Five iOS Recovery Tools Checked

5 Best iPhone Data Recovery Software in 2026

These apps can inspect accessible iPhone data or backups, but none can bypass Apple's encryption. Disk Drill wins for its clean local workflow, useful previews, plus broader Mac recovery tools.

By Pocketpcmag Articles Editorial Team Published · Updated
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⚡ TL;DR · Quick answer
Disk Drill is our top iPhone data recovery pick for Mac users. It makes a temporary local backup or examines an existing one, then presents recoverable records in a clean preview. Choose MobiSaver instead if a tiny free recovery allowance may cover your loss.
★ Best overall
1

Disk Drill

9.1/10

Best for: Mac users who want iPhone recovery plus a capable tool for drives, memory cards, or other storage

  • Clear previews before a paid recovery
  • Handles connected iPhones plus existing local backups
  • Supports iOS 5 through iOS 26
  • One license also covers Mac or Windows storage recovery
Read full review Visit Site →
2

EaseUS MobiSaver

8.5/10

Best for: People trying to retrieve a small number of contacts, photos, or videos without buying a license first

  • Limited real recovery is available for free
  • Three recovery sources
  • Windows plus Mac editions
  • Selective preview reduces unnecessary exports
Read full review Visit Site →
3

iMyFone D-Back

8.2/10

Best for: Users focused on WhatsApp, LINE, Messenger, WeChat, Viber, or other social-app records

  • Strong selection of supported chat apps
  • Device, iTunes, plus iCloud recovery paths
  • Lifetime license option
  • Supports current iPhone models plus iOS versions
Read full review Visit Site →

Best iPhone Data Recovery Software Compared

This table compares recovery sources, computer support, upfront pricing, plus our overall scores. The scores reflect an editorial review of usability, practical limits, feature coverage, plus value rather than a claimed laboratory recovery rate.

Tool Recovery Sources Mac/Windows Price Score
1.Disk Drill PICK 2 paths Mac for iOS $89 one-time 9.1/10
2.EaseUS MobiSaver 3 paths ● Yes $59.95 one-time 8.5/10
3.iMyFone D-Back 3 paths ● Yes $79.99 one-time 8.2/10
4.Tenorshare UltData 3 paths ● Yes $65.95 one-time 7.9/10
5.Dr.Fone Data Recovery 3 paths ● Yes $69.95 one-time 7.7/10

The 5 Best iPhone Data Recovery Software Tools, Reviewed

01

Disk Drill

macOS / CleverFiles

9.1/10

Disk Drill takes a sensible route around Apple's storage restrictions. It creates or examines a local iPhone backup, then sorts available photos, videos, contacts, messages, notes, call records, plus other supported data into browsable groups. In our feature check, it covered 2 useful iOS sources: a connected device through a temporary backup or an existing local backup.

The preview-first workflow is the main reason it ranks first. You can inspect what Disk Drill sees before paying, though actual iPhone recovery generally requires PRO. Its biggest limitation is platform support: the full iOS recovery feature currently requires a Mac, while direct iCloud scanning is absent.

Best forMac users who want iPhone recovery plus a capable tool for drives, memory cards, or other storage

Standout featureCreates a temporary local iPhone backup, then lets you browse recoverable records by category
Disk Drill Pros
  • Clear previews before a paid recovery
  • Handles connected iPhones plus existing local backups
  • Supports iOS 5 through iOS 26
  • One license also covers Mac or Windows storage recovery
  • Useful filters for sorting large backup results
Disk Drill Cons
  • iPhone recovery is currently Mac-only
  • No direct iCloud recovery mode
  • Free edition mainly serves as a scan or preview
Basic $0 Scan plus preview only for most iPhone recovery jobs
PRO $89 Unlimited personal recovery for one user
Enterprise $499 Commercial license for broader workplace use
Recommended Data Recovery Software ↗ Download Disk Drill
Read our full Disk Drill review
02

EaseUS MobiSaver

Windows or macOS / EaseUS

8.5/10

MobiSaver is one of the few entries here with a genuinely usable, if tiny, free recovery allowance. The current free edition can restore 5 contacts at once plus 1 photo or video. That may be enough if one missing picture is the entire problem.

Its three-source layout covers the iPhone, local iTunes backups, plus iCloud backups. The interface keeps those paths fairly obvious. Pricing is less tidy because the Windows lifetime license costs less than the Mac version, so check which computer you will use before paying.

Best forPeople trying to retrieve a small number of contacts, photos, or videos without buying a license first

Standout featureThe free edition can restore a small quantity of selected records instead of stopping at preview
EaseUS MobiSaver Pros
  • Limited real recovery is available for free
  • Three recovery sources
  • Windows plus Mac editions
  • Selective preview reduces unnecessary exports
  • Paid license supports up to five iOS devices
EaseUS MobiSaver Cons
  • Free photo or video allowance is extremely small
  • Mac license costs more than Windows
  • Some chat recovery features require Pro
Free $0 Restore 5 contacts plus 1 photo or video
Windows Pro $59.95 Lifetime license with unlimited supported recovery
Mac Pro $79.95 Lifetime license for the macOS edition
Get EaseUS MobiSaver
Read our full EaseUS MobiSaver review
03

iMyFone D-Back

Windows or macOS / iMyFone

8.2/10

D-Back puts unusual emphasis on conversations from third-party apps. Its support list includes WhatsApp, LINE, Instagram, Messenger, Viber, KakaoTalk, Kik, WeChat, plus QQ. That makes it a stronger fit when the missing item is a chat attachment rather than a Camera Roll photo.

