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Have you ever accidentally deleted a file or folder from your Mac and then realized later that you actually needed it? Or have you ever emptied your trash bin only to realize moments later that you accidentally deleted some important files from there as well? If yes, then this blog post is for you!
Today, we will discuss how to retrieve deleted files from the trash bin on your Mac. We will outline several methods that you can use to recover deleted files and folders. These methods are easy to follow and can help you recover your deleted data quickly and easily.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get Files Deleted From Trash Mac
The trash bin on your Mac is a temporary location that stores all the files and folders that you delete from your computer. Although these files and folders are marked for deletion, they are not immediately removed from your system. Instead, they are stored in the trash bin until you decide to empty it.
Sometimes, you may accidentally delete some important files or folders and then empty the trash bin without realizing that you actually needed those files. In such cases, you may wonder if it is possible to recover those files from the trash bin.
Fortunately, it is possible to retrieve deleted files from the trash bin on your Mac. In the following sections, we will outline several methods that you can use to recover your deleted files and folders.
Method 1: Restore from Trash Bin
If you have recently deleted a file or folder from your Mac and emptied the trash bin, the first place you should check is the Time Machine backup (if you have one). But, if you don’t have a time machine backup, the first method is to restore the deleted files from the trash bin.
Steps:
1. Go to the trash bin icon in the dock at the bottom of your screen.
2. Open the trash bin by clicking on the icon.
3. Locate the file or folder that you want to recover.
4. Right-click on the file or folder and choose the ‘Put Back’ option.
5. The restored file or folder will be sent back to its original location.
Pros:
– This method is quick and easy.
– You don’t need any third-party software to recover your files.
Cons:
– This method only works if the deleted files are still in the trash bin.
– If you have already emptied the trash bin, this method will not work.
Method 2: Restore from Time Machine Backup
If you have a Time Machine backup, you can use this method to recover your deleted files and folders. Time Machine is a built-in backup feature on Mac that automatically makes backups of your entire system, including all of your files and folders.
Steps:
1. Connect to the Time Machine backup drive.
2. Open the Time Machine app on your Mac.
3. Locate the file or folder that you want to recover.
4. Select the file or folder and click on the ‘Restore’ button.
5. The restored file or folder will be sent back to its original location.
Pros:
– This method can help recover deleted files that are not in the trash bin.
– You can recover files from a specific date using Time Machine.
Cons:
– You need a Time Machine backup to use this method.
– If your backup is outdated, you may not be able to recover the deleted files.
Method 3: Use Data Recovery Software
If the above methods do not work or if the deleted files are not in the trash bin or Time Machine backup, you can use data recovery software to recover the files. Data recovery software can help recover lost or deleted files from your Mac’s hard drive.
Steps:
1. Download and install data recovery software on your Mac.
2. Open the software and select the drive where the deleted files were located.
3. Scan the drive for deleted files.
4. Preview the recoverable files and select the files that you want to recover.
5. Click on the ‘Recover’ button and save the recovered files to a different location.
Pros:
– Data recovery software can recover files that cannot be recovered using the above two methods.
– You can recover files even if the hard drive has been formatted.
Cons:
– Data recovery software can be expensive.
– The success rate of data recovery software depends on the condition of the hard drive.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Files Deleted from Trash Mac
If you have tried all the above methods and still can’t recover your deleted files, here are some possible fixes:
1. Check Time Machine backup from an earlier date before the files were deleted.
2. Check for a backup on an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
3. Contact Apple support for advanced data recovery options.
Bonus Tip
To avoid losing important files from your Mac in the future, make sure to back up your data regularly. You can use either Time Machine or cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive to backup your files.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I recover files from an encrypted hard drive?
A: Yes, you can recover files from an encrypted hard drive using data recovery software. You will need to enter the encryption password to access the encrypted data.
Q2: Do I need to stop using my Mac after deleting files?
A: Yes, you should stop using your Mac after deleting files to avoid overwriting the deleted data. The longer you use your Mac, the more likely it is that the deleted data will be overwritten and unrecoverable.
Q3: How can I prevent accidental deletion of files?
A: You can prevent accidental deletion of files by enabling file protection with a password or storing important files in a separate folder with restricted access.
Q4: Can I recover files that were deleted a long time ago?
A: It depends on the condition of the hard drive and if the files have been overwritten. The longer you wait to recover the files, the lower the chances are of a successful recovery.
Q5: What should I do if my Mac hard drive fails?
A: If your Mac hard drive fails, stop using your Mac immediately and contact a professional data recovery service. Do not attempt to recover the data yourself, as this may cause further damage to the hard drive.
Final Thoughts
Losing important files or folders from your Mac can be stressful and frustrating. However, by following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can recover your deleted files quickly and easily. Remember to stop using your Mac after deleting files, backup your data regularly, and contact professional data recovery services if necessary.