[Solved] How to Recover Emptied Trash on Mac and Restore Deleted Files

How to Recover Emptied Trash on a Mac:

If you've emptied the Trash on Mac, you can try these ways:

The Put Back feature in the Mac Trash bin allows users to undo deletions with limits. If you want to recover emptied Trash on a Mac to return your deleted documents, pictures, videos, or audio files, this guide will tell you how to undo emptying the Trash on a Mac.

Scene Replay: Can I Recover Emptied Trash on Mac？

Whenever a file is deleted on your Mac, the system will mark the storage space where the file is located as empty. Still, the deleted file is kept in the storage device until other data overwrites the storage space. The same goes for emptying the Trash.

When the Trash is accidentally emptied, the most recommended approach and first reaction is to check the Time Machine immediately. You can then use the effective solutions provided in this tutorial to recover deleted files after emptying the Trash. Here is the general process to undo empty Trash on a Mac:

Recover Emptied Trash with Time Machine Backup

If you don't have a backup set up, or you didn't have time to back up before deleting, according to our experience, you can't use Time Machine to recover. As you can see from the flowchart, you need to use data recovery software. 

You can check yourself by following the steps below. Here is how to use Time Machine for Mac Trash recovery:

Step 1. Connect your external storage device to your Mac for Time Machine backup.

Step 2. Open Finder, and click "Go > Utilities > Time Machine" to enter Time Machine. Click the time icon at the top menu and select "Browse Time Machine Backups".

Step 3. You will see all the backups available for restoration in the Time Machine window. Select the backup point you need. Then, specify the files you want to recover and click "Restore" to save them.

However, if you don't have a Time Machine backup that stores your deleted files, read on and install the EaseUS Mac data recovery tool to restore your deleted files from the emptied Trash folder.

Recover Emptied Trash on a Mac with Recovery Tool🔥

Based on our customer cases and data recovery experience, here are the tips for increasing the data recovery rate once you have emptied your Trash bin:

• ❌Stop writing operations, such as editing, saving, creating, and deleting files.
• ⚠️Do not access data on the target disk, such as view files or folders.
• 💾Do not format or reformat the disk.

Mac Trash recovery is not always simple if you emptied it or didn't turn off Empty Trash Automatically. In this regard, you need a more capable way to empty the Trash on your Mac.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a wise solution for data loss in any situation, including emptying the Trash bin. It scans and finds all deleted files that can be recovered before they are overwritten.

This method applies to these scenes:

Follow the steps to recover permanently deleted files on Mac from an emptied Trash:

Step 1. Scan for deleted files

Select the hard drive, external drive, or SSD where your important data & files were deleted and click "Search for lost files".

Step 2. Filter the lost files

The software will run quick and deep scans and work hard to find as many deleted files as possible on the selected volume. Filter wanted files through the "Type" and "Path" options.

Step 3. Recover deleted files

Double-click the deleted files to preview. Then, click the "Recover" button to get them back.

We also provide a video tutorial for undoing an empty Trash bin on Mac. Take a look and refer this tutorial to recover your emptied Trash folder!

Recover Emptied Trash by Terminal on Mac (Without Software)

If you prefer solutions for recovering emptied trash on a Mac without software, use the following methods to restore files from emptied trash on your Mac.

First, close all apps to minimize disk writes on your Mac. Then, open Terminal via Spotlight (⌘ + Space). Then, enter the commands below:

Similar to the Windows Command Prompt, Terminal allows users to manage the Mac with command lines. It provides more advanced features for computer-savvy users. This method has a low recovery success rate and cannot preview lost files through pictures, etc. 

If this file recovery tool resolves your issue, please share it with your friends on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!

Find Deleted Files After Empting Trash in iCloud

💡Best For: Best For: Files synced to iCloud Drive.

Ensure iCloud Drive was enabled before deletion. Then, login to iCloud.com.

Step 1. Go to "iCloud Drive" - "Recently Deleted".

Step 2. Select files - "Recover".

 It is worth noting that iCloud retains files for only 30 days after deletion.

Recover Emptied Trash Mac by Data Recovery Services

EaseUS also provides data recovery services to help users solve serious data loss issues. It has helped millions of users to recover their precious files like photos, videos, Microsoft documents, and Adobe files.

EaseUS Data Recovery Services

Click here to contact our experts for a free evaluation

Consult with EaseUS data recovery experts for one-on-one manual recovery service. We could offer the following services after a FREE diagnosis

• Repair corrupted RAID structure, unbootable Windows OS, and corrupted virtual disk files
• Recover/repair lost partitions and re-partitioned drives
• Unformat hard drives and repair RAW drives(Bitlocker encrypted drives)
• Fix disks that become GPT-protected partitions

Conclusion

That's all about Mac Trash recovery. You can use EaseUS Mac data recovery software to restore deleted files from the emptied Trash folder quickly. You can also select file recovery from backup files, use Mac Terminal, or contact a professional Mac data recovery service.

Whatever method you choose to recover files from emptied Trash, remember to stop operating your Mac immediately after data loss. Any document saving or software installation will likely overwrite your lost data, reducing the likelihood of recovery.

Undo Empty Trash on a Mac [5 Tips]

Here are some valuable instructions you can take to reduce the data loss risk effectively:

• Confirm before deleting the file: Use methods that permanently delete data carefully. Essential documents should be stored in a safe location. When deleting data, verify that it is no longer needed.
• Back up crucial files regularly: Use Time Machine or another reliable backup method to copy important files regularly.
• Stop using devices immediately: Do not use your Mac or other storage devices after data loss. This is the most vital point to keep in mind.
• Use professional file recovery software: Install and utilize popular Mac data recovery software, such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, to recover data to the maximum extent possible.
• Keep your Mac updated: System updates can fix some data loss issues caused by bugs or conflicts. For example, system updates can effectively reduce the risk of system crashes.

How to Recover Emptied Trash on Mac FAQs

Here are some related questions that may interest you. Read on and solve your problems easily.

1. How do you recover permanently deleted files from emptied Trash on a Mac?

Files are permanently deleted when you empty the Trash folder. Follow the steps below to recover permanently deleted files on Mac:

• Recover deleted files with Mac data recovery software
• Restore Mac Trash files via Time Machine backup
• Retrieve deleted files with Terminal commands

2. Where is the Trash on Mac?

Usually, it is on the Desktop. If it is not there, click its icon in the Dock. A Finder window called Trash opens and displays any files it contains. To retrieve an item already in the Trash, drag it back out onto the Desktop or back into the folder where it belongs.

3. Where do deleted files go after emptying the Trash?

Files that are moved to the Trash can when you delete them. If you empty the Trash, these files are still on the hard drive and can be retrieved with the right software.

4. Can I recover emptied Trash on a Mac?

Yes. It's easy to recover files from the emptied Trash with the help of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. It only takes three steps to recover files from emptied Trash:

Step 1. Select the location and click the Scan button.

Step 2. The software will run a quick and deep scan to find lost files.

Step 3. Select the file(s) and click the Recover Now button to get them back.

5. How do you empty the Trash on a Mac?

• Click and hold the Trash icon in the Dock.
• A popup will appear that says Empty Trash. Select it.

You can also empty the Trash from any open Finder window by holding down the Command + Shift + Delete keys.