Recovering deleted data from an iPhone is often possible if the right steps are taken quickly after deletion occurs. While iOS does not have a built-in recovery tool, third party software and professional data recovery services can help retrieve lost data in many cases. Understanding what happens when you delete data from an iPhone and acting fast to preserve the possibility of recovery are key.
What happens when you delete data from an iPhone?
When you delete data like photos, messages, or contacts from an iPhone, it is not immediately erased from the device’s storage. Instead, iOS simply marks the space used by that data as available to be overwritten by new data. The original deleted data remains intact in that space until the operating system writes something new over it.
This means there is a window of opportunity between when you delete data and when iOS overwrites the part of storage where it was located. If appropriate recovery measures are taken during this window, there is a good possibility of retrieving the deleted items.
How long is the window for iPhone data recovery?
The length of the window for recovering deleted data from an iPhone depends on how much activity is happening on the device following the deletion. If you stop using the iPhone right away and no new data is being generated, the window could last for weeks or longer. However, if you continue actively using apps, taking photos, downloading files, etc, the window will close much quicker – potentially in a matter of hours.
Therefore, it is important to act as soon as possible after deleting data you wish to recover. The more activity on the iPhone in the interim, the lower your chances of successful recovery.
What are the options for recovering deleted iPhone data?
There are a few different options to try recovering deleted data from an iPhone:
- iPhone backup – Restore from an iTunes or iCloud backup made prior to deletion
- Professional data recovery service – Send device to a specialist recovery company
- Data recovery software – Use a third party app designed to retrieve deleted data
- Jailbreaking – Access iPhone storage directly if you jailbreak device
The best option depends on your specific circumstances. Below we take a closer look at the pros and cons of each method.
1. Restore from iPhone backup
One of the simplest ways to retrieve deleted data from an iPhone is to restore the device from the most recent backup. This rolls the iPhone back to the state it was in at the time of the backup, before any deletions occurred.
Pros:
- Easy to do for any iPhone user
- No extra cost if using iCloud backup
- Retrieves all deleted data present in the backup
Cons:
- Only works if backup was made prior to deletions
- Erases any new data/changes made after the backup
- Less granular – cannot target only certain deleted data
2. Professional data recovery service
Specialized data recovery companies have proprietary tools and methods for retrieving deleted data from iPhones, even without a backup.
Pros:
- High success rate in most cases
- Can target and recover only select deleted data
- Works without a backup
Cons:
- Expensive – often $1000+
- Must relinquish device to service for days/weeks
- No guarantee of success
3. Data recovery software
Third party iPhone data recovery apps provide an interface to scan the device and retrieve deleted items.
Pros:
- Much lower cost than recovery services
- Use yourself, no need to hand over iPhone
- Can selectively recover only desired data
Cons:
- Mixed success rates
- Often cannot access iOS system files
- Malware risks with some software
4. Jailbreaking
Jailbreaking gives full access to an iPhone’s file system, enabling direct access to deleted data.
Pros:
- Very low cost – free jailbreak software
- Complete control over iPhone filesystem
Cons:
- Extremely technical process
- High brick/damage risk if errors made
- Voids iPhone warranty
What deleted iPhone data can be recovered?
In general, almost all types of deleted user data can potentially be recovered from an iPhone if appropriate action is taken quickly. This includes:
- Text messages
- WhatsApp and other chat messages
- Contact list
- Call history
- Voice memos
- Photos and videos
- Calendars
- Notes
- Web bookmarks
- Email account data
System data like iOS settings typically cannot be recovered once deleted unless you jailbreak. Also data that was already overwritten with new data before recovery was attempted will not be retrievable.
Tips for successful iPhone data recovery
Follow these tips to ensure the best chances of recovering deleted data from an iPhone:
- Stop using the iPhone immediately – Prevent iOS from writing any new data that could overwrite deleted files. Turn on Airplane Mode.
- Backup the iPhone – Create a new backup to maximize recoverable data.
- Research recovery options – Weigh pros and cons of different methods based on your needs.
- Scan with data recovery software – Run a few highly rated apps to see if they find your data.
- Consider a recovery service – If software fails and data is critical, a specialist may succeed.
- Restore from backup – If all else fails, restore the most recent backup.
Can you recover permanently deleted iPhone data?
Data deleted from the iPhone Recycle Bin within the Photos app or from the Recently Deleted album within Messages is labeled as “permanently” deleted. However, this data can still be recovered as long as it has not been overwritten.
When photos, messages, or other data are deleted normally, they go to the Recycle Bin and Recently Deleted folders. Items in these folders are not yet permanently erased. But when you then delete them a second time from these locations, iOS considers them “permanently deleted”.
This means iOS will now mark the space used by that data as available for new data. At this point, the permanently deleted data remains fully intact and recoverable until something gets written over it. So it’s still possible to use data recovery software, services, or backups to retrieve the data in most cases if you act before it gets overwritten.
The window before permanent iPhone deletions are overwritten may be slightly shorter than for normal deletions. But in general, the recovery possibilities and process is essentially the same if acted on quickly.
Can you recover iPhone data without backup?
It is possible to recover deleted iPhone data even without an existing backup in some cases. If you act quickly enough and the data has not been overwritten, third party data recovery software and professional recovery services can often retrieve deleted files and information directly from the iPhone storage itself.
Data recovery software works by scanning the raw iPhone flash memory for files and content that was marked as deleted. As long as that content was not yet overwritten with new data, many programs can restore it to a recoverable state.
Professional recovery companies use more advanced tools to achieve similar results. They directly access the iPhone storage and memory chips and can rebuild fragmented data. Success rates without a backup vary widely based on device model, type of data, timeframe, and other factors. But recoveries are very often possible if action is taken fast.
The main disadvantage to recovery without a backup is not having a readily available copy of the iOS system data. This makes full system restoration trickier. But important user data like photos, messages, contacts, and documents can often still be recovered.
Preventing permanent data loss on iPhone
While recovering deleted iPhone data is possible in many cases, it is still preferable to avoid permanent data loss in the first place when possible. Some tips for keeping your iPhone data safe include:
- Enable iCloud or iTunes backups and periodically update them
- Use trusted data recovery apps to create non-system backups
- Double-check before deleting anything important
- Maintain adequate iCloud storage for maximum backup capacity
- Back up irreplaceable data to computer storage or external drives
- Enable “My Photo Stream” to keep last 30 days of photos
- Disable iOS automatic app and data deletion features
- Consider using a cloud sync service like Dropbox to keep copies of app data
Following best practices for iPhone backups and redundant copies of irreplaceable data will offer additional layers of protection against permanent data loss.
Conclusion
While accidental or intentional deletion of data from an iPhone may seem final, recovery is often possible. Knowing how the iOS file system works, avoiding further usage of the iPhone, and acting quickly to either restore a backup or employ data recovery methods allows retrieving deleted information in many cases.
Although system data is harder to recover without device access, user files like photos, messages, and contacts can typically be restored as long as they have not already been overwritten. With some knowledge of iOS data storage, the right third party tools, prompt action, and a little luck, you stand an excellent chance of recovering data deleted from an iPhone.