Recover Deleted Files: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide (Windows, Mac, Android & iPhone)
Losing important files can feel like a disaster. Maybe it was a project report, family video, or work document — one wrong click, and suddenly it’s gone.
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But here’s the truth: deleted doesn’t always mean lost forever.
With the right steps and a bit of patience, you can often recover deleted files easily — whether from your computer, phone, or cloud storage.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to bring them back safely.
1. Stop Using the Device Immediately
This is the golden rule of file recovery:
👉 Don’t save or download anything new to the same drive or folder.
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When a file is deleted, it isn’t instantly erased — it’s simply marked as “free space.”
Any new data written to that location can overwrite the deleted file, making recovery harder (or impossible).
So if you want to recover deleted files successfully:
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- Stop using the drive.
- Don’t install apps or updates.
- Start recovery as soon as possible.
2. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash First
Before you panic, check the most obvious place — the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (macOS).
Windows:
- Double-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
- Find your deleted file.
- Right-click → Restore.
Your file will return to its original location instantly.
Mac:
- Click the Trash icon in the Dock.
- Locate the deleted item.
- Right-click → Put Back.
If the file isn’t there, don’t worry — we still have more options.
3. Use Built-In File History or Time Machine
Both Windows and macOS have built-in recovery tools that can restore previous versions of your files or folders.
Windows File History
If you had File History enabled:
- Right-click the folder where your file was located.
- Choose Restore previous versions.
- Browse the versions and click Restore.
Mac Time Machine
- Open the folder where the file used to be.
- Click the Time Machine icon → Enter Time Machine.
- Browse backups by date and click Restore.
💡 Tip: Even if you didn’t enable backups manually, Windows and macOS sometimes keep temporary versions automatically.
4. Recover Deleted Files Using Recovery Software
If the Recycle Bin is empty and no backup exists, recovery software is your best option.
These tools scan your drive for traces of deleted data and allow you to restore it.
Best Recovery Tools for Windows & Mac
- Recuva (Windows – free and easy)
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Windows & Mac – deep scan)
- Disk Drill (Windows & Mac – user-friendly interface)
- Stellar Data Recovery (professional-level recovery)
How to Use:
- Download and install the program — ideally on a different drive.
- Choose the drive where the file was deleted.
- Run a Deep Scan.
- Preview results and select files to recover.
- Save them to a new folder or external drive.
⚠️ Avoid recovering onto the same disk — that can overwrite what you’re trying to save.
5. Recover Deleted Files on Android
If you accidentally deleted photos, videos, or documents on Android, don’t lose hope.
Check the Trash:
- Open the Files by Google app → Trash.
- Or check Gallery → Trash (for photos).
- Tap and restore your deleted items.
Use Recovery Apps:
If they’re not in Trash, try one of these:
- DiskDigger (Android) — recovers images, videos, and more.
- Dr.Fone Data Recovery (Android) — deep scanning for media and files.
- Tenorshare UltData — works well even without root.
Steps:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Run a scan of your internal or SD storage.
- Preview and restore files safely.
💡 Some apps can even recover WhatsApp media, documents, and downloads.
6. Recover Deleted Files on iPhone
iPhone users have multiple recovery options depending on whether iCloud or iTunes backups are enabled.
Check Recently Deleted:
- Open Files → Browse → Recently Deleted.
- Select the files you want → Recover.
iCloud Drive:
- Visit icloud.com.
- Go to iCloud Drive → Recently Deleted.
- Select files and click Recover.
Restore via iTunes Backup:
If you’ve synced your phone before:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Open Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows).
- Click Restore Backup → Choose your latest backup.
For deeper recovery, tools like PhoneRescue or Tenorshare UltData (iOS) can scan your phone memory directly and bring back files that backups missed.
7. Cloud Storage Can Save You
Many people unknowingly have cloud backup turned on — and that’s often a lifesaver.
Check your cloud accounts, especially if you use:
- Google Drive → Trash (keeps deleted files for 30 days).
- OneDrive → Recycle Bin (retains files up to 93 days).
- Dropbox → Deleted Files section (accessible online).
- iCloud Drive → Recently Deleted (30 days).
Simply sign in and restore your files with one click.
8. Recover Deleted Files from External Drives or USBs
If you deleted files from a USB stick, external hard drive, or SD card, connect it to your computer and use recovery tools like:
- Recuva
- Stellar Data Recovery
- EaseUS
Make sure the drive is readable and not physically damaged.
If it doesn’t show up, try another cable or USB port before starting the recovery.
9. When to Call a Professional
If none of the software solutions work — or if your drive is physically damaged, formatted, or water-exposed — it’s time to call a professional data recovery lab.
They use specialized tools to extract data from failed drives or memory chips.
Companies like:
- Ontrack
- Stellar
- DriveSavers
can often recover up to 95% of data that ordinary users can’t.
10. Prevent Future File Loss
Now that you’ve managed to recover your deleted files, take a few minutes to prevent this from happening again.
✅ Enable automatic backups:
Use File History (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac).
✅ Sync to the cloud:
Turn on Google Drive, iCloud, or OneDrive backup.
✅ Use version history:
Most office apps (like Word, Google Docs, Excel) let you restore previous versions.
✅ Keep recovery software installed:
Having a tool ready saves time during emergencies.
✅ Avoid risky cleaners:
Don’t use “phone cleaner” or “optimizer” apps that automatically delete old files — they often remove important data.
FAQ – Recover Deleted Files
🟦 Can I recover files deleted months ago?
Possibly, if they haven’t been overwritten. Use recovery tools or check cloud storage backups.
🟦 Are free recovery tools safe?
Yes, if downloaded from official sources. Avoid pirated or third-party links.
🟦 Can I recover files after formatting a drive?
Yes — deep scan software can often detect fragments even after formatting.
🟦 Does recovery work after factory reset on phone?
Sometimes. Professional software or labs can help if data wasn’t overwritten.
Final Thoughts
When files disappear, it’s easy to panic — but recovery is often simpler than you think.
Start with built-in tools like the Recycle Bin or Trash, then move on to backups, recovery software, or cloud services. And if nothing else works, professionals can still help you get your data back.
The most important thing is to act fast and avoid writing new data to the affected drive.
Your deleted files may still be right there — waiting to be recovered.