How Do I Recover Deleted Files for Mac?

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction: macOS: Recover Deleted Files

When a necessary file goes missing, it can be very frustrating having to re-do all that work. Thankfully, macOS has a number of safeguards and features built-in to save you from potentially having to re-create documents and lose precious pictures.

This guide will take you through:

• Using the built-in Trash to recover items
• Using Time Machine to revert a file
• Checking iCloud for files
• Checking any 3rd party services you may subscribe to
• Data Recovery options

2. macOS: Spotlight Search

Spotlight Search allows you to search file names, as well as inside files for text you may have entered.

1. Select the magnifying glass in the top-right corner.
   

1. Spotlight search will open in the center of your screen.
   

1. Type in something that has to do with the file you're searching for. You can try a line of text from a document, a bit of the file name, or any other information you may recall.
2. A search window will appear below, giving you a list of options that may be related. Selecting a document will give you a preview of the file on the right.
   

1. You can open the file right away by double-clicking on it.

3. macOS: Recover Files From Trash

When a file is deleted from your Mac, it first goes to the Trash. If left long enough, it will eventually be removed permanently from your computer, but this provides an excellent buffer for simple mistakes.

1. Select the Trash icon at the end of your Dock.
   

1. A window showing the items in your Trash will open.
   

1. If you see the file you want in the Trash, it's best to put it back where it belongs.
2. Click-and-Hold, Control-Click, or Right Click the file for the menu to open. Select Put Back.
   

1. The file will be put back where it came from, and the Finder window showing that folder will open.
   

4. macOS: Time Machine Check

5. macOS: Time Machine: Recover Files

6. macOS: iCloud: Recover Files

If the file you are looking for was stored in an iCloud-backed folder, you can restore them through the iCloud web interface.

1. Open your preferred web browser, such as Safari.
   

1. In the address bar at the top, type in icloud.com and press Return.
   

1. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
   

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select Restore Files under Advanced at the bottom.
   

1. Look through the list of files. If you see your missing file, place a check mark next to it, then select Restore File.
   

It can take a few moments for your computer to download and restore the file. Please be patient.

7. Backup: 3rd Party Backup Check

Some people use an online file storage or backup solution, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Carbonite, or their own custom services.

If your computer is part of a work network, it is possible that the Systems Administrator at work has setup a custom backup solution for computers on their network.

If you do not currently use or remember setting up such a service, choose No.

8. Backup: 3rd Party: Recover Files

9. File Recovery: Expectations

We were unable to locate the file on your device, and all the backup resources that are available are either not in use, or do not contain the file.

The next option is professional data recovery. These services can be quite expensive, depending on how much data is lost, and how the data was lost in the first place.

If you intend to pursue professional data recovery services, it is extremely important you stop using your device, Shut it down, and do not turn it back on till after you have spoken with the professional data recovery service you have chosen.

Continuing to use the device in any way can destroy the data permanently, without any chance or hope of recovery.

10. What's next?