Five iOS Recovery Tools Checked

5 Best iPhone Data Recovery Software in 2026

These apps can inspect iPhones, iTunes backups, or iCloud data, but none can bypass Apple’s encryption or guarantee deleted-file recovery. Disk Drill offers the best mix of clear previews, backup access, plus broader value.

By Mepis Blog Editorial Team Published · Updated
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⚡ TL;DR · Quick answer

Disk Drill is our top iPhone data recovery pick for its readable previews, recovery-chance labels, plus usefulness beyond phones. Try the free scan first because modern iPhone encryption makes direct recovery of permanently deleted data uncertain.

★ Best overall
1

Disk Drill

9.1/10

Best for: Mac users who want to inspect an iPhone, local backups, plus regular storage devices in one desktop app

  • Clean previews plus practical result filters
  • Handles iPhones, iOS backups, Macs, PCs, external drives, plus memory cards
  • Non-destructive scanning workflow
  • Recovery-chance indicators help prioritize files
Read full review Visit Site →
2

EaseUS MobiSaver

8.4/10

Best for: People who need to retrieve a very small number of contacts, photos, or videos without buying immediately

  • Free recovery covers a few actual items
  • Straightforward source selection
  • Supports iPhone, iTunes, plus iCloud recovery routes
  • Useful filters for common personal data
Visit Site →
3

Tenorshare UltData

8.1/10

Best for: People searching for WhatsApp, Instagram, message attachments, or other app-specific records

  • Broad list of supported iOS data categories
  • Good fit for chat plus social app searches
  • Scans iPhone, iCloud, plus iTunes sources
  • Lifetime license is available
Visit Site →

Best iPhone Data Recovery Software Compared

The five apps below are compared by their access to the three common recovery sources, availability of a one-time license, current entry price, plus overall score. Scores reflect editorial judgment based on recovery routes, preview quality, licensing, usability, plus realistic claims rather than a guaranteed recovery benchmark.

Tool Device/iCloud/iTunes One-Time License Price Score
1. Disk Drill PICK ● Yes ● No $89/yr 9.1/10
2. EaseUS MobiSaver ● Yes ● Yes $59.95 one-time 8.4/10
3. Tenorshare UltData ● Yes ● Yes $45.95/mo 8.1/10
4. Dr.Fone Data Recovery ● Yes ● Yes $44.95/mo 7.8/10
5. PhoneRescue for iOS ● Yes ● No $49.99/yr 7.5/10

The 5 Best iPhone Data Recovery Software Apps, Reviewed

01

Disk Drill

macOS / CleverFiles

9.1/10

Disk Drill earned first place because it is useful beyond a single iPhone mishap. Our feature check found support for connected iPhones plus local iOS or iPadOS backups, with previews available before recovery. Its result filters also made a mixed backup easier to inspect by file type.

The main catch is platform parity. Direct iPhone recovery is strongest in the Mac edition, while Windows users should confirm that their exact recovery path is available before paying. Disk Drill also makes more sense at $89 per year if you need its broader disk-recovery tools, not just one contact or photo.

No consumer app can promise undelete results from modern encrypted iPhone storage. Disk Drill is still our first scan because it presents recoverable backup data clearly, handles other storage problems, plus lets you preview likely results before committing.

Best forMac users who want to inspect an iPhone, local backups, plus regular storage devices in one desktop app

Standout featureOne license covers iPhone recovery plus full Mac or Windows drive recovery
Disk Drill Pros
  • Clean previews plus practical result filters
  • Handles iPhones, iOS backups, Macs, PCs, external drives, plus memory cards
  • Non-destructive scanning workflow
  • Recovery-chance indicators help prioritize files
  • One app can remain useful after the phone issue is over
Disk Drill Cons
  • iPhone support is more compelling on Mac than Windows
  • Free edition is mainly useful for scanning plus previewing
  • Annual price is steep for a one-file recovery
Basic $0 Scan plus preview only for most iPhone recovery jobs
PRO $89/yr Full recovery for one user on up to three activations
Lifetime Upgrades $19 Optional add-on to the PRO license
Recommended Data Recovery Software ↗ Download Disk Drill
Read our full Disk Drill review
02

EaseUS MobiSaver

Windows & macOS / EaseUS

8.4/10

MobiSaver had the clearest genuinely useful free allowance in this group. The current free edition can restore five contacts plus one photo or video, rather than stopping at a preview screen. That is enough for a narrow accidental-deletion job.

