Recovering lost partitions on a MacBook Pro with APFS
Comprehensive Guide: Recovering Lost Data from Deleted APFS Partitions on macOS
Introduction
As the default file system for the latest macOS, APFS (Apple File System) offers enhanced reliability and speed compared to its predecessor, HFS+. Many users eagerly update their systems to macOS Mojave/High Sierra, opting to convert external and internal hard drives to APFS using Disk Utility. However, issues may arise, such as the inability to convert to APFS or the greyed-out option in Disk Utility. This guide focuses on a critical scenario: the accidental deletion of an APFS partition and the subsequent loss of important data.
The Challenge: Recovering Lost Data from Deleted APFS Partitions
Accidentally deleting an APFS partition poses a unique challenge due to APFS’s space-sharing feature. Unlike other file systems, APFS allows the creation of multiple volumes within a single partition (or container), where free space is dynamically allocated to volumes as needed. While advantageous for storage efficiency, this intricate volume distribution complicates the recovery process.
Is Recovery Possible?
Yes, it is, but not without its challenges. The complexity of APFS’s space-sharing feature makes conventional recovery methods ineffective. However, the solution lies in leveraging professional APFS data recovery applications.
iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac: A Powerful Solution
Among the limited options for APFS data recovery tools, iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac stands out. This versatile tool not only recovers lost data from deleted APFS partitions but also addresses various other scenarios, including encrypted APFS volumes, formatted APFS drives, unmountable or inaccessible APFS drives, and corrupted APFS drives.
Key Features of iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac
- Recovers lost data from deleted APFS partitions
- Recovers data from encrypted APFS volumes
- Recovers data from formatted APFS drives
- Recovers data from unmountable or inaccessible APFS drives
- Recovers data from corrupted APFS drives
Compatibility
iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac supports macOS 12/11/10.15/10.14/10.13/10.12 and Mac OS X 10.11/10.10/10.9/10.8/10.7. It is optimized for M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max Mac systems.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Recovering Lost Data with iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac
Follow these steps to reclaim lost data from deleted or disappeared APFS partitions using iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac:
Step 1: Download and Install
Download and install iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac on your system.
Step 2: Launch the Program
Launch iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac and click on “Find Lost APFS Partitions” at the top right corner. The program will list all internal and external drives on your Mac.
graph TD;
A[Download and Install] --> B[Launch the Program];
B --> C[Find Lost APFS Partitions];
Step 3: Select the Drive
Select the drive where the APFS partitions were deleted, and click “Next.” After scanning, all APFS partitions on the selected drive will be displayed.
graph TD;
B[Launch the Program] --> D[Select the Drive];
D --> E[Scan for APFS Partitions];
Step 4: Choose the Partition
Choose the APFS partition you want to recover data from and click “Next.”
graph TD;
D[Select the Drive] --> F[Choose the Partition];
F --> G[Click "Next"];
Step 5: Preview and Recover
Preview the listed results, select the files you need, and click “Recover” to retrieve lost files.
graph TD;
F[Choose the Partition] --> H[Preview and Recover];
H --> I[Confirm Recovery];
Step 6: Confirm
Go through the recovered files to ensure all necessary data has been successfully restored.
Conclusion
Accidental deletion of APFS partitions can be a distressing experience, but with the right tool like iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac, recovery becomes a streamlined process. This comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge and steps needed to recover lost data, ensuring a smooth experience with APFS on macOS.