The software can examine an iOS device, an iTunes backup, or iCloud data. Our review pass found 3 core recovery paths, plus extra backup, repair, computer recovery, plus media-repair functions in the current bundle. Those extras add value for some households, though they also make the package feel busier than a focused iPhone utility.

Best forUsers focused on WhatsApp, LINE, Messenger, WeChat, Viber, or other social-app records

Standout featureBroad support for third-party messaging apps beyond standard Apple data categories
iMyFone D-Back Pros
  • Strong selection of supported chat apps
  • Device, iTunes, plus iCloud recovery paths
  • Lifetime license option
  • Supports current iPhone models plus iOS versions
  • Preview is available before export
iMyFone D-Back Cons
  • Monthly plan is expensive for a single recovery
  • Several unrelated tools are bundled into the purchase
  • The number of modes can feel cluttered
Preview $0 Scan plus preview only, with payment required to export
1 Month $49.99 Auto-renewing access for 3 devices plus 2 computers
Lifetime $79.99 One-time plan for 5 devices plus 3 computers
Try iMyFone D-Back
Read our full iMyFone D-Back review
04

Tenorshare UltData

Windows or macOS / Tenorshare

7.9/10

UltData is built for broad, mixed recovery jobs. Tenorshare lists 35-plus data types, with sources covering an iOS device, iTunes backups, plus iCloud. Its category filters help when a scan contains years of messages, attachments, or photos.

The lifetime option is reasonably placed beside the monthly plan, so a one-time license usually makes more sense if you expect to use it twice. Watch the checkout details closely. Monthly plus yearly plans renew automatically, while listed prices exclude tax.

Best forPeople sorting through a mixed loss involving documents, messages, app data, photos, or saved media

Standout featureSupports more than 35 data categories across device, iTunes, plus iCloud recovery modes
Tenorshare UltData Pros
  • More than 35 supported data categories
  • Device, iTunes, plus iCloud modes
  • Lifetime license is available
  • License covers up to five mobile devices
  • Includes backup, restore, plus basic repair tools
Tenorshare UltData Cons
  • Subscription plans renew automatically
  • Listed prices exclude tax
  • Extra utilities can distract from the recovery workflow
Preview $0 Scan plus preview only, with export locked
1 Year $49.95 One PC plus five mobile devices
Lifetime $65.95 One-time license for one PC plus five devices
Visit Tenorshare UltData
Read our full Tenorshare UltData review
05

Dr.Fone Data Recovery

Windows or macOS / Wondershare

7.7/10

Dr.Fone has the broadest cloud-oriented feature list in this group. Besides device plus local-backup recovery, it can inspect iCloud backups, iCloud-synced data, plus iCloud Drive files. Support for Pages, Numbers, Keynote, saved passwords, plus certain disappearing chat media gives it a few uncommon retrieval targets.

The perpetual license costs $69.95, only $10 more than the annual plan at the prices reviewed. That makes the one-time plan the obvious choice for repeat use. The downside is a large, suite-style interface that can feel excessive when you only need one deleted photo.

Best forUsers who need to inspect iCloud-synced records, iCloud Drive files, or saved office documents

Standout featureCan retrieve Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iCloud Drive, plus supported password records
Dr.Fone Data Recovery Pros
  • Strong iCloud-oriented recovery options
  • Supports more than 35 data types
  • Perpetual license available
  • Covers up to five mobile devices plus two computers
  • Handles several chat apps plus office documents
Dr.Fone Data Recovery Cons
  • Suite interface contains many unrelated tools
  • Free mode does not provide unrestricted exporting
  • Monthly plan offers poor value beside perpetual pricing
Preview $0 Scan plus preview only, with a paid plan needed to recover
Monthly $44.95 Auto-renewing access for one month
Annual $59.95 Auto-renewing access for one year
Perpetual $69.95 One-time access to iOS Data Recovery
Open Dr.Fone Data Recovery

How We Evaluated These iPhone Data Recovery Tools

We compared each app's documented recovery sources, supported record types, preview behavior, computer compatibility, license terms, plus current US pricing. We also checked whether a free edition restores anything or merely displays scan results.

No score represents a universal recovery percentage. Results depend on whether the data still exists in an accessible backup, remains synced to a cloud account, or can still be exposed through Apple's approved backup interfaces.

How to Choose iPhone Data Recovery Software for Your Loss

Start with the location of the missing data. A Mac or PC backup calls for local-backup scanning. An iCloud-only loss needs a tool with cloud access. Deleted chat attachments require explicit support for that particular app, since generic photo recovery may not include its database.

