How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on iPhone
Accidentally deleting files on your iPhone can be a distressing experience. Whether it's important documents, treasured photos, or sentimental videos, losing data can feel like an irreparable loss. However, there is hope. With the right knowledge and tools, it is possible to recover permanently deleted files on your iPhone. This article will guide you through the process, providing step-by-step instructions and tips to maximize your chances of successful data recovery.
Oct 9, 2021
Understanding the Process of Data Deletion on iPhone
Before we delve into the methods of data recovery, it's essential to understand how deletion works on an iPhone. When you delete a file on your device, it is not immediately removed from your device's storage. Instead, it is moved to the "Recently Deleted" folder, where it remains for a specific period, usually 30 days. During this time, you can easily restore the files. After the grace period, the files are permanently deleted from your iPhone's storage, making their recovery more challenging.
How to Recover Recently Deleted Files on iPhone
If you have recently deleted files on your iPhone, there is a straightforward method to recover them. Follow these steps:
Open the "Photos" app on your iPhone.
Tap on the "Albums" tab located at the bottom of the screen.
Scroll down and find the "Recently Deleted" album.
Open the album and tap on the "Select" button at the top right corner of the screen.
Choose the files you want to recover by tapping on them.
Tap on the "Recover" button located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Confirm the recovery by tapping on "Recover Photo" or "Recover Video."
It's important to note that the "Recently Deleted" folder only stores photos and videos. For other types of files, such as documents, messages, or contacts, a different approach is necessary.
Read More: Deleted Files on iPhone
How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on iPhone
Methods of Recovery
Recovering permanently deleted files on an iPhone can be accomplished using various methods:
iTunes: If you have previously backed up your device using iTunes, you can restore your iPhone and recover deleted files from the backup.
iCloud: If you have enabled iCloud backup on your iPhone, you can retrieve deleted files from your iCloud backup.
Third-Party Software: There are specialized third-party software options available that claim to recover deleted files directly from your iPhone's storage.
In the following sections, we will explore each method in detail.
Recovering from iCloud Backup
Before proceeding with the recovery process from an iCloud backup, ensure that you have a recent backup available. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to recover permanently deleted files from an iCloud backup:
Go to the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
Tap on your name at the top of the screen to access your Apple ID settings.
Select "iCloud" from the list.
Tap on "iCloud Backup."
Verify that the "iCloud Backup" toggle switch is enabled. If it is not, toggle it on.
Tap on "Back Up Now" to create a current backup of your iPhone's data.
Once the backup is complete, you can proceed with the recovery process.
Reset your iPhone by going to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Erase All Content and Settings."
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone as a new device.
During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your iPhone from an iCloud backup. Select the most recent backup that contains the files you want to recover.
Wait for the restoration process to complete.
Recovering from iTunes Backup
If you regularly back up your iPhone using iTunes on your computer, you can easily recover permanently deleted files using the iTunes backup. Here's how:
Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
Open iTunes, if it doesn't open automatically.
Trust the computer on your iPhone if prompted.
Select your iPhone device in iTunes.
Click on the "Restore Backup" button.
Choose the most recent backup that contains the files you want to recover.
Click on "Restore" to initiate the restoration process.
Wait for the process to complete.
Using Third-Party Software
There are third-party software options available that claim to recover permanently deleted files directly from your iPhone's storage. One popular option is Slik Safe which provides advanced data recovery features. Some notable features include,
Recovering a wide range of file types, including photos, videos, contacts, messages, and more.
Recovering files from various data loss scenarios, such as accidental deletion, device failure, or software issues.
Full recovery or partial recovery of system files, depending on the situation.
Tips and Tricks for Successful Recovery
Recovering permanently deleted files on an iPhone can be a challenging task. However, you can increase your chances of success by following these tips and tricks:
Act quickly: If you have deleted files that you want to recover, it is crucial to start the recovery process as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the higher the chances of the deleted files being overwritten by new data.
Check other apps: Different apps on your iPhone may have their own recovery options. For example, note-taking apps or document management apps may offer a trash bin or an archive where deleted files are temporarily stored.
Regularly back up your iPhone: Creating regular backups of your iPhone's data using iTunes or iCloud significantly simplifies the recovery process. In case of accidental deletions, you can easily restore your device from a backup.
Use file recovery software: If the built-in recovery options are not sufficient, consider using reputable file recovery software tailored specifically for iPhones.
Preventing Future Data Loss on iPhone
While knowing how to recover permanently deleted files is crucial, it is equally important to prevent data loss in the first place. Here are some preventative measures to safeguard your data:
Regularly back up your iPhone: Create periodic backups using iTunes or iCloud to ensure that your data is safely stored and easily recoverable in case of accidental deletions or device failures.
Enable automatic backups: Take advantage of tools that allow automatic backups, such as iCloud's automatic backup feature, which regularly backs up your device whenever it is connected to Wi-Fi and charging.
Handle data responsibly: Be cautious when deleting files and ensure that they are not critical before proceeding. Double-checking and taking a moment to consider the consequences can save you from unnecessary data losses.
Use encryption: Encrypting your iPhone's data adds an additional layer of security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
Accidentally deleting files on your iPhone can be distressing, but it doesn't have to be a permanent loss. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering permanently deleted files on your iPhone. Whether you utilize built-in recovery options like iCloud or iTunes, or trusted third-party software like slik safe, it's essential to act quickly and proceed with caution. Additionally, taking preventative measures such as regular backups and responsible data management can help you avoid future data loss incidents. Remember, with the right knowledge and tools, you can recover your valuable files and protect your data for the future.
This article is based on the following references:
Apple Discussions Thread
What is Data Loss Prevention Software?
What is Google Cloud Server Backup?