How do I find deleted items on iPad?

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How do I find deleted items on iPad

If you’ve accidentally deleted photos, contacts, notes or any other data from your iPad, don’t panic! There are several ways you can try to recover deleted items on an iPad. The key is to act quickly before the deleted data is overwritten by new data.

Check the Recently Deleted folder

Many iPad apps like Photos, Notes, Mail and Contacts have a Recently Deleted folder where deleted items are stored for up to 40 days before being permanently erased. To access the Recently Deleted folder in an app:

  1. Open the app
  2. Look for the Recently Deleted folder
  3. Tap the folder to view deleted items
  4. Tap and hold to select an item
  5. Tap Recover to restore the item

This allows you to easily recover items that you just deleted within the last month or so. However, once the data is permanently erased from the Recently Deleted folder, it can be much more difficult to recover.

Restore from an iPad backup

If you have an iPad backup saved either in iCloud or on your computer (through iTunes or Finder), you may be able to restore deleted data from a backup. This goes back further than the Recently Deleted folder.

To restore from an iCloud backup:

  1. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups
  2. Tap the name of the backup you want to restore from
  3. Tap Restore to recover your iPad data and settings from the backup

To restore from a backup on your computer:

  1. Connect your iPad to your computer
  2. Open iTunes or the Finder app
  3. Select your iPad under the devices list
  4. Click Restore [device name] on the Summary screen
  5. Select the backup to restore from

This will overwrite your current iPad data and settings with the backup you choose. So make sure you have everything backed up before proceeding.

Use data recovery software

If you don’t have a backup, third-party iPad data recovery software offers another option to restore deleted files. These tools scan your iPad storage for recoverable data, even retrieving data after a factory reset in some cases.

Some top-rated iPad data recovery apps include:

  • Fonelab – Recovers photos, videos, contacts, messages, notes and more
  • iMyFone iBypasser – Specializes in recovering deleted photos and messages
  • EaseUS MobiSaver – Recoups data lost due to deletion, iOS update, system crash, etc.

The recovery process involves:

  1. Selecting the iPad data types you want to scan for (photos, messages, etc.)
  2. Allowing the app to scan your device
  3. Previewing the recoverable data
  4. Selecting items to restore
  5. Saving the recovered data to your iPad or computer

This gives you a chance to retrieve deleted data even if you don’t have a backup. However, advanced data recovery tools come at a price. The best apps cost between $40-60 to buy, or offer limited-time free trials.

Restore from an iTunes or iCloud backup

If you routinely backed up your iPad to iTunes on a computer or to iCloud, you may be able to restore your device and retrieve deleted files from a previous backup.

To restore from an iTunes backup:

  1. Connect your iPad to the computer where you normally sync with iTunes.
  2. Open iTunes and select your iPad.
  3. In the Summary tab, click Restore Backup. This won’t delete data off your iPad until you complete the process.
  4. Select the backup you want to use.
  5. Click Restore to wipe your iPad and reload the backup.

To restore from an iCloud backup:

  1. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.
  2. Tap the name of the iCloud backup you want to use.
  3. Tap Restore [device] and confirm you want to erase your iPad and use this backup.

Restoring does wipe your current iPad data before reloading the older backup. So make sure your data is backed up elsewhere first.

Try iCloud website

If you use iCloud, signed in at icloud.com lets you access and restore recently deleted iOS data including:

  • Contacts – 30 days
  • Calendars – 30 days
  • Reminders – 30 days
  • Notes – 30 days
  • Photos – 30 days
  • Photo Stream photos – 30 days
  • Documents – 30 days
  • iCloud Drive files – 30 days

So you may be able to recover deleted items from iCloud’s web interface even if they’re gone from your iPad.

Avoid future data loss

While you hopefully recovered your lost data, here are some tips to avoid losing iPad files again:

  • Backup regularly to iCloud or iTunes.
  • Check Recently Deleted folders before emptying.
  • Use iCloud sync for contacts, calendars and other data.
  • Don’t overwrite your iPad storage with new data.
  • Enable Find My iPad and passcode lock as security measures.
  • Use a protective case and screen protector.

Act quickly when data is deleted, and make reliable backups to have restore points. With some effort, you can likely get your lost iPad files back.

