Losing data on your iPhone can be devastating. Photos, videos, contacts, notes and more may disappear in an instant through accidental deletion, system crashes, water damage, hardware failure and other issues. Thankfully, iPhone data recovery is possible in many cases. Professional data recovery services can retrieve your lost files and information, for a fee. But how much does iPhone data recovery really cost? The price can vary significantly based on your specific needs.
Average Cost of iPhone Data Recovery
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1000+ for iPhone data recovery when using a professional service. The exact price will depend on several key factors:
- Type of damage or data loss – Logical recovery (no hardware damage) is cheaper than physical recovery (water damage, failed device, etc).
- Amount of data to be recovered – More data equals higher cost.
- Data recovery method required – Advanced techniques like chip-off forensics are more expensive.
- Reputation and capabilities of the company – Better data recovery firms often charge more.
- Urgency of request – Expedited services are pricier than standard turnaround times.
Here is an overview of standard price ranges you can expect:
| Type of Service | Price Range |
| Logical recovery of deleted data | $300 – $500 |
| Physical recovery from failed/damaged device | $500 – $800+ |
| Advanced forensic data recovery | $800 – $1000+ |
| Expedited 1-2 day service | $400+ extra |
As you can see, iPhone data recovery costs can add up quickly at the higher end of the spectrum. However, the right service can retrieve your lost data at a reasonable price in many common data loss scenarios.
What Affects the Cost of iPhone Data Recovery?
Several key factors influence the overall cost of recovering data from an iPhone. Understanding these variables can help you estimate prices for your specific situation. Here are the main elements that affect cost:
Cause and Severity of Data Loss
The root cause and extent of your iPhone’s data loss is a prime determinant of data recovery costs. There are two main categories:
Logical Data Loss: This involves deletion or corruption of data without hardware damage. Examples include accidental deletion, iOS crash, forgotten passcode lockout, system software issues, and virus/malware infection. Logical recoveries have the highest success rates and lowest prices, often between $300 to $500+ depending on the amount of data.
Physical/Hardware Data Loss: Hardware failures like drops, water damage, device not powering on, component damage, etc. Physical issues require more advanced data recovery techniques, driving up costs. Pricing typically ranges from $500 to $800+ for physical iPhone data recovery.
Amount of Data to Recover
How much data you need extracted also impacts price. Recovering a few files or contacts is simpler and cheaper than restoring everything on a 256GB iPhone. Most providers charge more as the storage capacity and number of recoverable files/media increases. Ballpark estimates:
– Up to 16GB iPhone: $300-$500
– 64GB device: $400-$600
– 128GB device: $500-$700
– 256GB+ device: $600-$800+
Data Recovery Methods Required
Standard logical and physical recovery techniques allow efficient data extraction in many instances. But severely damaged or encrypted devices may need advanced forensics using chip-off, JTAG, or ISP methods to extract raw NAND storage data. Expert know-how is needed for these procedures. Consequently, advanced forensic recoveries range from $800 to $1000+ at high-end providers.
Reputation and Capabilities of the Provider
Not all iPhone data recovery companies are created equal. Better firms invest in frequent R&D, skilled engineers, cutting-edge tools and cleanroom facilities. This enables them to achieve higher success rates when other providers fail. Due to their expertise and capabilities, top-tier recovery companies often charge higher prices than budget competitors. However, they deliver a superior chance of getting your critical data back intact.
Turnaround Time
Most iPhone recovery services take 1-2 business days to complete once received, with more complex jobs requiring 3-5 days. If you need your data back immediately, expedited services are offered at an extra fee – usually around $400 depending on the provider. So while faster turnaround is convenient, it increases the overall price of recovery.
Types of iPhone Data Recovery Services
Professional iPhone data recovery firms offer various service tiers and options to address different data loss scenarios. The techniques used directly impact the costs involved. Here are some of the main iPhone recovery service categories:
Logical Data Recovery
This involves extracting data from a functional iPhone or backup without hardware interventions. It is used for recovering deleted files, restoring from backup, bypassing screen locks, system crash recovery, and other software-related issues. Logical iPhone recovery is the most affordable option, with costs starting around $300.
Physical Data Recovery
When the iPhone itself is physically damaged or cannot power on, more advanced techniques are needed to physically extract the raw NAND memory data. After imaging the storage, data is reconstructed in a functional state. Physical recovery costs around $500 to $800+ depending on the extent of damage.
