Data Recovery

Recover deleted Mac files when macOS still has something to recover.

MacTidy's recovery tools inspect the Trash, APFS local snapshots, selected disk images or drives, iPhone and iPad backups, and Apple Watch data stored inside paired iPhone backups.

MacTidy Data Recovery category screen.
Data Recovery groups Mac, iOS, Apple Watch and Messages recovery workflows.

Mac recovery

Mac recovery reads Trash locations, APFS local snapshots and can mount snapshots read-only so you can copy files back.

iPhone and iPad

Connected, unlocked, trusted devices can be backed up with libimobiledevice tools. Encrypted backups require the backup password.

Apple Watch and Messages

Watch data lives in the paired iPhone backup. Messages recovery can read backup data where available and authorized.

Recovery depends on timing

No app can promise every deleted file will come back. Recovery depends on whether the file is still in Trash, present in a snapshot, still recoverable from free space, or preserved inside a device backup.

If the file matters, stop writing to the affected drive, avoid installing large apps on it, and try recovery quickly. MacTidy uses native macOS tools where possible and keeps snapshot browsing read-only.

Limit: iOS acquisition only works with a physically connected, unlocked, trusted device or an existing backup. It cannot bypass a passcode, pairing prompt or encrypted backup password.

Recovery FAQ

Can MacTidy recover files after the Trash was emptied?

Sometimes. APFS local snapshots or carving from a selected source may help, but overwritten data cannot be recovered by software.

Can it recover iPhone data without the phone?

It can inspect an existing local backup if you choose it and provide any required password. Creating a fresh backup requires a connected, trusted device.