Next, check the preview before buying. A filename alone is weak evidence. Open several photos, inspect message dates, verify contact fields, plus confirm that exported records use a readable format.

Common iPhone Data Recovery Mistakes to Avoid

Do not factory-reset the phone merely because a recovery app suggests system repair. Repair plus recovery are different jobs. A reset may remove accessible data or replace the backup state you hoped to inspect.

Avoid assuming that any desktop app can perform a raw deep scan of modern iPhone storage. iOS does not expose the phone as an ordinary disk, while hardware-backed encryption blocks traditional file carving. Most legitimate tools work through backups, synchronized cloud records, or data still available through an unlocked device.

Which iPhone Data Recovery Tool Should You Choose?

Disk Drill earns first place for Mac users because its local backup workflow is understandable, previews are useful, plus the license also covers many non-iPhone recovery jobs. EaseUS MobiSaver makes more sense for a very small free recovery, while D-Back or UltData suit chat-heavy cases. Dr.Fone is worth a look when iCloud Drive or Apple productivity files are the main target.

Top pick Disk Drill
Install the free edition of two suitable tools, scan the same accessible backup, then pay only after the exact missing records appear in a usable preview.

iPhone Data Recovery Software Questions

What is the best iPhone data recovery software for deleted photos in 2026?
For deleted photos, the strongest pick is usually the tool that can scan both the iPhone itself plus iTunes or Finder backups. If the photos were deleted recently, stop using the phone right away so new data does not overwrite them.
Can iPhone data recovery software recover messages after a factory reset?
Sometimes, but only if a backup still exists or the device data has not been overwritten too much. A factory reset usually lowers the odds, so your first check should be iCloud, then a local backup on your computer.
How do I choose between iPhone recovery software that scans the device vs iCloud backups?
Pick device scanning if you never made a backup or the backup is old. Pick iCloud backup recovery if you know the missing data was synced before it disappeared, since that is often faster plus less risky.
Is free iPhone data recovery software worth trying before paid tools?
Free tools can be useful for previewing what is recoverable, but many limit the actual restore step. They are worth testing if you only need a few files, but paid versions usually offer better recovery paths plus more export options.
Which iPhone recovery app is easiest for beginners in 2026?
The easiest app is usually the one with a simple three step flow: connect, scan, preview. Beginners should look for clear labels, readable previews, plus a restore option that does not force extra technical choices.
How can I recover deleted WhatsApp chats from an iPhone?
Start with an iCloud backup inside WhatsApp, then check whether your recovery software can read app data from a local backup. If the chat history was not included in any backup, software recovery may only bring back fragments or attachments.
What should I do before using iPhone recovery software?
Turn off heavy phone use, stop downloading new apps, plus avoid taking more photos. Then connect the iPhone to a trusted computer, unlock it, and approve any trust prompt so the software can see the device.
Can iPhone data recovery software bring back videos that were permanently deleted?
Yes, if the files still exist in a backup or on the device storage blocks that have not been reused. Large videos are harder to recover than text files, so acting quickly gives you a better shot.
What is the difference between iPhone recovery software plus Apple’s built-in restore options?
Apple’s built-in options are best for full device restores from backups. Recovery software is better when you want to preview files first or try to pull back a few specific items without wiping the phone.
How do I know if an iPhone recovery tool is safe to install on my Mac or PC?
Check the vendor website for a clean download page, a clear privacy policy, plus current support for your macOS or Windows version. Avoid tools that ask for your Apple ID password on a random pop-up or that look like cloned download pages.
Can I recover data from a broken iPhone that will not turn on?
If the phone cannot power on, direct device scanning will not help much. Your best route is usually an existing iCloud backup, a Finder or iTunes backup, or a repair step that gets the phone recognized by the computer again.
How much does good iPhone data recovery software usually cost?
Most tools charge either a one time license or a yearly plan, with extra cost for advanced repair features. The cheaper option is not always the better deal if it cannot preview files, recover from backups, or support your current iPhone model.
What file types can iPhone recovery software usually restore?
Common recovery targets include photos, videos, contacts, messages, notes, call logs, plus app attachments. Some tools also recover Safari history or voice memos, but support varies by backup type.
Why does my iPhone recovery software find files but fail to restore them?
That usually means the scan found remnants, but the files are damaged or no longer complete enough to rebuild. Try a backup-based recovery mode first, then update the software if the restore keeps failing.
Which is better for iPhone recovery, desktop software or an online recovery service?
Desktop software is usually better because your data stays on your own computer during the scan. Online services can be convenient, but they are a worse fit if you care about privacy or need to handle a large backup.
Can I use iPhone recovery software without a computer?
Most serious recovery tools still need a Mac or PC for the scan plus restore process. If you only have the phone, your best option is often an iCloud-based recovery path or Apple’s built-in restore features.
What is the smartest way to avoid needing iPhone data recovery software again?
Turn on automatic iCloud backups, keep a regular Finder or iTunes backup, plus sync important photos or contacts to a second service. That way, if something disappears, you have more than one path to get it back.
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