Every deleted file on Mac goes to the Trash bin before being permanently removed. Sometimes, you have emptied Trash on Mac, intentionally or by mistake, which might cause problems while recovering deleted files.
If your Trash bin is empty, it can be challenging to recover the missing files. Don’t worry, this guide explores common recovery methods that you can try to recover lost files from Mac’s Trash. Keep reading to find out!
How Mac’s Trash Bin Works?
Trash acts as a temporary storage space where all the deleted files are stored until they are permanently removed or for 30 days after which they are automatically deleted. When you delete any file, it is not immediately removed from your Mac. Instead, the space the deleted file was occupying will be marked available for new files. This allows you to easily recover files if you accidentally delete them.
However, in each of the following cases, your files will be permanently removed from Mac storage:
- You emptied the Trash.
- Deleting files using the Command + Delete shortcut leads to permanent deletion, bypassing the Trash folder.
- The file bypassed the Trash due to system configuration or third-party apps installed on Mac.
Whether your files are available in Trash or are permanently removed, data recovery is always possible, but the recovery methods vary depending on how the files were deleted.
Quick Steps to Recover Lost Files from Trash on Mac
If the deleted files are still in the Trash bin, recovering them is quite easy. Follow the below steps to restore deleted files or folders from Mac’s Trash:
- Firstly, click the Trash icon from the Dock.
- Browse through deleted files and select the file you need to restore.
- Right-click on any selected file and choose the Put Back option to save them to their original location.
This method is fast and straightforward but works only if a deleted file is present in the Trash. However, if the Trash bin is emptied, you can try other methods for data recovery on Mac.
What if the Trash Bin on the Mac is Empty?
It is easy to recover deleted files if they are available in the Trash folder of your Mac. In case of permanent deletion, follow the steps mentioned in the below workarounds one-by-one:
Method 01: Recover Files Using Time Machine Backups
macOS provides a built-in Time Machine backup utility which you can use to recover permanently deleted files. If you’ve enabled Time Machine backup on your Mac, follow the below steps to restore lost files:
- Connect the Time Machine backup drive to your Mac.
- Now, go to System Preferences > Time Machine and then click Enter Time Machine.
- Use the timeline on the right side to navigate to a previous date and time that you want to restore.
- Locate and select the required file, and click Restore to save the file to its original location.
Method 02: Recover Deleted Files from Empty Trash Using Cloud Backups
If you use cloud backup services, like iCloud, Google Drive, or OneDrive to back up your files, your deleted files might exist there. You just need a stable internet connection and your cloud account login credentials. To recover your lost files using iCloud, you need to:
- Open any web browser on your device. Visit icloud.com and sign in to your account.
- Click on the iCloud drive and browse through different folders to locate your files.
- Select the file you want to recover and click the Download icon to save it to your Mac.
Note: Cloud storage services often save deleted files for a limited time (say 30 days), so check them as soon as possible.
Method 03: Use Free Mac Data Recovery Software
If you’ve emptied the Trash and don’t have any previously created backup of lost files, then try a free Mac data recovery software tools like Stellar data recovery free for Mac completely scan your storage drive to find the recoverable files. You can use this versatile tool to recover deleted files of multiple types, including photos, videos, documents, and many more.
The Stellar Data Recovery Free software supports the recovery of up to 1 GB of files without any cost. However, if you need to restore files of larger size, you can check and use the premium versions. This free data recovery software allows you to restore lost files in a few simple clicks and then displays a preview of recoverable files.
Here’s how to recover lost files from Mac using the Stellar Data Recovery Free software:
Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Data Recovery Free software from its official website on your Mac. Launch the software and from the homepage, select the type of data you need to restore and click Next.
Step 2: Choose the storage drive where your deleted files were earlier stored and click Scan to begin the scanning process.
Step 3: Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable files and click Recover to save them at the desired location.
How do I Prevent Data Loss on Mac?
While the above methods for data recovery on Mac are quite easy to implement, prevention is always better than cure. Consider the below tips to avoid deletion of files in the future:
- Maintain Regular Backups: Create a backup of your important files on external drives or cloud storage like Google Drive, iCloud, etc.
- Verify Before Deleting Files: Double-check every file or folder you are deleting from the Mac.
- Install Reliable Recovery Tools: It is important to select reliable and trustworthy software for data recovery on Mac.
- Organize Files Properly: Maintaining a clean file structure reduces accidental deletions.
FAQs on How to Recover Lost Files from Mac’s Trash
Can I recover files on Mac after emptying the Trash?
Yes, you can use any previously created backup or third-party Mac data recovery software to restore lost files.
Is data recovery software safe?
Reputable recovery tools like Stellar Data Recovery Free for Mac are 100% safe and secure if downloaded from their official websites.
How long do files stay in the Trash?
Deleted files remain in the Trash until you manually empty it or the system automatically removes older files due to storage constraints.
Wrapping Up
Losing important files on a Mac can be distressful, but the above steps can help you in the easy recovery of lost files from Mac’s Trash. However, if you have emptied the Trash folder, macOS and third-party solutions provide multiple ways to recover your data. Start by restoring files from the Time Machine or iCloud backups, if not use third-party free Mac data recovery software to restore lost files. Acting quickly and following best practices like regular backups and organized file management will ensure you’re prepared to handle data loss in the future.
