How to Recover Deleted Data on iPhone – We’ve all been there accidentally deleting important photos, messages, or files from an iPhone and immediately regretting it. The good news? You might still be able to get them back!
Whether it’s a crucial document, a memorable picture, or an important text, there are several ways to recover lost data. Let’s dive into the best methods to restore deleted data on your iPhone.
Can You Recover Deleted Data on iPhone?
Yes! Your iPhone has built-in features to help retrieve lost data, and if that’s not enough, third-party tools can also come to the rescue. However, the sooner you act, the better your chances of recovery.
1. Check the Recently Deleted Folder
Many apps, like Photos and Notes, have a Recently Deleted folder where deleted items are stored for up to 30 days before being permanently erased. Here’s how to check:
For Photos:
- Open the Photos app.
- Go to Albums and scroll down to Recently Deleted.
- Tap the files you want to recover and hit Restore.
For Notes:
- Open the Notes app.
- Tap the Recently Deleted folder.
- Select and restore the notes you need.
If it’s still within 30 days, your files should be there, waiting to be rescued!
2. Restore from iCloud Backup
If your deleted data isn’t in the Recently Deleted folder, an iCloud backup might be your best bet. iCloud automatically backs up your iPhone daily if enabled, making it easy to restore lost files.
How to Restore from iCloud Backup:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings (Make sure to back up your latest data first!).
- Your iPhone will restart follow the setup process.
- Choose Restore from iCloud Backup and select the most recent backup.
Warning: This method erases all current data and replaces it with the backup, so you might lose any new files added after the last backup.
3. Recover from iTunes or Finder Backup
If you back up your iPhone using iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac), you can restore deleted data from your computer.
How to Restore from iTunes or Finder:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Open iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS Catalina or later).
- Select your device and click Restore Backup.
- Choose the latest backup and wait for the process to complete.
This method works great if you regularly sync your iPhone with your computer.
4. Use Third-Party Data Recovery Tools
If you don’t have a backup and your data is permanently deleted, third-party recovery software might be your only option. Some popular tools include:
- Dr.Fone – Data Recovery
- iMobie PhoneRescue
- Tenorshare UltData
How to Use a Third-Party Tool:
- Download and install the software on your computer.
- Connect your iPhone and select Recover from iOS Device.
- Scan for deleted files and preview recoverable data.
- Select what you want to recover and restore it to your device or computer.
These tools can sometimes retrieve lost data even if it’s not in a backup, but results vary depending on how long ago the file was deleted.
5. Contact Apple Support
If none of the above methods work, contacting Apple Support might be your last resort. They won’t recover data for you, but they can guide you on what steps to take.
Final Tips to Prevent Future Data Loss
To avoid this headache in the future, follow these best practices:
- Enable iCloud Backup – Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and turn it on.
- Regularly Back Up to a Computer – Use iTunes or Finder for extra security.
- Use a Cloud Storage Service – Apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive can store important files separately.
- Double-Check Before Deleting – A second look can save you a lot of trouble!
Also Read: Tips to Prevent Data Theft on iPhone
Losing important files can be stressful, but as you can see, there are plenty of ways to recover deleted data on iPhone. Whether you use iCloud, iTunes, or third-party tools, acting quickly increases your chances of getting your files back. If you’ve ever had to recover lost data, what method worked best for you? Let me know in the comments!
