Fix Today, Pay Tomorrow
afterpay logo

The Ultimate Guide to Data Recovery: How to Safeguard and Restore Your Lost Files

Data Recovery

Effective Mac Data Recovery Methods and Pro Tips for Safeguarding Your Files

Whether it’s a video featuring your cherished memories or an important project file, or a beautiful picture you wanted to show to your family. Losing a file from your PC can be heartbreaking.

Fortunately, there are many ways to recover your lost files. In this blog, we will discuss Mac data recovery methods and when to seek professional help.

But given that prevention is better than cure, let’s first find out how to safeguard your files on MacBook:

Quick Tips to Protect Your Files and Data on MacBook

Here are important tips to protect all your files and sensitive data on Mac:

  • Lock your MacBook with a strong and unique password.
  • Set your device to ask for the password every time the display is turned off or the screen saver has been activated.
  • Set your Mac to automatically log out after inactivity.
  • Save your work before locking or logging out.
  • Turn on Mac’s FileVault encryption that encodes your files so that no one can access them without the login password.
  • Turn off remote access and unnecessary sharing connections.
  • Enable the firewall on your Mac.
  • Secure your sensitive files and folders with an additional password.
  • Create separate users to allow other persons to access your device while keeping your files inaccessible to them.
  • Regularly back up your Mac to ensure all your files are safe and easily recoverable.
  • Keep Find My service turned on so you always know the location of your device.

How to Recover or Restore Lost Files on MacBook

In case you have lost some very important files and you feel that it will not be easy to retrieve them using common methods, we recommend seeking help from a professional. Simply enter “data recovery near me” and you will see a list of top services provided in your area. 

When choosing a data recovery service, make sure you consider important factors like their reputation, experience, customer testimonials, cost, turnaround time, etc. 

Methods to Restore Lost Files on Mac

Accidental file deletion is the common cause of data loss on Mac. As soon as this happens, you must stop using the device to avoid data overwriting and increase the chances of successfully recovering your file.

Then, try out the following methods:

Method 1: Recover Deleted Files from Trash.

Deleted files go to the Trash folder, which can hold these files for 30 days. After 30 days, Trash data is automatically deleted. So, follow these steps to recover your deleted files from Trash:

  • Open the Trash folder.
  • Find the required file.
  • Select the file, right-click, and press Put Back to restore the file to the original location.

Method 2: Use the Undo Function.

You can restore accidentally deleted files using the undo action. 

  • Go to the menu bar.
  • Select the Edit option. 
  • Select Undo Move, or use the Command + Z key combination to perform the undo action.

Method 3: Restore Deleted Files from iCloud.

If you use iCloud to sync and store your files, you can use iCloud Drive to restore your recently deleted photos, videos, notes, and other data types. 

Here are the steps to do this:

Step 1: Log on to iCloud.com and go to iCloud Drive.

Step 2: Click Recently Deleted in the sidebar.

Step 3: Click Recover All, or choose the file you want to recover.

Step 4: Finally, click Recover.

Method 4: Use the Terminal Command to Restore Deleted Files on Mac.

Please note that the Terminal command works only for files deleted from the Trash folder. Otherwise, you need professional Mac data recovery help or software to retrieve your lost files.

Here are the steps to restore deleted files on Mac using the Terminal command:

Step 1: Go to Finder > Applications > Utilities. Now, double-click “Terminal”. 

Step 2: Type cd .Trash and press the Return key.

Step 3: Type “ls -al ~/.Trash” to view the content of your Trash folder.

Step 4: Input mv filename ../ and press “Return.

Step 5: Type Quit to exit the Terminal window.

Open the home directory folder to find the restored files.

Why Seek Professional Mac Data Recovery Service

Data loss can be distressing, and with professionals, there is a higher chance of recovering lost files successfully. Data recovery technicians are well-equipped and experienced to recover data on Mac in various situations like accidental deletion, hardware/software failure, virus attacks, and more. 