Our feature review confirmed three familiar routes: the connected iPhone, iTunes backups, plus iCloud backups. The interface keeps those choices separate, which helps less technical users avoid scanning the wrong source. Paid recovery costs $59.95 on Windows or $79.95 on Mac.

The free limits become awkward fast. A lost album, message archive, or large contact list pushes you toward Pro, so run the free scan before deciding whether its convenience is worth the platform-specific price.

Best forPeople who need to retrieve a very small number of contacts, photos, or videos without buying immediately

Standout featureThe free edition can restore five contacts plus one photo or video
EaseUS MobiSaver Pros
  • Free recovery covers a few actual items
  • Straightforward source selection
  • Supports iPhone, iTunes, plus iCloud recovery routes
  • Useful filters for common personal data
  • Lifetime license rather than automatic annual renewal
EaseUS MobiSaver Cons
  • Free photo plus video allowance is tiny
  • Mac license costs more than Windows
  • Separate licenses may be needed for different computer platforms
Free $0 Restore five contacts plus one photo or video
Pro for Windows $59.95 Lifetime license with unlimited recovery on up to five iOS devices
Pro for Mac $79.95 Lifetime license with unlimited recovery
Get EaseUS MobiSaver
03

Tenorshare UltData

Windows & macOS / Tenorshare

8.1/10

UltData put the widest app-oriented menu near the front of its workflow. It advertises support for 35-plus data types, including standard photos, messages, contacts, plus records from several social apps. You can scan an iOS device, iCloud data, or an iTunes backup.

Previewing found records was easy to understand in our workflow check. The buying screen was less friendly. The short plan costs $45.95 per month, while a lifetime license is $65.95, making the monthly option poor value unless you cancel promptly.

UltData is worth a scan when the missing material lives inside a supported chat app. Treat its displayed results carefully, though. Some items may be existing or synced records rather than truly deleted files recovered from raw iPhone storage.

Best forPeople searching for WhatsApp, Instagram, message attachments, or other app-specific records

Standout featureOfficial support covers more than 35 data types across device, iCloud, plus iTunes sources
Tenorshare UltData Pros
  • Broad list of supported iOS data categories
  • Good fit for chat plus social app searches
  • Scans iPhone, iCloud, plus iTunes sources
  • Lifetime license is available
  • Supports five mobile devices per personal license
Tenorshare UltData Cons
  • Monthly plan is expensive beside the lifetime option
  • Trial language plus renewal terms need careful reading
  • Found items may include data that still exists in backups or cloud storage
Monthly $45.95/mo Auto-renewing license for one PC plus five mobile devices
Annual $49.95/yr One PC plus five mobile devices
Lifetime $65.95 One-time license for one PC plus five mobile devices
Try Tenorshare UltData
04

Dr.Fone Data Recovery

Windows & macOS / Wondershare

7.8/10

Dr.Fone covers 35-plus iOS data types with recovery routes for a connected device, iCloud, iTunes, plus local backups. Its standout detail is the attention paid to cloud material, including iCloud Drive plus Apple’s Pages, Numbers, or Keynote files.

The selective preview is useful when a backup contains years of messages or photos. Licensing is reasonably clear: $44.95 monthly, $59.95 yearly, or $69.95 perpetual. The perpetual option is the sensible pick if the preview shows something worth restoring.

Dr.Fone sits fourth because its large toolkit can feel busy if recovery is your only goal. Make sure you are buying Data Recovery for iOS rather than a separate repair, transfer, or unlocking module.

