Recovering Emptied Trash on Your Mac: A Comprehensive Guide
Accidentally deleted important files after emptying your Mac's Trash? Don't panic! This guide outlines several methods to recover those lost files, both with and without software.
Can I Recover Emptied Trash on a Mac?
Yes! While emptying the Trash seems permanent, your files aren't immediately erased. They remain on your hard drive until overwritten. This window of opportunity allows for recovery.
Recovery Methods Without Software
Several built-in Mac features can help:
- iCloud: If iCloud is enabled and you've backed up your files, you can restore them. Navigate to Account icon > iCloud Settings > Data Recovery > Restore Files. Select the files you need and click Restore Files.
- Time Machine: If you use Time Machine backups, you can browse your backups to find and restore the deleted files. Connect your backup drive, open Time Machine (clock icon in the menu bar), browse your backups, select the files, and click Restore.
- Manual Trash Recovery: Files deleted within the last 30 days might still reside in the Trash. Open the Trash, right-click the desired files, and select Put Back.
Recovery with Software (Disk Drill)
For files beyond the 30-day window or those not backed up, data recovery software like Disk Drill is your best bet.
- Launch Disk Drill, select the drive containing the lost files, and click Search for lost data.
- Choose the files to recover, click Recover, select a new storage location (avoid the original), and click Next.
Disk Drill recovers various file types, including photos, documents, and files lost due to formatting or from external media. A free version is available with limitations.
Professional Data Recovery
If all else fails, consider contacting data recovery professionals. They possess specialized tools and expertise for complex recovery scenarios.
Data Recovery Software Comparison
| Name | Price (Full Version) | macOS Compatibility | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disk Drill | OS X 10.13 or later | User-friendly, one-click scanning | Limited free version features | |
| R-Studio for Mac | .99 | OS X 10.9 or later | Effective for damaged file systems | No Android/iPhone support |
| Data Rescue 6 | OS X 10.12 or later (Intel) | Time Machine compatible, user-friendly | Limited free version functionality | |
| DM Disk Editor & Recovery | OS X 10.5 or later | Supports multiple formats, some free features | Not user-friendly, prone to freezing | |
| Cisdem Data Recovery | .95 | OS X 10.11 or later | Easy to use | May struggle with disks containing bad sectors |
Preventing Accidental Trash Emptying
Remember, Mac automatically empties the Trash after 30 days. Avoid using the Trash as temporary storage to minimize accidental data loss. Tools like MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup can help manage unwanted files safely.
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