How to recover files after emptying recycle bin mac
Losing important files can be a distressing experience, especially when you realize that they have been emptied from the recycle bin on your Mac. The recycle bin, also known as the trash, is a temporary storage for deleted files, but once it’s emptied, the files are often believed to be permanently deleted. However, there are several methods and tools you can use to recover files after emptying the recycle bin on your Mac. In this article, we will explore the different ways to restore your lost files and provide you with step-by-step instructions to get your data back.
1. Check the Recycle Bin
Before attempting any advanced recovery methods, it’s essential to double-check the recycle bin. Sometimes, files may have been mistakenly deleted and still reside in the bin. To do this, simply open the recycle bin by clicking on the trash icon on your dock. If you find the deleted files here, simply drag them back to their original location or restore them to their original folder.
2. Use the Time Machine
If you have enabled Time Machine on your Mac, you can use it to restore deleted files from an earlier backup. Time Machine is a built-in feature that automatically backs up your files to an external drive or network location. To use Time Machine to recover files:
1. Connect your Time Machine drive to your Mac.
2. Open the Time Machine application from the dock or the menu bar.
3. Navigate to the date when the files were still present on your Mac.
4. Select the files you want to recover and click “Restore.”
3. Utilize the “Recover from Trash” Option
Mac OS X provides a hidden “Recover from Trash” option that can be used to restore deleted files. To access this option:
1. Open the Terminal application (found in the Applications > Utilities folder).
2. Type the following command: `sudo mv ~/.Trash/ ~/Desktop/Trash-Recovered`
3. Press Enter and enter your administrator password when prompted.
4. Close the Terminal application.
5. Open the Desktop folder and you will find a new folder named “Trash-Recovered.” Inside this folder, you will find all the deleted files that were still in the recycle bin.
4. Use Third-Party File Recovery Software
If the above methods do not work or you need a more advanced solution, you can turn to third-party file recovery software. These tools are designed to scan your Mac’s hard drive and recover deleted files, even if they have been emptied from the recycle bin. Some popular file recovery software for Mac include:
– Disk Drill
– Stellar Data Recovery
– EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
To use these tools, follow the instructions provided by the software. Generally, you will need to:
1. Download and install the file recovery software on your Mac.
2. Run the software and select the drive where your files were deleted.
3. Start the scanning process and wait for the software to complete.
4. Once the scan is finished, preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files and click “Recover.”
5. Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service
If all else fails, it may be necessary to seek the help of a professional data recovery service. These services have specialized tools and expertise to recover files from damaged or corrupted drives. However, this option can be expensive and may not guarantee a successful recovery. Before choosing a service, research and compare their reputation, success rates, and pricing.
In conclusion, recovering files after emptying the recycle bin on your Mac is possible with the right methods and tools. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to restore your lost files and get back to work or enjoy your deleted photos and documents.
