What to do first when files go missing

When a file is deleted, or a card is quick-formatted, the data usually stays on the card until something new is written over it. The sooner you stop using the card, the more of it is likely to be left.

1. Stop using the cardTake it out of the camera or phone. Do not take more photos or record video on it.
2. Don't format, repair or initialise itIf the camera or your computer offers to format, initialise or repair the card, say no. On a Mac, click Ignore and don't run Disk Utility's First Aid. On Windows, click Cancel and don't let Windows scan and fix the drive.
3. Don't save anything to itThat includes the recovery app and the recovered files. Install the app on your computer, and save recovered files to your computer or another drive.
4. Check the easy places firstFor files deleted on a computer, look in the Bin (the Recycle Bin on Windows). For photos, check the Recently Deleted album in Photos. If you use Time Machine, iCloud or OneDrive, you may have a copy there.
5. Scan the card read-onlyDownload Data Recovery Pro and scan the card. It finds everything that can be recovered and shows it to you before you decide.

When software can't help

• The card or drive is cracked, bent, wet or burnt, or your computer does not detect it at all, even in Disk Utility or Disk Management. A data recovery lab may be able to help.
• The card was fully overwritten, for example with a secure erase. The data is gone.
• The files were on the computer's own internal drive. Data Recovery Pro cannot scan it in this version.

Related articles

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• macOS says the card isn't readable
• Your card doesn't appear on your Mac
• Which cards, file systems and file types are supported