Use iCloud or iTunes backups

If you regularly backup your iPad to iCloud or iTunes on a computer, you may be able to restore from a previous backup and retrieve your deleted files.

Restore from iTunes backup

To restore your iPad from an iTunes backup:

  1. Connect your iPad to the computer you normally sync it with.
  2. Open iTunes and select your iPad.
  3. Click Restore Backup in the Summary tab.
  4. Choose the backup you want to restore.
  5. Click Restore to reload the backup.

Restore from iCloud backup

To restore from an iCloud backup:

  1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.
  2. Tap the backup you want to restore.
  3. Tap Restore [Device] and confirm.

Restoring erases your current iPad data before reloading the backup. Make sure everything is backed up elsewhere first.

Use data recovery apps

If you don’t have a backup, third-party iPad data recovery software offers more options to restore deleted files. These tools scan your device storage and retrieve recoverable data.

Some top iPad data recovery apps:

  • Fonelab – Recovers photos, videos, contacts, messages, notes, etc.
  • iMyFone iBypasser – Specializes in recovering lost photos and messages.
  • EaseUS MobiSaver – Recoups data lost from deletion, iOS updates, crashes, etc.

The recovery process usually involves:

  1. Choosing iPad data types to scan for.
  2. Allowing the app to scan your device.
  3. Previewing recoverable data.
  4. Selecting items to restore.
  5. Saving recovered data to your iPad or computer.

Advanced recovery apps cost $40-60 or offer free trials. But they give you a chance to retrieve deleted data even without a backup.

Avoid future data loss

To avoid losing iPad files again:

  • Backup regularly to iCloud or iTunes.
  • Check Recently Deleted folders before emptying.
  • Use iCloud sync for contacts, calendars, etc.
  • Don’t overwrite iPad storage with new data.
  • Enable Find My iPad and passcode lock.
  • Use a protective case and screen protector.

Act quickly when data is deleted, and maintain reliable backups as restore points. With some effort, you can likely recover your lost iPad files.

Third-party Apps

In addition to built-in recovery options like iCloud and iTunes backups, third-party apps provide another way to restore deleted files on your iPad. Here are some top options:

Fonelab

Fonelab by iMyFone is one of the most popular iPad data recovery apps. It can recover:

  • Photos and videos
  • Contacts
  • Call history
  • Messages
  • Notes
  • Voice memos
  • Safari bookmarks

Fonelab scans your iPad to find residual data left behind even after deletion. It recovers data lost from accidental deletion, iOS upgrades, system crashes, factory resets and more.

The app costs $49.95 for a 1-year license covering 5 devices. A free trial lets you preview recoverable data.

iMyFone iBypasser

As its name suggests, iBypasser specializes in bypassing lock screens to recover data from password-protected iPads. It’s also designed specifically for retrieving deleted photos, messages, notes and other media.

Key features:

  • Removes iPad passcodes
  • Recovers photos, messages, notes, etc.
  • Exports data to computer or external storage
  • Allows device backups

iBypasser costs $42.95 for 1 year covering 5 devices. A free trial lets you scan and preview recoverable iPad data.

EaseUS MobiSaver

MobiSaver by EaseUS provides comprehensive data recovery options for iOS and Android devices. For iPad, it can recover:

  • Messages
  • Contacts
  • Notes
  • Photos
  • Music
  • Videos
  • Call history
  • Documents

MobiSaver retrieves data lost due to accidental deletion, factory reset, iOS update, system crash, etc. It’s available for $49.95 per month, with the first month free.

Prevent Future Data Loss

While you hopefully were able to recover missing files with the right tools, here are some tips to avoid losing data again in the future:

  • Backup regularly to iCloud or iTunes.
  • Enable iCloud sync for contacts, calendars, notes, etc.
  • Check “Recently Deleted” folders before emptying.
  • Don’t save new data over deleted files you want to recover.
  • Use Find My iPad and passcode lock for security.
  • Invest in a protective case and screen protector.
  • Be careful before updating iOS or resetting your iPad.

Having a current backup makes data recovery much easier. iCloud provides an ongoing backup as long as you have an internet connection. Backing up locally through iTunes gives you a hard copy on your computer.

Enabling Find My iPad or passcode lock can help secure your device if lost or stolen before you’re able to recover files. And using a high-quality case and screen protector reduces the risk of physical damage and data loss if you drop your iPad.