Can Lost Data be Recovered on a Mac?

Apple MacBooks are a perfect blend of sophisticated hardware and well-optimized software. Their well-engineered body houses powerful processors and storage that helps users store their data and access them on the go.

However, like any other computer, a Mac is very much prone to data losses. Listed below are some reasons behind data loss on a Mac –

· Accidental deletion

· Formatting

· File corruption

· Logical drive errors

As new generation Macs use SSDs over traditional hard drives, many first time users face difficulty of recovering lost files. However, there is nothing to worry about, as it is possible to recover lost files on Mac. In this guide, you will find methods that you can easily employ to recover lost or deleted files on your Mac.

Methods to Recover Lost Files on Mac

In order to perform data recovery on Mac, here are some methods you can use and recover your data in no time.

Note — If you have accidentally permanently deleted some important files from your Mac using the Options + Command + Delete key combination, stop using it immediately until you successfully recover the files. This will ensure that the data is not overwritten.

Method 1: Recover Files from the Trash

If you have lost your files on your Mac, chances of you finding them in Trash are quite high. Trash is like Recycle Bin where all the deleted files come and get stored for 30 days before they are automatically deleted by the system. If you have deleted file/s using the Delete key or moved them to the Trash, head over there to locate and recover the lost files.

But, rather if you have used the Options + Command + Delete key combination to delete some files, you will not find the lost files in the Trash. This is because this key combination permanently deletes files without sending them to the Trash. Here’s what to do –

· Click on Trash on the Dock.

· Locate the deleted file.

· Right-click or Control + Click on the selected item.

· Click on Put Back.

The lost files will be restored back to their original place.

Method 2: Restore Lost Files Using the Time Machine Backup

Time Machine is a great built-in feature of Mac systems that automatically creates data backups at regular intervals on a configured external storage drive. Once configured, users can access the backups and restore lost or deleted files from there. To recover lost files via Time Machine –

· Open the location from where the files were deleted.

· Now, search for Time Machine by clicking on the ‘Lens icon’ at the top right. Launch it.

· Once the application is up and running, you will see a timeline of the locally available backup snapshots. Use arrow keys to browse through them.

· Once you find the required files, select them and click Restore.

· Check the folder to ensure the files are back.

Method 3: Recover Deleted Files Using iCloud Backup

iCloud storage is a built in feature of every Mac and Apple device that helps users create an off-site backup that is accessible every time and anywhere.

If you have unfortunately lost some important files from your Mac, do not panic and try to recover them in iCloud.

Note — If you have enabled iCloud Photo Library on your Mac and are trying to recover deleted photos and, then deleting photos from Mac will automatically delete them from iCloud. Hence, be careful with photos and videos.

Method 4: Use a Professional Mac Data Recovery Software

If you want to skip the hassle of going through the steps explained above, you can try your hands on a professional Mac data software. Such software make recovering deleted or lost files on Mac simple and quick.

Thanks to their advanced data recovery algorithms, such software tend to make the most of a Mac’s computing power to make the data recovery process very efficient. Along with that, such software also provide users means to recover data from an unbootable or crashed Mac.

Overall, a Mac data recovery software is not only an easy way out but also a secure way to recover data lost in various situations like accidental deletion, formatting, crashes, etc.

Tips to Avoid Data Loss on Mac

Performing data recovery on a Mac allows you to get out of a difficult situation while avoiding unwanted data loss. However, you should also keep some tips handy to safeguard yourself from any kind of data loss situation.

· Use a 3–2–1 data backup strategy.

· Always configure Time Machine after buying a new Mac.

· Always use another external drive to keep your data backed up.

· Use iCloud or any other cloud service to store files that are required everywhere.

Conclusion

We store a lot of important data on our Mac computers, which we can’t afford to lose. However, due to accidental deletion or any other reason, we do lose our files. If you have landed yourself in such a situation, worry not and use the methods mentioned above to perform data recovery on Mac and get your files back in no time.