To give you a step-by-step guide, let’s break down the process for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, as these are the most common platforms.
1. Recover Deleted Files on Windows (from Recycle Bin and File History)
Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin
- Open Recycle Bin: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
- Search for the Deleted File: Browse or use the search bar in the top right to find your deleted file.
- Restore the File:
- Right-click the file you want to restore.
- Select Restore. The file will be returned to its original location.
Step 2: Recover Using File History (if enabled)
- Open File History:
- Go to Control Panel > System and Security > File History.
- If File History is enabled, click Restore personal files on the left.
- Select the Folder: Navigate to the folder where the deleted file was located.
- Browse and Restore:
- Use the arrows to navigate to the date before the file was deleted.
- Select the file and click the Restore button.
Step 3: Use Third-Party Recovery Software (if no backup)
- Download a File Recovery Program (e.g., Recuva, EaseUS, or Disk Drill).
- Install the Software: Follow the installation instructions.
- Scan for Deleted Files:
- Launch the program and select the drive where the file was located.
- Choose Scan to begin the recovery process.
- Recover the File:
- Once the scan is complete, browse the list of recoverable files.
- Select the file you want to restore and choose Recover.
- Save the file to a different drive to avoid overwriting.
2. Recover Deleted Files on macOS (from Trash and Time Machine)
Step 1: Check the Trash
- Open the Trash: Click the Trash icon in your dock.
- Find the Deleted File: Browse or use the search bar at the top to find the deleted file.
- Restore the File:
- Right-click the file and select Put Back. The file will return to its original location.
Step 2: Use Time Machine Backup
- Open Time Machine:
- Connect your Time Machine backup drive if it’s not already connected.
- Click the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and select Enter Time Machine.
- Browse for the File:
- Use the timeline on the right to find a backup from before the file was deleted.
- Navigate to the folder where the file was originally located.
- Restore the File:
- Select the file and click the Restore button to bring it back.
Step 3: Use Third-Party Recovery Software (if no backup)
- Download a Recovery Program (e.g., Disk Drill or EaseUS).
- Install and Scan:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
- Select the disk where the file was located and start the scan.
- Recover the File:
- Once the scan is finished, select the file you want to recover and click Recover.
3. Recover Deleted Files on Android
Step 1: Check Google Photos (for images and videos)
- Open Google Photos: Launch the Google Photos app.
- Check the Trash:
- Tap Library at the bottom, then tap Trash.
- If the file is there, select the item and tap Restore to recover it.
Step 2: Use File Recovery Apps
- Download a Recovery App (e.g., DiskDigger or Dr. Fone).
- Scan Your Phone:
- Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Select the storage (internal or SD card) to scan for deleted files.
- Recover Files:
- Once the scan is finished, browse the recoverable files.
- Select the ones you want to restore and choose Recover.
Step 3: Use Cloud Backup (if applicable)
- Check Google Drive/Cloud Backup:
- Go to Google Drive or your cloud backup service (e.g., Dropbox).
- Search for the deleted files and restore them from the cloud.
4. Recover Deleted Files on iOS (iPhone/iPad)
Step 1: Check Recently Deleted Folder (for Photos and Videos)
- Open the Photos App: Launch the Photos app on your device.
- Check the Recently Deleted Folder:
- Tap Albums at the bottom, then scroll to find Recently Deleted.
- Restore the File:
- If your deleted file is there, select it, and tap Recover to restore it to the main album.
Step 2: Use iCloud or iTunes Backup
- Restore from iCloud Backup:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- If you have a backup from before the file was deleted, you can restore the entire device from that backup by selecting Restore from iCloud Backup during the device setup.
- Restore from iTunes Backup:
- Connect your device to your computer and open iTunes.
- Select your device, click Restore Backup, and choose a backup before the file was deleted.
Important Notes for All Platforms:
- Act quickly: The sooner you attempt recovery, the higher the chance of successful restoration.
- Stop using the device: Avoid saving new files or installing new apps to prevent overwriting the deleted data.
- Backups: Regular backups can save you from these scenarios in the future.