Mac storage basics · Finding big files, Downloads and the Trash
Can I get back a file after emptying the Trash?
Short answer: Not from the Trash — emptying is permanent. Restore from Time Machine (including recent local snapshots) or iCloud.com's recently deleted files. Storage Studio's removals sit in its Recycle Vault.
Not from the Trash itself — emptying it is permanent. Your options are backups:
- Time Machine: open the folder the file was in, then enter Time Machine (from the menu bar icon or the app) and restore an earlier version.
- Local snapshots: Time Machine can restore recent versions from snapshots on the Mac even without the backup drive, for a short time.
- iCloud Drive: files deleted from iCloud Drive can be restored from iCloud.com for a limited period.
For items Storage Studio removed for you (caches, duplicates, uninstalled apps), check its Recycle Vault, which keeps them recoverable for about six months. See the Recycle Vault.