Losing important files on your iPhone can be a stressful experience, especially if you’ve permanently deleted them. However, there’s still hope for recovery. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods to recover permanently deleted files on your iPhone, including using iCloud, iTunes, and third-party software.
Understanding iPhone Data Storage and Deletion
Before we dive into the recovery methods, it’s essential to understand how iPhone data storage and deletion work. When you delete a file on your iPhone, it’s not immediately erased from the device. Instead, the space occupied by the file is marked as available for new data. This means that the file is still recoverable until new data overwrites it.
There are two types of deletion on an iPhone:
- Soft deletion: When you delete a file, it’s moved to the “Recently Deleted” folder, where it’s stored for 30 days. During this period, you can easily recover the file.
- Hard deletion: When you permanently delete a file, it’s removed from the “Recently Deleted” folder and the space is marked as available for new data.
Method 1: Recovering Permanently Deleted Files using iCloud
If you have iCloud enabled on your iPhone, you can recover permanently deleted files using iCloud.com. Here’s how:
Step 1: Sign in to iCloud.com
Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
Step 2: Access the iCloud Drive App
Click on the “iCloud Drive” app, and then click on the “Settings” icon (represented by a gear).
Step 3: Select the “Restore Files” Option
Click on the “Restore Files” option, and then select the files you want to recover.
Step 4: Download the Recovered Files
Once you’ve selected the files, click on the “Restore” button, and then download the recovered files to your computer.
Method 2: Recovering Permanently Deleted Files using iTunes
If you have iTunes installed on your computer and have synced your iPhone with it, you can recover permanently deleted files using iTunes. Here’s how:
Step 1: Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer
Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 2: Open iTunes and Select Your iPhone
Open iTunes and select your iPhone from the top left corner of the screen.
Step 3: Click on the “Summary” Tab
Click on the “Summary” tab, and then click on the “Restore Backup” button.
Step 4: Select the Backup File
Select the backup file that contains the permanently deleted files you want to recover.
Step 5: Restore the Backup
Click on the “Restore” button to restore the backup to your iPhone.
Method 3: Recovering Permanently Deleted Files using Third-Party Software
If you don’t have iCloud or iTunes backups, you can use third-party software to recover permanently deleted files on your iPhone. Here are a few options:
- Dr.Fone: A popular data recovery software that can recover permanently deleted files from your iPhone.
- PhoneRescue: A data recovery software that can recover permanently deleted files from your iPhone, including photos, videos, and contacts.
- iMyFone D-Back: A data recovery software that can recover permanently deleted files from your iPhone, including WhatsApp messages and attachments.
Step 1: Download and Install the Software
Download and install the third-party software on your computer.
Step 2: Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer
Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 3: Scan Your iPhone for Deleted Files
Launch the software and scan your iPhone for deleted files.
Step 4: Select the Files to Recover
Select the files you want to recover, and then click on the “Recover” button.
Step 5: Save the Recovered Files
Save the recovered files to your computer.
Preventing Permanent Deletion in the Future
To avoid permanently deleting important files in the future, consider the following:
- Regularly back up your iPhone: Use iCloud or iTunes to regularly back up your iPhone, so you can easily recover deleted files.
- Use the “Recently Deleted” folder: Make sure to check the “Recently Deleted” folder regularly to recover deleted files before they’re permanently deleted.
- Use a third-party data recovery software: Consider using a third-party data recovery software to recover deleted files, in case you don’t have iCloud or iTunes backups.
Conclusion
Recovering permanently deleted files on your iPhone is possible, but it requires prompt action. By using iCloud, iTunes, or third-party software, you can recover deleted files and avoid losing important data. Remember to regularly back up your iPhone and use the “Recently Deleted” folder to prevent permanent deletion in the future.
| Method | Requirements | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| iCloud | iCloud enabled on iPhone, internet connection | High |
| iTunes | iTunes installed on computer, iPhone synced with iTunes | Medium |
| Third-party software | Third-party software installed on computer, iPhone connected to computer | Low to Medium |
Note: The success rate of each method depends on various factors, including the type of file, the amount of time since deletion, and the presence of backups.
