How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac Without Software

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When it comes to Mac data recovery, prior to using third party data recovery tool, people are often more willing to make the most of built-in feature in Mac OS. Therefore, Time Machine becomes the first option for users to recover deleted files on Mac. By turning on Time Machine on Mac computer, you can back up all your files to an external storage device and then recover deleted files on Mac without using any third party software.

If you have already backed up your files with Time Machine, here is how you can restore deleted files on Mac without using other software.

How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac Without Software

With Time Machine backup, you can either recover specific file or restore the entire Mac.

1. Recover Individual File from Time Machine Backup

Step 1. Click the Time Machine icon in the upper-right corner of the menu bar, then choose Enter Time Machine.

Step 2. Select a date and time from the timeline on the edge of the screen to check the file in your Time Machine backup.

Step 3. Select the item and press Space Bar to preview. If it is the file you need, click the Restore button to recover this file to its original location.

Recover Deleted Files on Mac Without Software - Restore Specific File

Recover Deleted Files on Mac Without Software – Restore Specific File

2. Restore entire Mac from a Time Machine Backup

Step 1. Access macOS Recovery mode by holding down Command + R immediately after starting up your Mac.

Step 2. Continue holding the keys until you see the Apple logo or spinning global.

Step 3. Choose Restore From Time Machine Backup when you see the utilities window.

Recover Deleted Files on Mac Without Software - Restore Entire Mac

Recover Deleted Files on Mac Without Software – Restore Entire Mac

Both two methods mentioned above require you to back up your Mac data with Time Machine. If there is no available backup, it becomes impossible to recover deleted files on Mac on your own. In such case, you’ll still need a professional third party Mac data recovery software to help you out.

Stellar Phoenix Mac Data Recovery, a tool featured with standard data recovery for Mac, is here for you. This handy software lets you restore your accidentally deleted files, emails, photos, and other data from Mac with ease. Read: How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac to see how you can retrieve files on Mac with Stellar Phoenix Mac Data Recovery.

This entry was posted in on Nov 07, 2017 by Judy.

2 responses to “How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac Without Software”

  1. Angela Slager says:

    Perhaps since most iPhone users rely heavily on their use of the camera it should be communicated clearly and effectively in the update process as such that the user has to click “I understand” with each warning or topic that has been addressed PRIOR to updating a system. There was no warning or message stating that I should back up my photos prior to the update.

    • Judy Grant says:

      Hello, Angela, thanks for sharing your opinion with us. Yes, photos play an importance role in people daily life, which means a lot for most of them. Apple should let people know this thing. I totally agree with you.

      At the same time, given the importance of your data, i highly recommend you to backup your photos periodically. As i know, iMobie AnyTrans can help you backup and manager your data in an easy way. If you are interested in it, you can give it a try(It provides trial version). To get more info:
      https://www.imobie.com/guide/anytrans/get-started-ios.htm

      If there is anything i can help you with, please do not hesitate to contact us.

      Enjoy a nice day!

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