A factory reset is a process of restoring a device to its original state. It is commonly used to fix software issues, remove viruses or malware, or prepare a device for resale.
However, factory resetting a device also means erasing all the data on it, including photos, videos, documents, and apps.
This can be a major problem if you didn’t back up your data before resetting the device. Also, this guide on recovering data after factory reset can help you.
What Happens To Your Data After A Factory Reset?
When you perform a factory reset on your device, all the data on it is deleted, including the operating system and all the apps. The device is restored to its original state as if you just bought it from the store.
This means that all your personal data, including photos, videos, documents, and app data, is erased and cannot be recovered without proper intervention.
Can You Recover Data After A Factory Reset?
The short answer is yes, you can recover data after a factory reset, but it depends on several factors. If you didn’t overwrite the data on the device after the reset, there is a chance that you can recover some or all of the lost data.
However, if you continued to use the device after the reset, the chances of recovering the data decrease significantly. Also, here it is information on recovering data after Windows 11 factory reset.
Steps To Recover Data After A Factory Reset
Using Data Recovery Software to Retrieve Lost Files
One of the most effective ways to recover lost data after a factory reset is by using data recovery software. These programs are designed to scan your device’s storage for deleted files and recover them if possible.
There are many data recovery software options available, both free and paid, but they all work in a similar way.
To recover data using data recovery software, follow these steps:
- Download and install a data recovery software program on your computer.
- Connect your device to the computer via a USB cable.
- Run the data recovery software and select the device you want to recover data from.
- Scan the device’s storage for deleted files.
- Preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to recover.
- Save the recovered files to your computer or an external storage device.
Recovering Data from Backups
Another way to recover lost data after a factory reset is by restoring from a backup. If you regularly back up your device’s data to the cloud or an external storage device, you can restore that backup after a factory reset to recover your lost data.
This method is generally effective, but it requires that you have a backup to restore from.
To recover data from a backup, follow these steps:
- Connect to the cloud or external storage device where your backup is stored.
- Select the backup you want to restore from.
- Follow the prompts to restore the backup.
- Wait for the restore process to complete.
- Check if your lost data has been restored.
Seeking Professional Data Recovery Services
If you cannot recover your lost data using data recovery software or backups, you may need to seek professional data recovery services.
These services specialize in recovering lost data from damaged or corrupted devices, and they have the tools and expertise to recover data that may seem impossible to retrieve.
To seek professional data recovery services, follow these steps:
- Research data recovery services in your area or online.
- Choose a reputable and experienced data recovery service.
- Contact the service and explain your situation.
- Follow the service’s instructions for shipping your device to them.
- Wait for the service to recover your lost data and return your device.
Tips To Prevent Data Loss After A Factory Reset
To prevent data loss after a factory reset, there are several precautions you can take. First, always back up your data regularly to a cloud service or external storage device.
This will ensure that you have a copy of your data that can be restored after a factory reset.
Second, be sure to save important data to a cloud service or external storage device before performing a factory reset. This will prevent any important data from being lost during the reset.
Mistakes To Avoid When Recovering Data After A Factory Reset
When recovering data after a factory reset, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid.
First, do not use the device after the reset, as this can overwrite the lost data and make it impossible to recover.
Second, do not attempt to recover the data yourself if you are not experienced with data recovery software or techniques. This can cause further damage to the device and make the data unrecoverable.
Conclusion
Performing a factory reset on your device can be a useful way to fix software issues or prepare a device for resale.
However, it can also result in the loss of important data. If you find yourself in this situation, there are several ways to recover your lost data.
Whether you choose to use data recovery software, restore from a backup, or seek professional data recovery services, there is hope for recovering your lost data.
Remember to take precautions to prevent data loss in the future and avoid common mistakes when recovering lost data. With this guide on recovering data after a factory reset, you can be prepared for any data loss situation.
