How to Restore Deleted Files on Mac

Accidentally deleting a file can be a frustrating experience, but don't panic! In many cases, you can restore deleted files on your Mac using a few different methods. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of recovering deleted files on your Mac.

Method 1: Restore from Trash

Open the Trash folder on your Mac. You can find it on the Dock or by clicking on the "Finder" icon in the Dock and selecting "Trash" from the sidebar.
Once you're in the Trash folder, browse through the list of deleted files and locate the file you want to restore.
To restore a file, either right-click on it and select "Put Back" or drag and drop the file to a desired location on your Mac.
The restored file will now be available in its original location.

Method 2: Time Machine Backup

If you have enabled Time Machine, the built-in backup feature on your Mac, you can easily restore deleted files using the following steps:

Connect your Time Machine backup drive to your Mac.
Open a Finder window and navigate to the location where the deleted file was originally stored.
Click on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar, represented by a clock with an arrow counter-clockwise.
In the Time Machine interface, you will see your current file system with a timeline on the right side of the screen. Use the timeline, scroll bar, or arrows to navigate to a time when the deleted file still existed.
Once you find the desired time, locate the deleted file in the Finder window.
Select the file and click on the "Restore" button.
Time Machine will copy the file and restore it to its original location.

Method 3: Data Recovery Software

If the above methods did not work or if you have emptied the Trash, you can try using third-party data recovery software. Here are the steps to follow:

Research and choose a reliable data recovery software that is compatible with macOS.
Download and install the chosen data recovery software on your Mac.
Launch the software and follow the instructions provided.
Typically, you'll be asked to select the disk or drive where the deleted file was originally located. Choose the appropriate option.
Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. Preview the files, if possible, to ensure they are intact.
Select the deleted file you wish to restore and choose a location to save it to.
Begin the recovery process and wait for the software to restore the file. The time it takes will depend on the size of the file and the speed of your Mac.
Once the recovery is complete, locate the restored file in the specified location.

Conclusion

Accidentally deleting files on your Mac can be stressful, but with the methods outlined in this tutorial, you can have a good chance of restoring them. Always remember to check the Trash first and consider enabling Time Machine for regular backups. If necessary, use data recovery software as a last resort.