2 Best Ways to Recover Files From Emptied Trash on Mac
Do not worry, it happens. The bad news is that it is difficult to bring back files from the emptied bin. No, the Cancel command will not work.
Now for the good news. Although it is difficult to recover your lost files, it is not quite impossible. Not only will we highlight some methods to recover your emptied bin, but we will also break down the process into easy-to-follow steps.
But before going into the details, let's move on to a quick question.
Can you recover files after emptying recycle bin on Mac
The answer is a categorical yes. Here's why: Deleting a file on your MacBook or iMac means you're deleting an entry. Although the icon may have disappeared from the site, the data itself is still intact. As such, you can always recover it.
But there is a problem.
Your system will mark the space "occupied" by the deleted file once for writing new data. This means that when you move a new file to that location, it automatically overwrites the original file. This could make file recovery a bit more difficult.
So, stop working on your computer. You are about to know how to recover your files.
This method only works if you have backed up the deleted files to an external hard drive using Time Machine. So, ignore this solution if you do not have a Time Machine backup.
However, if you have a backup, follow the steps below to restore your files.
Step 1: Launch Time Machine
To launch Time Machine on your MacBook or iMac, click on the Apple icon in the left corner of your screen and select System Preferences. The Time Machine icon is on the bottom line of the page.
You can also click the clock icon in your Mac's menu bar to access Time Machine.
Step 2: Locate your file
To recover your files from the emptied bin via Time Machine, make sure the backup storage is connected. If this is the case, browse the backups of your file system to identify the lost file.
If you do not know how to find it, consider using Spotlight Search. Display the search bar using the Command + Space keys. Then enter your file name.
Step 3: Restore your file
After identifying the lost file on your backup storage media, click Restore to return the file to your Mac.
Time Machine is the only way by default to recover files from a emptied bin. As such, it's essential to use the built-in tool to back up your data as often as you can.
But what happens when you do not have a Time Machine backup? This is where a data recovery software comes into play.
Recover files with the help of the data recovery tool
Tons of data recovery software exist on the Internet today. Although brand names and the user interface may vary, these file recovery software work essentially the same way.
They analyze your Mac for files waiting for replacement and offer the possibility to recover them. This is perhaps the most convenient way to restore your lost data.
That said, a data recovery tool is only useful when you have not copied additional files to your Mac's memory. The last thing to do is overwrite the data you are trying to recover.
That said, follow the steps below to recover your lost files through a data recovery tool.
Step 1: Download and install the data recovery tool
As mentioned before, any new file on your Mac's SSD can overwrite your lost files. Instead of downloading the data recovery tool on your computer, consider using a flash drive.
Most deleted file recovery tools are paid apps. However, they often offer a free trial period that could help you restore your file. IBeesoft Data Recovery for Mac, EaseUS and Disk Drill are examples of such tools.
Step 2: Run the software and click Recovery.
Most recovery tools automatically scan your computer when it is launched. However, in others, such as Disk Drill, you must first select the drive containing the recycle bin, and then click Recovery.
Then a list of files that you can bring back should appear. Now select the data you want to restore.
Step 3: Restore your file
Although you can restore your file to most data recovery tools by simply clicking Recover Now, it may cause file corruption on Disk Drill. Therefore, you must select a new location to store your restored file.
Remember to use a removable storage device to keep your files restored.
Road to recovery
Time Machine recovery is the fastest and perhaps the cheapest way to restore your deleted file. However, you must have previously saved your data for this method to be useful. If you do not have a Time Machine backup, a software recovery tool is a second option.
So, download a useful software recovery tool, install it and run it. Whatever you do, do not overwrite the data you are trying to restore. Losing your files can be devastating. But, the loss must not be permanent.
Next upIf you are worried about losing your iCloud contacts, the next article tells you how to recover deleted contacts and calendars from iCloud.