How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Mac

Accidentally deleted important files on your Mac? Learn how to recover permanently deleted files using Disk Drill and other recovery methods. Step-by-step guide with tips to protect your data.

1. Stop Using Your Mac Immediately 🚨

When you delete files, they’re not instantly destroyed — macOS just marks that space as “available.” If you keep using your Mac (saving stuff, downloading, etc.), new data might overwrite the deleted files, making recovery way harder.

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2. Check iCloud Drive or Other Cloud Syncs ☁️

• If your project folder was in Desktop or Documents and you use iCloud Drive, check iCloud.com → Drive → Recently Deleted.
• If you also use Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc., check their trash/recycle bins.

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3. Use Time Machine (If Configured) ⏪

You already tried, but just to confirm:

• Connect your backup drive.
• Open Time Machine → navigate to the Desktop/project folder → restore.
• If your last backup is old, it may not help with the newest files.

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4. Try Professional Recovery Software 🛠️

If iCloud/Time Machine doesn’t have it, you’ll need third-party recovery tools. These scan your Mac’s SSD for recoverable data. Popular ones:

• Disk Drill for Mac (very beginner-friendly UI)
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac
• Stellar Data Recovery for Mac

⚠️ Pro tip: Don’t install recovery software onto the same drive you’re trying to recover from (your internal SSD). If possible, install it on an external drive and scan the internal disk.

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5. Go Pro (Data Recovery Service) 💾

If the files are super critical and software can’t recover them, a professional recovery lab is the last option. It’s pricey, but effective.

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6. Future Proofing 📌

Once you’re done (and hopefully get your project back):

• Turn on Time Machine with an external SSD.
• Enable iCloud Drive Desktop & Documents sync.
• Consider using Dropbox/OneDrive for important work folders as a backup.

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✅ Bottom line: You still have a shot if the files weren’t overwritten. Try iCloud/Drive syncs first, then go with recovery software like Disk Drill. If it’s mission-critical and software fails, a pro recovery service is your best bet.

🖥️ Step-by-Step: Recover Deleted Files on Mac with Disk Drill

1. Get Disk Drill (Safely)

• On another device, go to cleverfiles.com.
• Download Disk Drill for Mac.
  ⚠️ Important: Install it on an external drive, not your Mac’s main SSD (to avoid overwriting the deleted files).

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2. Launch the App

• Plug in the external drive where you installed Disk Drill.
• Open Disk Drill. It might ask for admin permissions — grant it so it can access your disk fully.

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3. Select Your Drive

• From the list, pick your Macintosh HD (or the internal SSD where your project folder was).
• Hit Search for lost data.

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4. Scan for Files

• Disk Drill will run a deep scan (can take a while depending on SSD size).
• You’ll see categories: Pictures, Documents, Videos, etc.
• Use the preview option to check if your deleted files are visible.

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5. Recover the Files

• Tick the boxes next to the files/folder you want.
• Click Recover.
• Save them to a different drive (external HDD/SSD) — never restore to the same internal disk.

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6. Save & Backup

• Once you get your project back ✅ immediately copy it to multiple places (Time Machine + iCloud + external drive).

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💡 Bonus tip: If you don’t see the files on the first deep scan, leave your Mac idle (don’t use it for daily stuff), and maybe try EaseUS or Stellar Data Recovery too. Sometimes one tool finds what another misses.

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