Best forUsers who want to inspect iCloud-synced files, Apple productivity documents, plus messaging-app records

Standout featureIts recovery list includes iCloud Drive files plus Pages, Numbers, Keynote, plus saved-password records
Dr.Fone Data Recovery Pros
  • Strong iCloud plus local-backup coverage
  • Selective previews reduce unnecessary restores
  • Supports more than 35 listed data types
  • Perpetual license is available
  • Covers several third-party chat apps
Dr.Fone Data Recovery Cons
  • Product family contains many separately sold modules
  • Monthly plan offers weak value
  • Interface includes tools unrelated to simple recovery
Monthly $44.95/mo Data Recovery for iOS on up to five devices plus two computers
Annual $59.95/yr Auto-renewing access with updates
Perpetual $69.95 One-time Data Recovery for iOS license
Visit Dr.Fone
05

PhoneRescue for iOS

Windows & macOS / iMobie

7.5/10

PhoneRescue’s current annual plan covers unlimited iOS devices, a meaningful difference if several family phones need checking. It lists 31 recoverable data types, with device, iTunes, plus iCloud backup inspection.

The app also includes basic iOS repair options for symptoms such as a boot loop or a device stuck on the Apple logo. That can be handy, though repair must not be confused with file recovery. A system fix can alter the device, so copy accessible data first.

At $49.99 per year, PhoneRescue is competitively priced for multi-device use. It ranks lower because there is no clearly presented one-time license on the current purchase page, plus the subscription renews automatically.

Best forHouseholds or repair helpers who need to scan several iPhones or iPads during one subscription year

Standout featureIts annual personal plan permits use with unlimited iOS devices
PhoneRescue for iOS Pros
  • Annual plan supports unlimited iOS devices
  • Can inspect encrypted or damaged backups
  • Covers 31 listed data categories
  • Includes selective backup previews
  • Basic iOS repair tools are included
PhoneRescue for iOS Cons
  • Annual subscription renews automatically
  • No verified perpetual tier on the current store page
  • Recovery plus repair features can blur two very different jobs
Annual $49.99/yr Auto-renewing plan for unlimited iOS devices
Open PhoneRescue

How We Evaluated These iPhone Data Recovery Tools

We checked each app’s current recovery sources, supported data categories, preview restrictions, device limits, renewal terms, plus official US pricing. The review path covered a connected iPhone workflow, local Apple backups, plus available iCloud options on Windows or macOS where supported.

Scores favor transparent previews, useful filters, sensible licensing, plus honest expectations. We did not assign a universal recovery-rate percentage because results change with the iPhone model, iOS version, passcode status, backup availability, encryption, elapsed time, plus later phone use.

How to Choose iPhone Data Recovery Software for Your Loss Scenario

Start with the source that probably holds the data. Use direct-device scanning for an accessible phone, local-backup inspection for Finder or iTunes copies, plus iCloud recovery for synced records. Confirm that the app supports the exact category you lost, since photo support does not automatically mean WhatsApp attachments or voice memos are covered.

Do not buy from the feature count alone. A clear preview matters more. If the app cannot display the missing message, photo, contact, or note before checkout, payment is unlikely to change what the scan found.

Common iPhone Data Recovery Mistakes to Avoid

Continuing to take photos, installing an iOS update, restoring a backup, or resetting the phone can reduce your options. Another common mistake is assuming every item shown by a scanner was deleted. Some tools display existing files, cached thumbnails, synced cloud records, plus ordinary backup contents in the same results.

A physically damaged phone is a different case. Stop DIY attempts if it gets hot, will not stay connected, has liquid damage, or contains irreplaceable data. Repeated restarts plus repair operations may make a specialist’s job harder.

Which iPhone Data Recovery App Should You Try First?

Disk Drill wins because its preview workflow is easy to inspect, while the full license remains useful for computer drives plus removable storage. EaseUS MobiSaver is the better first stop for a tiny free recovery, while UltData or Dr.Fone may fit app-specific or iCloud-heavy searches.

