Recover Deleted Files on Mac (Even After Formatting)

I once did something stupid.

Years ago, I accidentally formatted my Mac drive. Every single file I thought was gone—client projects, documents, personal stuff.

Panic hit me hard.

But I wasn’t ready to accept defeat. I tried recovery with Disk Drill, and to my surprise, it worked. I got everything back.

If you’re here because you deleted files on your Mac (or worse—wiped the drive), don’t worry. Most of the time, those files aren’t truly gone. 

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to recover deleted files on Mac, even if they were “permanently” deleted.

Why Deleted Files Aren’t Always Gone

When you delete something, macOS doesn’t instantly erase it. It just marks the space as “available” for new data. That’s why quick recovery is possible if you act fast.

Think of it like erasing a whiteboard with invisible ink—the writing is still there until something new overwrites it.

That’s good news for you. It means your chances of recovery are high if you follow the right steps.

Step 1: Check the Trash First

Simple but overlooked.

• Open Trash (bottom-right dock).
  
• Right-click the file → “Put Back.”
  

If you haven’t emptied the trash yet, you’re golden.

Step 2: Restore from Time Machine Backup

If you had Time Machine enabled:

1. Connect your backup drive.
   
2. Enter Time Machine.
   
3. Scroll back to the date before you deleted the file.
   
4. Hit Restore.
   

This works even for older files, as long as Time Machine was set up.

Step 3: Recover from iCloud

For files stored in iCloud:

• Log in at iCloud.com.
  
• Go to Account Settings → Restore Files.
  
• Select what you need.
  

iCloud keeps deleted files for 30 days before they’re gone.

Step 4: Use File Recovery Software (Disk Drill)

Here’s where my own story comes in.

When I formatted my Mac drive, Time Machine wasn’t set up. Trash was useless. iCloud had nothing.

The only thing that saved me was Disk Drill.

Here’s how it works:

1. Download and install Disk Drill.
   
2. Select the drive you want to scan.
   
3. Hit Search for lost data.
   
4. Preview and recover your files.
   

It scans deep into the drive—even formatted ones—and brings back files you thought were gone forever.

Other options worth mentioning: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Wondershare Recoverit.

But for me, Disk Drill did the job.

Step 5: Recover Deleted Files from SD Card, USB, or External Drive

Same process, but with external storage.
Plug it in → Scan with Disk Drill → Recover.

This works for:

• SD cards from cameras.
• USB flash drives.
• External hard drives.

So if you lost media files, client project folders, or backups from another device—you still have a chance.

Step 6: What About Windows & Phones?

Quick answers:

• Windows 10/11: Check Recycle Bin first. If empty, use software like Recuva or Disk Drill for Windows.
  
• Android: Try Google Photos/Drive backups. Recovery apps exist, but results vary.
  
• iPhone: Use iCloud or iTunes backup if you had sync enabled.
  

Same principle everywhere: if it’s not overwritten, you can still recover.

Pro Tips to Avoid Losing Files Again

Recovering is stressful. Prevention is smarter.
Here’s what I recommend:

• Always keep Time Machine running.
  
• Store active projects in iCloud or Google Drive.
  
• Once a week, clone your drive to an external hard disk.
  

If your laptop is your livelihood, treat backups as insurance.

Why This Matters for Freelancers

I call this blog The Laptop Bro for a reason. Your laptop isn’t just a gadget—it’s your business.

Lose your files, you lose client work. Lose client work, you lose trust. And once trust is gone, money disappears too.

Knowing how to recover deleted files is survival. But beyond survival, your next move is building freedom—using that same laptop to make money on your terms.

That’s what I teach here.

Final Word

If you deleted files on Mac, don’t panic. 

Start with Trash, then try Time Machine or iCloud. If that fails, go for recovery software like Disk Drill.

Act fast, and you’ll likely get everything back.

And remember—if your laptop is your business, protect it like your life depends on it. Because it does.

FAQs