How to Recover Overwritten Files on Mac​ [4 Possible Solutions]

[Fixed] How to Recover Overwritten/Replaced Files on Mac​

When a file you meant to keep gets replaced by another file with the same name on a Mac, it’s understandable to feel upset. So, the big question is, how do you recover overwritten files on Mac​? By far the easiest method to restore your overwritten files is with Time Machine, which comes already installed on every Mac. 

But don’t worry if you haven’t set it up, as you can still retrieve the replaced files using different techniques. In this post, we’ll share what are the reasons behind overwritten files, and where do replaced files go on Mac. We’ll also share how to recover them using Time Machine and other ways, and some tips to avoid overwriting files.

Part 1: Where Do Replaced Files Go On Mac?

So, “where do replaced files go on Mac,” you might ask. The simple answer is that when you replace a file with another file, the system replaces the reference to the old file. But doesn’t immediately erase the original data. That old data stays on the drive until something new takes its place.

This means there’s still a chance to recover overwritten files on Mac. But how long that chance lasts depends on how much the device is used. On busy devices or SSDs with TRIM, the data could be gone within hours. Whereas on less active systems, it might stick around for weeks. In such a case, you can get back the files with a backup like Time Machine, cloud, a specialized data recovery tool, or app-specific features. 

Part 2: How to Recover Overwritten Files on Mac With Time Machine?​

Time Machine saves versions of your files over time, so you can easily go back and restore them from their older version. If the Time Machine backup is activated, here’s how to recover a replaced Word document on Mac or any other file:

Step 1: Click the “Time Machine” icon in the dock. Next, tap “Enter Time Machine.”

Step 2: Use the timeline to look into the folder where the replaced file was. Then, pick a version of the file before it was replaced. Select the file. Hit “Restore.”

Part 3: How to Recover Replaced File on Mac Without Time Machine?​

If you need to recover replaced file Mac without Time Machine​, there are several ways to try. 

Option A: Employ a Data Recovery Software

​A specialized Mac data recovery software can often find replaced files even when their references are gone. For instance, a professional tool like 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery can find replaced files by scanning the file location bit by bit, using smart algorithms. 

It can then spot files based on their unique patterns and any remaining file system info and get them back with high success. The tool can also retrieve data from formatted, corrupted, and virus-ridden internal/external storage devices. Here’s what it supports:

• This recovery tool can extract files from 2000+ file types, including audio, video, documents, archives, RAW files, images, etc.
• This file recovery software supports numerous internal/external storage devices like SD cards, USBs, drones, digital cameras, HDDs, SSDs, etc.
• It supports the latest macOS 15, T2, and M series chipsets. 
• The tool provides free technical support, lifetime upgrades, and a preview of recovered files.
• It enables you to recover overwritten files on Mac in just three simple steps.

So, if you’ve accidentally replaced a file, here’s how to recover on Mac​ with this tool:

Step 1: Execute the recovery tool on your Mac. Then, pick the location where the files were overwritten. Choose the file types you want back. Hit “Scan.”

Step 2: Once the scan finds the overwritten files you wish to restore, pause or stop the scan. You can filter the results or input keywords to locate the exact files you want. Preview them.

Step 3: Hit “Recover” to export the recovered files to your computer or cloud drive.

Option B: Check iCloud Drive

If Time Machine isn’t set up, but you have another cloud backup like iCloud, you can extract overwritten files from it. iCloud offers a File Version History feature to enable access to a previous version of files. Here’s how to recover overwritten Excel file on Mac or any other file with iCloud Drive:

Step 1: Open the file. Then, head to “File.” Next, tap “Revert To.”

Step 2: Click “Browse All Versions.” Use the timeline to look through previous versions.

Step 3: Select the version you want. Then, hit “Restore.”

Option C: Utilize App-Specific Recovery Features

Many macOS apps have built-in version history to help recover replaced file Mac without Time Machine​, if you overwrite it. 