PhoneRescue makes more sense for several household devices. Whichever app you choose, scan before paying, verify that important files open in preview, plus avoid any claim that promises guaranteed recovery from a modern iPhone.

Top pick Disk Drill
Check Recently Deleted plus every existing backup first, then run free scans with your top two apps before buying either license.

Common Questions About iPhone Data Recovery Software

Can iPhone data recovery software restore permanently deleted photos?
Sometimes, though there is no guarantee. Check Photos > Recently Deleted, iCloud Photos, shared libraries, messages, plus computer backups before using paid software.
Can these apps recover data without an iPhone backup?
Some can scan an unlocked, recognized iPhone directly. Modern encryption plus storage cleanup sharply limit recovery of data that was truly deleted.
Is Disk Drill free for iPhone recovery?
The free edition is mainly for scanning plus previewing recoverable items. Full restoration usually requires Disk Drill PRO.
Does Disk Drill work with iCloud backups?
Disk Drill is strongest with a connected iPhone plus locally stored iOS backups. Use a tool with explicit iCloud access if your only copy exists in Apple’s cloud services.
Can iPhone recovery software unlock a disabled phone?
Not as part of normal data recovery. The phone generally must trust the computer, unlock successfully, or have a usable backup available.
Will recovery software erase my iPhone?
A normal read-only scan should not erase it. Avoid factory-reset, restore, unlock, plus system-repair actions unless you understand their effect on stored data.
Can I recover deleted text messages from an iPhone?
Messages may remain in Recently Deleted for a limited period. They may also exist in an iCloud, Finder, or iTunes backup that predates deletion.
Can these tools recover WhatsApp chats?
Several listed apps support WhatsApp records or attachments. Results depend on available phone data, local backups, iCloud backups, plus WhatsApp’s own backup settings.
Should I pay before scanning my iPhone?
No. Run the free scan, locate the exact missing material, then test its preview where possible before purchasing a license.
Why does a scan show photos that were never deleted?
Recovery apps often combine current files, cache data, thumbnails, synced records, plus backup contents. A result is not proof that raw deleted data was recovered.
Can data be recovered after a factory reset?
Direct recovery is usually unlikely after a modern iPhone reset because encryption keys are destroyed. An older iCloud, Finder, or iTunes backup is the practical route.
Can software recover data from a water-damaged iPhone?
Only if the phone can boot, unlock, plus maintain a stable connection. Important data on a liquid-damaged device is better handled by a board-level recovery specialist.
Does putting an iPhone in recovery mode help retrieve files?
No. Recovery mode is intended for updating or restoring iOS. A restore can erase the phone, so it is not a deleted-file recovery method.
Is iCloud recovery the same as recovering deleted storage?
No. It usually means downloading or extracting data still present in iCloud or an iCloud backup, not carving deleted bytes from the phone’s flash storage.
Can I recover data if I forgot the iPhone passcode?
Usually not directly. Apple’s encryption relies on authentication. Look for trusted-computer backups, synced iCloud data, plus records stored by individual apps.
Do I need a Mac for iPhone data recovery?
No. Several tools run on Windows. Disk Drill’s iPhone workflow is more Mac-focused, so Windows users should verify their intended recovery source before buying.
How long does an iPhone recovery scan take?
It may take several minutes or much longer, depending on storage size, connection speed, backup size, data categories, plus whether cloud material must download.
Can recovery software restore files directly to the iPhone?
Some data types can be returned to a device, while others are exported to the computer. Exporting first is usually safer because you can inspect the recovered copy.
What should I do immediately after deleting important iPhone data?
Stop creating new data, check Recently Deleted, preserve any existing backups, keep the phone charged, plus avoid updates or resets until you choose a recovery path.
When should I use a professional iPhone recovery service?
Use a specialist for severe physical damage, unstable power, failed logic-board components, liquid exposure, or data valuable enough that DIY experimentation is not worth the risk.
Download Disk Drill Free Scan · #1 Pick