I don’t know who invented the Trash function on Mac computers but they are certainly little geniuses: this simple function allows you to delete files while making sure that, if you need them in the future, they’ll be stored in your trash… at least until you don’t empty your trash.

Despite the Trash function securing our files from accidental deletion, it has happened to all of us – at least once – to empty our Trash and then realize we needed some of the files we deleted (twice).

But is it possible to recover Trash Mac? In this article, I’m going to explore how to do it! So, keep on reading to find out how to recover trash on Mac.

Part 1: Is it Possible to Restore Mac’s Trash After it is Emptied?

To understand if it’s possible to recover emptied Trash Mac, we need to take a step back and discuss what happens when you empty the Trash on your Mac. Are the files physically deleted from the memory storage?

They are not: what’s deleted is the logic access to the file. The file is still there and this is why, by restoring the logic access to the file, it is possible to restore any file from the Trash even after you’ve emptied it.

Restore Mac’s Trash

Now, what you need to learn is how you can restore logic access to your files!

Part 2: The Best Way to Recover Deleted Files from Emptied Trash on Mac

Trash on Mac

To recover deleted files from emptied Trash on Mac, you don’t need to learn to restore the logic access to deleted files! There is a quicker, easier, and more secure way provided by Tenorshare 4DDiG.

Tenorshare 4DDiG: the most recommended data recovery tool

What is it?

As you may know, Tenorshare is a leading company in the sector of data recovery software. Tenorshare 4DDiG is their software specifically dedicated to helping users, even those with zero computer experience or knowledge, recover and restore their lost data in various scenarios, including the one where you accidentally empty the Trash on your Mac computer.

What makes Tenorshare 4DDiG so awesome?

  • Easy and secure procedure to recover files from Trash Mac.
  • Select the files you want to retrieve to avoid restoring the entire Trash and overloading your Mac.
  • Recover any format of file from any type of external or internal device or memory.
  • no longer need to disable the SIP.

How to retrieve deleted files from emptied Trash: a step-by-step guide

It’s extremely easy to retrieve deleted files from emptied Trash with Tenorshare 4DDiG: the entire procedure only requires three simple steps: Select, Scan, and Recover.

Step 1: Select the Location

After you’ve downloaded and installed the Mac version of Tenorshare 4DDiG, you can launch it on your Mac.

Now, you can select the location on your Mac where you’ve lost the data that you want to retrieve. In this case, it’s your Trash. You can find the  “Trash” under “Other Location”.

4DDiG so awesome

Step 2: Scan and Preview Files

Now, the software will scan the Trash looking for any recoverable data and files.

deleted files from emptied

Step 3: Recover Files on Mac

Tenorshare 4DDiG will now provide a list of the ever-scanned file available for retrieving. This step allows you to specifically select only the files that you want to restore. Without this feature, you’d have to restore the entire Trash which would be a long process that would end up overloading your Mac and require a lot of free memory storage.

When you’ve selected the file or files you want to recover, click Recover and the process is over, you’ve successfully restored deleted files from Trash.

Recover Files on Mac

Video Tutorial: How to Recover Files after Emptying Trash on Mac

Part 3: Other Ways to Recover Deleted Files from Emptied Trash on Mac

Way 1: Recover Deleted Files via the Backup Media

If you have backup your Mac on a physical external hard drive, connect the hard drive and search there for the files you need.

Backup Media

Way 2: Restore Deleted Files with Time Machine

On your Mac’s menu bar, click on the Time Machine feature. It will bring your computer to a point before you emptied your Trash: there is a chance that your file may appear in the Trash.

Restore Deleted Files with Time MachineRestore Deleted Files with Time Machine

Way 3: Retrieve Deleted Files from iCloud

If you have a backup of files on your iCloud, just access your iCloud Drive, find your files and download them so that they are accessible even when you’re offline.

Retrieve Deleted Files

Conclusion

When you accidentally empty your Trash on your Mac, there is a chance that one of the three ways we’ve shown in part 3 works, but if you want to play it safe, and make sure that – whatever happens – you always have a way of restoring your files, download and install Tenorshare 4DDiG: it’s the best software tool that prevents you from data loss in any scenario!