How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac After Emptying the Trash
Losing important files on your Mac can be a distressing experience, especially after you’ve emptied the trash. However, don’t despair just yet. There are several methods you can use to recover deleted files on Mac after emptying the trash. In this article, we will discuss the steps and tools you can use to restore your lost data.
1. Check the Recently Deleted Folder
The first place you should check is the Recently Deleted folder. When you delete a file on your Mac, it is initially moved to this folder. The files in the Recently Deleted folder are still recoverable, even after you’ve emptied the trash. To access the Recently Deleted folder, follow these steps:
1. Open the Finder on your Mac.
2. In the sidebar, click on “Recently Deleted.”
3. You will see a list of deleted files. Double-click on a file to open it, or right-click and select “Recover” to restore it to its original location.
2. Use the Time Machine Backup
If you have enabled Time Machine on your Mac, you can use it to restore deleted files from a previous backup. Time Machine automatically backs up your entire Mac, including files in the trash. Here’s how to use Time Machine to recover deleted files:
1. Connect an external drive or an external hard drive to your Mac that is used for Time Machine backups.
2. Open the Time Machine app from the Dock or the menu bar.
3. In the Time Machine interface, navigate to the date when the file was still on your Mac.
4. Find the deleted file and click on it to select it.
5. Click on the “Restore” button to restore the file to its original location.
3. Utilize File Recovery Software
If the above methods don’t work, you can try using file recovery software designed specifically for Mac. These tools can scan your Mac’s storage and recover deleted files, even after emptying the trash. Here are some popular file recovery software options for Mac:
– CCleaner File Recovery
– Stellar Data Recovery for Mac
– Wondershare Recoverit
To use file recovery software, follow these general steps:
1. Download and install the file recovery software on your Mac.
2. Open the software and select the drive or partition where your deleted files were located.
3. Start the scanning process and wait for the software to analyze your storage.
4. Once the scan is complete, preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files and click on the “Recover” button.
4. Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service
If you have tried all the above methods and still can’t recover your deleted files, it may be time to seek professional help. Professional data recovery services have advanced tools and expertise to recover data from damaged or corrupted storage devices. However, this option can be expensive, so it’s best to consider it as a last resort.
In conclusion, recovering deleted files on Mac after emptying the trash is possible with the right methods and tools. By checking the Recently Deleted folder, using Time Machine backups, employing file recovery software, or seeking professional help, you can restore your lost data and get back to work.