Microsoft Excel (Version History):

Here’s how to recover overwritten Excel file on Mac with Version History:

Step 1: Open the Excel file whose previous version you wish to restore in MS Excel.

Step 2: Head to “File.” Then, choose “Browse Version History.”

Step 3: Pick a version by date and time. Then, click “Open Version.”

Microsoft Word (Version History):

Here’s how to recover a replaced Word document on Mac​ with Version History:

Step 1: Open the file in “Microsoft Word” whose previous version you wish to restore. 

Step 2: Tap “File.” Pick “Browse Version History.” In the sidebar, find the version you want back.

Step 3: Click “Open Version” to view or restore it.

Bonus Tip: Use the AutoRecovery feature

You can also check the AutoRecovery folder for MS Office, such as Excel or Word, to restore replaced files. This folder automatically saves temporary copies at regular intervals while you’re working. So, if you’ve accidentally replaced a file, here’s how to recover it on Mac by examining the AutoRecovery folder:

Step 1: Open “Finder.” Then, click “Go” in the menu bar. Select “Go to Folder.”

Step 2: Input the following address in the address field for Word or Excel:

• ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery
• ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Excel/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery

Step 3: Find files starting with “AutoRecovery” or matching your file’s name. Open and save them with a new name to recover your document.

Option D: Seek Professional Help

If you’re still unable to recover replaced file Mac without Time Machine​, then seek professional help. But before that, stop using your Mac to avoid overwriting lost data. Then, here’s how to get back replaced files on Mac with professional help:

Step 1: Always choose a trusted data recovery service like DriveSavers, Ontrack, or a local lab (check reviews). 

Step 2: Contact the service and explain what happened, including file type and storage details.

Step 3: Send or drop off your drive if needed, using proper packaging.

Step 4: Review recoverable files and costs, then if you agree to proceed, they’ll restore the data.

Part 4: Common Scenarios That Lead to Overwritten Files on Mac

It’s crucial to know how to get back replaced files on Mac, but equally important is learning about what led to overwritten files. This is because once a file is overwritten, recovery isn’t guaranteed, especially on SSDs with TRIM and when you don’t have a backup. 

Thus, understanding frequent causes of data loss can help you avoid it in the future and quickly choose the best recovery method if it happens. Here are the frequent scenarios that lead to overwritten files on Mac:

1. Manual Save Mistake: You pressed Save after making the changes, and it overwrote the file where you made the original.
2. iCloud Sync Conflict: Working on the same file across different computers may result in one version replacing another.
3. Time Machine Error: Restoring an age-old backup overwrites your newest file by accident.
4. App Crash or File Corruption: If your data file crashes, a blank or damaged version is created.
5. Drag-and-Drop Accident: If you put a file into a folder with the same name, it overwrites the file.
6. Malware or Ransomware: The software replaces or encrypts your files, making them inaccessible.

Part 5: Tips to Prevent File Overwriting on Mac

After learning why files are overwritten and how to recover a replaced Word document on Mac​ on any other file, take some proactive steps. This is to prevent your files from getting overwritten in the future. Here’s what to do:

1. Create a master file and then duplicate it into another file before you begin editing.
2. You can also look at iCloud.com for previous versions and use Dropbox or Google Drive to keep a copy.
3. Look at the dates of the files before restoring through Time Machine. 
4. Keep multiple backups of your files.
5. Save your recovery data to an external hard drive.
6. Make it a habit to use autosave and consider using Time Machine or Git to back up your work.
7. Make it so that email downloads are renamed automatically to prevent replacements.

Bottom Line

Hopefully, we’ve cleared your qualms about where do replaced files go on Mac and how to get them back. Accidentally replacing a file on your Mac can cause anxiety. But you might be able to recover overwritten files on Mac​. Apps like Time Machine, iCloud, and various software version history and AutoRecovery features can help you recover your lost file. In the event you don’t have a backup, 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery is a trusted solution to recover your lost files.