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Accidentally deleted an important file? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a work document, a set of vacation photos, or an entire folder, file deletion is one of the most common tech headaches people face. The good news is that in many cases, deleted files can be recovered—if you act quickly and follow the right steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to recover deleted files on various devices: Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and even external drives.
Let’s get your files back with step by step instructions.
Understanding File Deletion: What Really Happens?
When you delete a file, it’s usually not gone forever—at least not immediately. Most systems just mark the file’s space as “available” and hide it from view, meaning it can potentially be recovered until something else overwrites it.
The sooner you try to recover it, the better your chances.
Recover Deleted Files on Windows
1. Check the Recycle Bin
Start with the basics. Open the Recycle Bin and search for your file. If it’s there, right-click and choose “Restore.”
2. Use File History (if enabled)
Windows has a built-in backup feature.
Go to Settings → Update & Security → Backup → More options → Restore files from a current backup.
3. Use Third-Party Recovery Software
If it’s not in the Recycle Bin or File History:
- Tools like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery, or Disk Drill can scan your drive for recoverable files.
- Install recovery tools on a different drive than the one you’re scanning to avoid overwriting deleted data.
Recover Deleted Files on macOS
1. Check the Trash
Open Trash from the dock and see if your file is there. If it is, right-click and select “Put Back.”
2. Use Time Machine (if enabled)
Go to the folder where the file was located. Open Time Machine and navigate to a backup from before the file was deleted. Select and restore.
3. Use Recovery Software for Mac
If you don’t have Time Machine backups:
- Apps like Disk Drill, PhotoRec, or Data Rescue can help scan your Mac’s storage and recover files.
Recover Deleted Files on Android
1. Check Cloud Backups
Most Android phones automatically back up photos and files to Google Photos or Google Drive.
- Open Google Photos → Go to Trash → Restore.
- Check Google Drive → Look in the “Trash” folder.
2. Use a Recovery App
If the file isn’t in the cloud, try data recovery apps like:
- Dr.Fone
- DiskDigger (requires root for deeper scans)
Install the app on your computer and connect your phone via USB to scan from there. Avoid installing recovery apps directly on your phone’s internal memory to prevent overwriting lost data.
Recover Deleted Files on iPhone
1. Check ‘Recently Deleted’ Album
For photos and videos:
Go to Photos app → Albums → Recently Deleted → Select → Recover
2. Use iCloud or iTunes Backup
If the file was backed up:
- Restore from iCloud by going to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings → Restore from iCloud backup.
- You can also use iTunes or Finder to restore from a local backup.
3. Use iPhone Recovery Software
If no backup is available:
- Try tools like iMobie PhoneRescue, Tenorshare UltData, or Dr.Fone for iOS to scan and restore lost data.
Recover Files from USB Drives or External Hard Drives
1. Stop Using the Drive Immediately
Don’t copy or write anything to the drive—you could overwrite the deleted data.
2. Use Recovery Software
Plug the drive into your computer and use recovery software like:
These tools can scan removable storage and recover a wide variety of file types.
Can You Always Recover Deleted Files?
Not always. If the file has been overwritten, corrupted, or deleted long ago, it may be permanently lost. That’s why backups are essential.
1. To prevent future data loss:
2. Enable automatic cloud backups
3. Use external hard drives
4. Schedule routine system backups
Final Thoughts
Losing files can feel frustrating and irreversible—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and quick action, recovery is possible on almost every device.
At TechUpscale, we provide clear, actionable solutions to help you stay in control of your digital life. Whether you’re recovering files or boosting performance, we’re here to help you do more with your tech—without the noise.
