it often, and I want to find a data recovery software optimized for Mac. Does anyone have any reliable recommendations that are still actively updated in 2025? Please share your personal experience! Thank you very much! đ
There was a time when I accidentally deleted important files on my macbook air, and I was in a panic. But I followed this tutorial: https://www.appleinsidez.com/recover-deleted-files-on-mac
I managed to recover everything â highly recommend giving it a try!
- ChristianZhaoIron Contributor
When choosing the best data recovery software for Mac, it's essential to thoroughly evaluate user reviews and expert analyses to gauge the software's effectiveness and reliability. Try to avoid the app with low ratings or poor customer support as there are tons of data recovery software out there when searching across the web.
By the way, you should download and give a try of the app. In fact, some of the apps are out of date and unable to work on the latest version of macOS. This is a common case under Mac ecosystem as Apple makes major update once per year.
- NguyenaisIron Contributor
Here are the steps you can take to try to recover the deleted files on Mac:
Check the Trash: Open the Trash by clicking the Trash icon in the Dock. Look for the deleted files. If you find them, right-click on the files and select "Put Back" to restore them to their original location.
Check Cloud Services: If you use cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox, check if the deleted files are stored there. You may find backup versions or recently deleted items that can be restored.
Restore from Backup: If you have other forms of backup, check those to see if the files are available.
Use File Recovery Software: If the files are not in the Trash or backed up in Time Machine, you can use third-party file recovery software for Mac.
If youâve deleted files and want to recover them, itâs best to stop using the drive immediately. Continued use can overwrite the space where the deleted files were stored. This makes data recovery much more difficult. And to prevent future data loss, ensure you set up regular backups with Time Machine or another backup solution.
- ArusikOIron Contributor
If you are looking for a best data recovery for Mac in 2025. Terminal commands often work best when the files haven't been overwritten. If you've written new data onto the disk after deleting those files, your chances of recovery plummet. And let's face it, by 2025, are we really going to be careful about not stuffing new stuff on our Macs?
Depending on the size and type of the storage device, the process might take longer than expected. You might find yourself waiting around instead of getting right back to work or play. Ain't nobody got time for that!
As macOS evolves, some command line utilities or methods you're used to might not work anymore. With each new update, Apple could change how things function under the hood, meaning you could be out of luck if you're sticking to outdated methods. Terminal is all text-based. You wonât get that comfy graphical user interface you're used to, which can make it harder to navigate through what might be restorable files.
- HolawaySteel Contributor
This situation is really frustrating! It's really a headache to accidentally delete important files without backing them up! đ But don't worry, there are actually many data recovery tools for mac that can help you solve it! Google it.
What's more, although you said you didn't back up, I still want to mention it - Time Machine is a lifesaver that comes with Mac. If you turned it on before, you may be able to recover the files directly.
Have you ever accidentally set up Time Machine? If so, check it out, you may find a surprise!
- SamuelSamsonIron Contributor
It's really heartbreaking to accidentally delete important files on macOS! Don't panic, in fact, with the right tools, there is still hope for data recovery for Mac.
Although command line operations are a little unfamiliar to many people, it is indeed an effective and free data recovery method on macOS, especially when the files are not completely overwritten. The following are detailed steps, I hope to help you recover accidentally deleted files on mac!
1. Open Terminal.
2. Enter the following command to view the disk status:diskutil list
3. Find your disk number, such as /dev/disk2s1.
4. Perform a file system check:fsck_hfs -r /dev/disk2s1
If there is a problem with the file system, the disk may be automatically unmounted. Try to remount it:
diskutil mountDisk /dev/disk2
Replace /dev/disk2 with the number of your disk.This command can repair some disk problems and sometimes recover lost data on mac
- Pros: Completely free, no need to install third-party software.
- Cons: Only suitable for accidental deletion caused by file system damage, the effect is limited.
Notes and Scope of Application
- Scope of application: This method is mainly used when no new data is written to the disk after the file is accidentally deleted, or when the file system is damaged and the file is accidentally deleted.
- Limitations: If the file is overwritten or completely deleted, the effect may be limited. In this case, you can try further with professional data recovery for mac software such as Disk Drill or Photosec.
- Backup suggestion: After the repair is completed, it is strongly recommended that you back up the recovered files to another disk immediately to avoid losing them again.
With this method, you can try to complete data recovery for mac for free. If the command line is not powerful enough, you can consider combining it with other mac data recovery tools to improve the recovery success rate!
- UtahMountainIron Contributor
Letâs talk about data recovery for Mac in 2025! It can be a real pain when stuff goes missingâwhether itâs because of an accidental delete, a failed hard drive, or some other tech gremlin causing havoc. Thankfully, there are some solid options out there that can help you get your precious files back.
TastDisk and Phot0Rec: For those who love the open-source route, TastDisk and Phot0Rec are legends in the recovery game. They can be a bit intimidating at first, especially since they rely on command-line interfaces, but theyâre powerful tools. They can restore lost partitions and recover files from virtually any kind of storage device.
When searching a data recovery tool for Mac, always do your homework. Be wary of free tools with sketchy reputations. You donât want to accidentally download something that introduces more issues instead of fixing your problems.
Before diving into recovery options, if youâre using macOS, consider utilizing built-in features like Time Machine. Regularly backing up your data with Time Machine can save your butt if things go sideways. It's super easy to set up and you can recover files with just a few clicks.
