2 Best Ways to Recover Deleted Files from Trash on Mac

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Accidentally deleting files on a Mac can be frustrating, especially if they are important documents, photos, or videos. Fortunately, even after emptying the Trash, there are still ways to recover lost files. Whether using built-in macOS features or third-party tools, users have options to restore their data. Below are the two best methods to recover deleted files from Trash on a Mac.

Contents

1. Restore from Time Machine Backup

Time Machine is macOS’s built-in backup tool, making it one of the easiest ways to recover deleted files. If a backup was created before the file was deleted, it can be restored using the following steps:

Connect the external drive containing the Time Machine backup.
Open the folder where the file was originally stored.
Click on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and select Enter Time Machine.
Use the timeline on the right side to browse previous versions of the folder.
Locate the deleted file, select it, and click Restore.

Time Machine is essential for preventing data loss, but it only works if regular backups were made before file deletion.

2. Use a Third-Party Data Recovery Tool

If there is no Time Machine backup, third-party data recovery software can help retrieve lost files. Some of the most popular tools include Disk Drill, EaseUS Data Recovery, and Stellar Data Recovery. These programs scan the Mac’s drive for recoverable files and allow users to restore them.

Steps to Recover Data Using Disk Drill:

Download and install Disk Drill for Mac.
Open the application and select the disk where the files were deleted.
Click Search for lost data and wait for the scan to complete.
Filter the results by file type or search for a specific file name.
Select the deleted files and click Recover.

These applications work well even after emptying the Trash, but recovery success depends on how much the disk has been used since deletion. Writing new data to the drive can overwrite lost files, making them unrecoverable.

Tips to Prevent Future Data Loss

Regularly enable Time Machine backups to keep copies of important data.
Use cloud storage services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox for additional protection.
Avoid writing large amounts of new data to a drive after accidental deletion to improve recovery chances.
Consider using a file recovery tool as soon as data loss is detected.

FAQs

Can I recover files after emptying the Trash on a Mac?

Yes, files can still be recovered after the Trash has been emptied. Time Machine backups or third-party recovery tools like Disk Drill can help restore deleted files.

How long do deleted files remain recoverable?

Once deleted, files remain on the drive until they are overwritten by new data. The sooner recovery software is used, the better the chances of retrieval.

Is Time Machine the best option for file recovery?

Time Machine is the best option if backups were made before deletion, as it provides a simple and effective way to restore files. However, if no backup exists, third-party tools are the best alternative.