Water-Damaged Device Recovery
Water and liquid damage require urgent action to avoid corrosion and permanent data loss. Opening the device in a certified cleanroom, drying components, and imaging storage is performed. Pricing is similar to standard physical recovery, around $500 to $800 depending on complexity.
Chip-Off Forensics
For encrypted or severely damaged devices, the NAND flash memory chip is carefully removed (“chipped-off”) and imaged using advanced tools. This specialized technique can cost $800 to $1000+ but gives the highest chance of data recovery when hardware damage is extreme.
JTAG/ISP Forensic Data Recovery
In some instances, JTAG or ISP methods directly access iPhone memory chips using advanced equipment and expertise. Like chip-off forensics, these methods are for catastrophic damage and have correspondingly high costs of $800+.
Expedited Services
All major iPhone data recovery firms offer expedited turnaround times at an added fee, usually around $400 depending on the provider. This premium gives next business day or same-day service for urgent cases. Expedited services do not affect overall success rates.
iPhone Data Recovery Pricing Comparison
To give a sense of standard pricing across well-known providers, here is a brief comparison:
iMyFone Fixppo (Standard Pricing)
– Logical recovery: $329.99 to $499.99
– Physical recovery: $499.99 to $799.99
– Chip-off forensic recovery: $799.99 to $1299.99
– Expedited service: $399.99 extra
EaseUS MobiSaver (Standard Pricing)
– Logical recovery: $349.95 to $499.95
– Physical recovery: $549.95 to $799.95
– Chip-off forensic recovery: $799.95 to $1099.95
– Expedited service: $399 extra
Stellar Data Recovery (Standard Pricing)
– Logical recovery: $349 to $499
– Physical recovery: $549 to $799
– Chip-off forensic recovery: $799 to $1250
– Expedited service: $300 extra
iRestore Data Recovery (Standard Pricing)
– Logical recovery: $299 to $499
– Physical recovery: $499 to $699
– Advanced forensic recovery: $799 to $1300
– Expedited service: $495 extra
As you can see, pricing is very competitive across top providers for similar service tiers. The exact cost for your iPhone recovery will depend on the detailed requirements and options chosen once your case is evaluated.
Does Data Recovery Software Work for iPhones?
Using DIY software is tempting due to lower cost. But iPhone system security makes data recovery software limited compared to professional services. Here are some downsides to iPhone recovery software:
– Logical recovery only – Cannot extract data from physically failed or damaged devices.
– Lower success rates – Software has less capabilities than pro tools and engineers.
– No firmware repair assistance – Needed for many recovery scenarios like boot loops.
– Encryption can prevent access – Software may not decrypt even if data is intact.
– Advanced forensics not available – Limits options for severely damaged devices.
– No direct technical support – You’re on your own trying to recover files.
While cheaper, attempting iPhone data recovery with software involves compromise. Professional services deliver vastly higher success rates, forensics options, and expert guidance. For critical iPhone data, it’s worth investing in professional recovery.
Questions to Ask iPhone Recovery Services
Not all iPhone data recovery companies are the same. When choosing a provider, ask these key questions:
- What is your success rate for iPhone data recovery?
- What security measures do you take to protect customer data privacy?
- Do you have a certified cleanroom for physical recoveries?
- What is your standard turnaround time?
- Do you offer chip-off or advanced forensic recovery options?
- Can you recover data from water damaged or non-functioning devices?
- Do you provide direct technical support during the recovery process?
- What is your pricing structure for standard vs. expedited service?
- Do you charge upfront or only if data is recovered successfully?
The answers will help determine if a provider has the experience, capabilities and security you need for iPhone data recovery, and their standard pricing structure.
Conclusion
The cost of iPhone data recovery can range significantly, with average pricing between $300 to over $1000 depending on the complexity and amount of data involved. Logical recoveries of deleted files tend to have lower costs, while advanced forensic techniques for hardware-damaged devices are most expensive. Leading services offer competitive pricing across different recovery scenarios. While tempting, DIY software often yields poor results compared to professional tools and know-how. With critical iPhone data at stake, it’s worth investing in a reputable recovery firm with a proven track record of success. Evaluating providers carefully helps find the best option at a fair price to get your lost files and memories back.