How to Recover Files from Dead iMac Hard Drive [2024 Update]

I own a 2013 iMac with a fusion drive. Except for 'command+R,' which puts me in a condition where I may reinstall macOS and utilize disk utilities, it can no longer be launched anymore. Disk utility reports that there is a problem with the hard drive, but it's not apparent what. Anyway, I choose to get a new iMac. And if there is a way to save any of the information on the dead iMac, what is it? if so, just how?

If your iMac has a Time Machine backup, you can restore Mac data from the backup, and reboot your iMac. However, don't worry if you don't have a backup. To restore data from a dead iMac to an external hard drive for use on another computer, you can try the steps below.

Step 1. Turn your dead iMac hard drive into an external hard drive.

You need an external hard drive enclosure to use this method of iMac file recovery. You insert the hard drive that has crashed, failed, been corrupted, or otherwise sustained damage into the external drive enclosure, and then use a different computer to recover the drive's contents.

  • Follow the detailed instructions below:
  • Remove the failed Mac hard drive in a secure manner.
  • Open the cover of the external hard drive.
  • Slide or position the failing hard drive out of the Mac with caution.
  • The screws on the housing should be tightened. Lock the lid in place.
  • Access the hard disk and restore files by connecting the chassis to another Mac computer using a USB cord.

Step 2. Recover data from dead iMac to the new external hard drive by software:

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, a professional Mac hard drive data recovery program with bootable media, can successfully recover deleted files from a failing, crashed, or dead iMac. The EaseUS Mac data recovery program also supports recovering trash on Mac that has been empty, external hard drives, USB flash drives, memory cards, SD cards, etc. Here are the steps:

1. Select a hard drive, external drive, or SSD where you lost the files and start scanning by clicking "Scan".

2. Check the results until you find the lost files you need and filter wanted files through the "Type" and "Path" options.

3. Preview and Recover lost data by clicking "Recover" and storing them securely.

"Target disk mode" refers to the method of connecting two Macs such that one of them appears to be an external hard drive. You may be able to recover data from your iMac drive using this option.