What happens to permanently deleted files on an iPhone?
When you permanently delete a file on your iPhone, it is removed from the device’s storage and can no longer be accessed through the usual means. However, the data itself is not immediately erased from the device’s memory. Instead, the space occupied by the file is marked as available for new data to be written over it. This means that the data is still present on the device, but it is no longer linked to the file system and can be overwritten at any time.
As a result, it is possible to recover permanently deleted files on an iPhone, but the chances of success depend on various factors, such as the amount of time that has passed since the file was deleted, the amount of new data that has been written to the device, and the type of file that was deleted. The sooner you attempt to recover the file, the higher the chances of success.
Can I recover permanently deleted files from iCloud?
If you have iCloud Backup enabled on your iPhone, you may be able to recover permanently deleted files from your iCloud backup. When you back up your iPhone to iCloud, a copy of your data, including files, is stored on Apple’s servers. If you have deleted a file on your iPhone, you can try restoring it from your iCloud backup. However, this method only works if the file was included in the backup and if you have not overwritten the backup with new data.
To recover a file from iCloud, go to the iCloud website, sign in with your Apple ID, and select the type of data you want to recover. You can then browse through your backups and select the file you want to recover. Keep in mind that iCloud backups are only stored for a limited time, so if you have deleted a file a long time ago, it may no longer be available in your backup.
What is the best way to recover permanently deleted files on an iPhone?
The best way to recover permanently deleted files on an iPhone depends on the specific circumstances. If you have iCloud Backup enabled, you can try restoring the file from your iCloud backup. If not, you can try using a third-party data recovery software. These programs can scan your iPhone’s memory and recover deleted files, but they may not always be successful.
Another option is to use a professional data recovery service, which can use specialized equipment and techniques to recover deleted files. However, this method can be expensive and may not always be successful. Regardless of the method you choose, it is essential to act quickly, as the chances of recovering a deleted file decrease over time.
Can I recover permanently deleted files from an iPhone without a computer?
Yes, it is possible to recover permanently deleted files from an iPhone without a computer. If you have iCloud Backup enabled, you can try restoring the file from your iCloud backup using the iCloud website on your iPhone. Alternatively, you can use a third-party data recovery app that can scan your iPhone’s memory and recover deleted files.
However, keep in mind that these methods may not always be successful, and the chances of recovering a deleted file decrease over time. Additionally, some data recovery apps may require you to jailbreak your iPhone, which can void your warranty and potentially cause other problems.
How long does it take to recover permanently deleted files on an iPhone?
The time it takes to recover permanently deleted files on an iPhone depends on various factors, such as the amount of data on the device, the type of file that was deleted, and the method used to recover the file. If you are using a third-party data recovery software, the scanning process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the size of the device’s storage.
Once the scanning process is complete, you can browse through the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore. The restoration process is usually quick, but it may take some time if you are recovering a large number of files. In some cases, the recovery process can take several days or even weeks, especially if you are using a professional data recovery service.
Can I recover permanently deleted files on an iPhone that is no longer working?
If your iPhone is no longer working, it may still be possible to recover permanently deleted files from the device. If the iPhone is damaged but still recognizable by a computer, you can try connecting it to a computer and using a third-party data recovery software to scan the device’s memory.
However, if the iPhone is severely damaged or has been erased, the chances of recovering deleted files are slim. In such cases, you may need to use a professional data recovery service that specializes in recovering data from damaged devices. These services can use specialized equipment and techniques to recover data from devices that are no longer functional.
Is it safe to use third-party data recovery software to recover permanently deleted files on an iPhone?
Using third-party data recovery software to recover permanently deleted files on an iPhone can be safe if you choose a reputable and trustworthy program. However, there are risks involved, such as the potential for malware or viruses to be installed on your device.
To minimize the risks, make sure to research the software thoroughly and read reviews from other users. Additionally, always download the software from the official website and avoid using free or pirated versions. It is also essential to follow the instructions carefully and be cautious when installing and using the software.