Accidentally deleted important files on my Mac and emptied the trash. I’m desperate to recover them. What are the best apps for restoring lost data? Would really appreciate guidance and recommendations.
You’d be amazed how common this issue is—I’ve been there too, and there are a few solid data recovery apps for Mac that can help you restore lost files, even if you’ve emptied the trash.
- Disk Drill – This app is a popular choice for a reason. It offers an intuitive interface and powerful recovery algorithms that can scan your entire drive and retrieve lost files quickly. One of the cool things about Disk Drill is that it supports a wide range of file types and can recover data from various storage devices. Plus, their free version lets you recover up to 500MB of data, which is great for personal use.
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Stellar Data Recovery – Stellar offers an extensive set of features, including the ability to recover data from crashed systems. It supports macOS, and like Disk Drill, it can retrieve a broad spectrum of file types. Their interface isn’t as sleek, but it’s highly effective.
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PhotoRec – An open-source option that’s free to use. The catch? It’s not as user-friendly and operates via command line interface. If you’re comfortable with basic coding or command prompts, it’s worth a shot. While it’s mainly targeted at photo recovery, it handles other file types too.
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Data Rescue – Developed by Prosoft Engineering, Data Rescue is another solid choice to consider. It scans thoroughly and offers a preview of files before recovery, giving you more control over what you’re restoring.
Before starting with any recovery software, stop using your Mac as much as possible. Continuing usage might overwrite the deleted data, making it unrecoverable. Good luck!
For a detailed guide and more insight, check out Disk Drill's website. It’s definitely worth a look if you’re serious about getting your files back.
Data recovery on a Mac can be a real headache, but hoshikuzu is on point with their recommendations. Beyond those apps, don’t forget about Cisdem Data Recovery, another reliable tool. This app is particularly noted for its quick scan and deep scan features, which can help retrieve almost any type of lost data, including from external drives.
While Disk Drill is indeed a solid choice with its user-friendly interface and generous free tier, R-Studio is another powerful alternative. It’s more advanced but offers robust features for those who have some tech knowledge. It includes disk sanitization tools and advanced RAID reconstruction.
If free software is more appealing, consider TestDisk. Although mainly for partition recovery, it’s effective and multifaceted when combined with PhotoRec for file recovery. However, it does have a steeper learning curve, similar to PhotoRec.
Agreeing with hoshikuzu, the golden rule of data recovery: minimize usage of your Mac once you’ve realized the data loss. The more you use it, the higher the chance you overwrite the sectors where your data resides. This holds true regardless of which software you use, be it Disk Drill, EaseUS, or any other.
In terms of user experience, iBoysoft Data Recovery deserves a mention. It’s straightforward, ideal for recovering lost partitions, and supports a wide range of file formats.
For those not keen on installing new software, consider reaching out to professional data recovery services. Although pricier, they can often dig deeper and recover data that software might miss.
Ultimately, each solution has its strengths and weaknesses. It boils down to your specific needs and comfort level with tech. If user-friendliness and a balance of features are what you need, going with Disk Drill is a pretty safe bet!
Here’s hoping you recover your files soon—data loss is never fun, but with the right tools, you’ll stand a good chance of getting everything back.
I’ve been in your shoes, and it’s definitely a heart-wrenching moment. Hoshikuzu and Sonhadordobosque have already suggested some great tools. Let me add a slightly different angle based on my experiences.
To start, Disk Drill is excellent and often my go-to recommendation. It’s user-friendly and supports almost any file type or storage device you can think of. You’d love its Recovery Vault feature, which essentially acts like an extended Trash, giving you an even higher chance to recover files. However, it’s not always the fastest performer and can be a bit of a resource hog during deep scans.
Another app worth considering is Wondershare Recoverit. It’s often overlooked, but its interface is clean, and it performs well across various macOS versions. One downside could be that its free tier isn’t as generous as Disk Drill’s, but it does the job well if you’re dealing with large data.
Don’t dismiss Cisdem Data Recovery. It’s speedy and its deep scan feature is surprisingly effective. The downside? Some users report occasional compatibility issues with external drives, but I’ve had pretty good experiences overall.
Back to Stellar Data Recovery, another solid option. What’s wonderful about Stellar is that it’s particularly effective at recovering data from formatted drives and partitions. However, if you’re looking for a sleek UI, look elsewhere—it’s a bit clunky, although very functional.
An open-source tool like TestDisk combined with PhotoRec can be a lifesaver if you’re tech-savvy. They’re powerful and free, but involve more of a learning curve and the lack of a graphical interface might be daunting.
On the professional end, think about using TechTool Pro. It’s not as straightforward as other options but is very thorough. Its ability to recover data from corrupted sectors is impressive, though not user-friendly for novices.
Regarding EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, it’s another easy-to-use solution but there’s a catch – its scanning process can be notably slower compared to Disk Drill.
One might think about Data Rescue from Prosoft Engineering as a more advanced alternative. The preview feature is a major plus, allowing you to see what you’re recovering before committing, but I’ve found the price tag to be on the higher side.
Finally, remember the golden rule: Avoid using your Mac any further! Every action writes new data, reducing recovery chances. Also, consider creating regular backups using Time Machine – a proactive step to avoid future data loss headaches.
In conclusion, you have plenty of reliable tools at your disposal like Disk Drill with its blend of ease and power, but don’t hesitate to weigh other options based on your specific needs and technical comfort level. Trust your gut, take the leap; most importantly, take care of your data!