Delaying professional assistance can minimize the likelihood of recovering the lost data. So, make sure you act as quickly as you encounter the issue. 

We at 73Inc have years of experience helping people recover their lost files on MacBooks and other devices. Our service for Mac data recovery in Auckland can help restore all types of files like photos, videos, documents, and more. We are equipped with advanced tools and techniques to recover data from all storage types, including SSDs and hard drives. 

Lost files on Mac? Contact us now. 

Get A Free Quote.

A diagnostic fee will apply in situations where we deem it necessary to conduct thorough testing to identify the source of issues.

Recent Post

Flexible ways to pay

Repair today. Pay the way that works for you.

Choose secure card payment, PayPal, or split eligible purchases with Afterpay.

VISAmastercardAMERICAN
EXPRESS
PayPalafterpay↗

Payment method availability, Afterpay eligibility and provider terms apply.

Trusted by Auckland customers

What our Google customers say

4.9★★★★★Google rating

Verified customer reviews imported directly from the 73inc Google Business Profile.

Posted on Google Google
Mikey Lougheed profile picture
Mikey Lougheed
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I walked into 73inc 9 years ago and I have never left. From cell phones that the kids have broken to computers that have stopped working on me. Enzo and his crew have never let me down. My computer died 3 months ago. Enzo stayed open till 8;30pm just for me. I was in trouble, I left that night with a working computer ready for the next day. That is the customer service that keeps me going back that just doesn't exist in any where else.
Posted on Google Google
Ross Alaine Ortile profile picture
Ross Alaine Ortile
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I highly recommend Enzo! He provided fast, friendly, and amazing service. My laptop had a battery issue, and he fixed it quickly. So far, my laptop has been working perfectly, and the new battery is working great as well. He was very helpful and made the whole process easy and hassle-free. I’m very happy with the service and would definitely recommend him to anyone who needs laptop repairs. Thank you so much, Enzo! 😊
Posted on Google Google
B C profile picture
B C
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great Service, my iphone stopped working and 73inc had it fixed within the day. The owner is super nice, he could have tried to up-sell but I felt he gave me honest advice with the least $ to spend. Highly recommend!
Posted on Google Google
Elizabeth Brookbanks profile picture
Elizabeth Brookbanks
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
73Inc is the only place to go for all computer / electronic requirements. The knowledge of staff and level of customer care is absolutely exemplary. I’m not fluent with technology and these guys assist me with patience and integrity. I know I am always getting the best product and solution for my requirements. I cannot rate 73Inc highly enough. Enzo is an absolute super star. We are so grateful to have found them and will continue to recommend their services to everyone looking for THE BEST level of customer care, value and product knowledge. Thank you 73Inc. Sincerely!
Posted on Google Google
Lola Robinson profile picture
Lola Robinson
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Such an easy and efficient service, helpful education and I think reasonable prices!
Posted on Google Google
Fred Mahadaya profile picture
Fred Mahadaya
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I just had my daughter’s MacBook screen repaired here and I’m really impressed with the service. The repair was done much faster than I expected, and I’m very happy with the result. A special thanks to Enzo, who was very friendly, helpful, and professional throughout the whole process. He explained everything clearly and made the experience easy and stress-free. Fast, reliable, and professional service. I’m very satisfied and would definitely recommend 73inc to anyone looking for a MacBook or Apple device repair in Auckland. Thank you, Enzo and the team!
Posted on Google Google
Martin Buis profile picture
Martin Buis
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Good service, and able to support older Macs. They were prompt and provided excellent updates
Posted on Google Google
Will Luxton profile picture
Will Luxton
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
It was a fantastic experience dealing with 73 inc. They responded immediately to my inquiry, and provided all the information I needed for my MacBook Air repair. I dropped it off late in the afternoon and it was ready first thing the next day. They were very proactive in keeping me up-to-date with the repair status, and provided an amazing service. Will happily use them again!