5 Ways to Recover Deleted Files on Mac in 2024

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:24 Check your Trash and Finder
01:21 Restore files using Time Machine
03:12 Recover permanently deleted files on Mac
05:26 Retrieve lost files from iCloud
06:36 Recover Apple Music Library
07:22 Outro

Method 1: Check the Trash Bin and Use Finder
Sometimes files are not deleted but misplaced. Start with the basics.
1. To recover files from trash:
Open the Trash Bin to see if your file is there. If found, right-click and select 'Put back' to restore.
2. To find lost files on Mac: Use Finder to search for your file by name or extension. This can often reveal misplaced files.
These steps are simple but can be surprisingly effective.

Method 2: Time Machine and Local Snapshots
Time Machine is your go-to for robust file recovery. To recover deleted files from Time Machine backup:
1. Time Machine Backups: Connect your backup drive, open Time Machine, navigate to the file's previous location, and use the time selector to restore.
2. Local Snapshots: If you don't have a Time Machine backup drive connected, you can still recover files from local snapshots which are saved directly to your Mac.

Method 3: Using Data Recovery Software (Disk Drill)
For more complex recovery scenarios, Disk Drill offers an advanced solution. Disk Drill for Mac stands as a comprehensive data recovery solution, offering support across a wide range of macOS versions including the latest macOS Sonoma, various file systems (including HFS+, APFS), and device types. With its ability to recover an extensive array of over 350 file types from various storage media, including internal and external drives, USB flash drives, and memory cards, Disk Drill ensures Mac users have a robust and versatile tool for retrieving lost or deleted data effectively, regardless of the macOS version or the complexity of the data recovery scenario.

To recover deleted files on Mac:
2. Open Disk Drill; if recovering from an external drive, connect it.
3. Select the drive for scanning and click 'Search for lost data'.
4. Review and preview the files found. Disk Drill provides a recovery estimate for each file.
5. Select the needed files, hit 'Recover', and choose a save location, ideally different from the original location.

Method 4: iCloud Recovery
iCloud can be a lifeline for recovering files backed up from your Mac:
2. Browse or search for your files. Check the 'Recently Deleted' folder as well.
3. You can download the files or folders needed back to your Mac.
4. Ensure your iCloud sync settings are current to maximize this method's effectiveness.

Method 5: Apple Music Library Restoration
If you've lost music tracks from your Apple Music library:
1. Open Apple Music on your Mac.
2. Go to 'Music', then 'Settings', and ensure 'Sync Library' is checked. This syncs your library across devices, allowing recovery of deleted tracks.

🎥 More relevant videos:

[cleverfiles]

Timestamps:
01:21 Restore files using Time Machine
03:12 Recover permanently deleted files on Mac ✅
05:26 Retrieve lost files from iCloud
06:36 Recover Apple Music Library

[YuriyKulinich]

I lost some files after updating to macOS Sonoma, glad to know there are ways to recover them

[andrewysk]

Other guides had me trying some method that claimed you could recover deleted data from a Mac using terminal commands, but it turned out to just be a bunch of steps to get stuff back from the trash—something I could’ve done manually in two clicks. Glad you didn’t include that in your video! :)

[OGUrez]

The part about recovering files from iCloud was really helpful. I always forget about the 'Recently Deleted' folder. Thanks for the reminder!

[jeffcochin]

Thank you for the detailed explanation on how to use Time Machine to recover files on macOS Sonoma

[bradleydawson]

Thanks for the helpful hints. This is the first time I've found out about the trick with restoring deleted Music Library.

[assistanttheregionalmanager]

Very helpful and informative. I am your new subscriber now!

[dariak]

Thank you for the video. I hope the file I need will be present in my latest Time Machine backup 🤞

[alountaksa]

Thanks so much my brother your software save my life | Fc from laos

[v_mmd]

can u tell me how to use disk drill on windows to recover my data on iphone, because i dont have a mac

[FemaleObserver]

These kinds of videos are so deceptive, they will show you certain programs then in the middle of it when yoiu don't opt because these videos don't tell you, then you will have caused more loss on your lost files.

[benjaminhuber]

I tried Disk Drill right after I accidentally deleted a folder with important files. Unfortunately, Disk Drill did not find any of the deleted files. To be honest, Disk Drill did not find any deleted files at all. Not even those that were deliberately deleted. Only cryptic system files stuff. Can that be?

[motownmon]

This is great but I accidentally made a call during a messenger chat. In order to 'hang up' I accidentally deleted the entire thread. These are different fees so idk what to do. Maybe Mac tech support will help

[pfmfm]

Hi, How can I restore an unmountable drive on mac os, when disk uitlity is not working?? I dont need the data anymore, so I just need to reformat the drive so it can show up on my mac. but disk utility keeps showing an error and it wont restore/erase the drive. is there any software for this?

[thierrybruno]

great video - thanks! I like disk drill and have to restore a 2TB drive formatted in error, disk drill found everything but ... any discount code for disk drill?

[tari.k]

I accidentally deleted file and emptied bin and I used disk drill5 and i used how u told but it’s not working 😱😱 it’s just scanning what’s in my computer not founding what I lost 😢

[mxlfootsteps]

It is not previewing my video i want to recover. Also telling me to buy it. I can afford it.