- SamuelSamsonIron Contributor
There was a time when I accidentally deleted important files on my macbook air, and I was in a panic. But I followed this tutorial: https://www.appleinsidez.com/recover-deleted-files-on-mac
I managed to recover everything â highly recommend giving it a try!
- TomasstesIron Contributor
The fsck_hfs tool is a built-in macOS command line utility designed to check and repair HFS+ (Hierarchical File System Plus) file systems. While not a dedicated recovery tool, it can fix certain file system issues that may prevent access to deleted or existing files. Here is how to use this free data recovery app for Mac:
- Restart your Mac and hold down Command (â) + S during startup.
- Run fsck_hfs: /sbin/fsck_hfs -fy /dev/diskXsY
- Replace diskXsY with the appropriate disk and partition identifier.
- After the process completes, type reboot to restart your Mac.
Pros:
Built-in and readily available on macOS
Can repair certain file system issues that hinder data accessCons:
Not a dedicated data recovery tool
Limited to fixing file system structures, not recovering deleted files - ChristianZhaoIron Contributor
Accidentally deleting important files on your Mac can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, iCloud Backup offers a robust and user-friendly solution for data recovery. Here's why iCloud Backup is an excellent choice for recovering deleted files on a Mac and how you can utilize it effectively.
Why iCloud backup is a great data recovery for Mac? iCloud is built into macOS, ensuring seamless synchronization and backup of your files without the need for additional software. When enabled, iCloud automatically backs up your Desktop and Documents folders, photos, and other critical data, minimizing the risk of data loss.
In addition, Your files are accessible from any Apple device linked to your iCloud account, allowing you to retrieve deleted files even if you're away from your Mac. If you're unable to access your Mac, you can log into iCloud.com from any web browser to recover your files. Powered by Apple's robust infrastructure, iCloud offers high availability and reliability for your backups. iCloud ensures your data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, safeguarding your information during the recovery process.
How to Use iCloud Backup for Mac Data Recovery:
- Open your web browser and navigate to iCloud.com.
- Enter your Apple ID credentials to log in.
- Click on the iCloud Drive icon.
- Similar to Finder, look for the Recently Deleted section.
- Find the file you wish to recover, select it, and click Recover.
iCloud Backup serves as a powerful and convenient date recovery solution for retrieving accidentally deleted files on your Mac. Its deep integration with macOS, automatic synchronization, and user-friendly recovery options make it an excellent choice for safeguarding your important data. By understanding how to utilize iCloud's features effectively, you can ensure that your files remain protected and recoverable in the event of accidental deletion or other data loss scenarios.
- RonaldWhiteIron Contributor
After accidentally deleting files last time, I desperately studied various methods of data recovery for Mac. Finally, I summarized several simple and useful tips to share with you! Some of them donât even require tools, and can be solved by the systemâs own functions.
1. Try the Snapshots function
Many people donât know that macOS actually automatically generates local snapshots (as long as you use the APFS file system). This is also a hidden data recovery for Mac capability.Steps:
- Open the Finder.
- Click the disk on the left (such as "Macintosh HD").
- Right-click the disk and select "Show Info" to see if it is an APFS file system.
If it is, you can try to view the snapshots and restore the data through the terminal command tmutil (this is a little more advanced, and you can check the detailed tutorial again).
2. iCloud Cloud Recovery
If your files were originally stored on the desktop or Documents folder, and iCloud synchronization is turned on, you can try to retrieve them from iCloud.Steps:
- Open a browser and log in to the iCloud website (icloud.com).
- Click "Settings" and find "Advanced > Recover Files" below.
- Select the files you need and click Recover.
- iCloud is another powerful data recovery for Mac tool, especially the synchronization function of documents and desktop files, which saved me several times!
- Skyler-BIron Contributor
While Time Machine is a powerful and widely used backup solution for Mac users, it may not always be the most suitable option for everyoneâs data recovery needs. Here are several reasons why relying solely on Time Machine might not be ideal.
1.Dependence on External Hardware
Time Machine requires an external storage device, such as an external hard drive, Network Attached Storage (NAS), or a Time Capsule, to store backups. This dependence on physical hardware introduces potential points of failure. If the external drive becomes damaged, lost, or disconnected, your backup process can be interrupted, potentially leaving you without recent backups. Additionally, managing and maintaining external hardware can be cumbersome, especially for users who prefer a more hands-off approach.2. Limited Offsite Backup
Time Machine primarily creates local backups. In the event of physical damage to your Macâsuch as theft, fire, or natural disastersâboth your device and the external backup drive could be compromised simultaneously. Without an offsite backup solution, recovering your data becomes significantly more challenging. Cloud-based backups, like iCloud or other third-party services, offer the advantage of storing your data in geographically dispersed data centers, providing an additional layer of protection against local catastrophes.3. Storage Capacity Limitations
While Time Machine can handle large amounts of data, the capacity is ultimately limited by the size of your external storage device. As your data grows, you may need to invest in larger or additional drives to accommodate ongoing backups. Managing multiple drives can become unwieldy and may incur additional costs. Cloud storage solutions typically offer scalable storage options, allowing you to increase your backup capacity seamlessly as your needs evolve.4. Potential for Data Corruption
If the external backup drive used by Time Machine becomes corrupted, your entire backup history could be compromised. Recovering from a corrupted Time Machine backup can be difficult and may require specialized tools or professional assistance. Cloud-based backups often include built-in redundancies and data integrity checks, minimizing the risk of data corruption and ensuring that your backups remain reliable.IMOP, iCloud is much better data recovery for Mac solution than Time Machine.