Best Free iPhone Data Recovery Software: Top Picks for 2026

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By Anna Sherry

2025-12-29 / iPhone Recovery

While iOS provides robust safety features like iCloud for backing up your data, "irreversible" data loss can still occur due to accidents, system errors, or even malicious attacks. In such situations, using iPhone data recovery software becomes the best DIY solution. These tools leverage advanced algorithms to recover lost files directly from your device or a backup.

With countless iPhone recovery apps on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. While some are highly effective, others fail to deliver on their promises. To save you time and effort, we've tested the top iPhone data recovery tools and compiled a list of the best options available in 2026. We've also outlined key features of each app to ensure you don't waste time sifting through endless product descriptions. Keep reading to find the perfect recovery solution for your needs!

Part 1: Why You Might Need iPhone Data Recovery Software

Is there a free iPhone data recovery software? The answer is yes, but not all recovery tools are the same. Sometimes, data loss occurs unexpectedly, and users are left wondering how to retrieve their important photos, text messages, contacts, and more. While iCloud and iTunes backups can help, they don't always have the most up-to-date or complete data.

Accidental Deletion Happens More Often Than You Think

One of the most common causes of data loss is accidental deletion. It's easy to delete a photo, message, or contact by mistake, especially when juggling multiple apps. Fortunately, iPhone data recovery software can help retrieve these files, even if you didn't back them up.

Common Causes of iPhone Data Loss

In addition to accidental deletions, other causes of data loss include software updates, system crashes, app errors, and physical damage to your device. While many users think their data is gone for good, recovery software can often restore lost information if you act quickly.

Why iCloud or iTunes Backup Isn't Always Enough

While iCloud and iTunes backups are great for storing data, they don't always include everything, and backups might not be up-to-date. Additionally, certain files like messages and app data may not be backed up regularly. In these cases, iPhone data recovery software can step in and recover those files directly from the device.

Part 2: What to Look for in the Best Free iPhone Data Recovery Software

Best iPhone data recovery software free isn't always easy to find, as many tools come with limitations. A good recovery tool should be user-friendly, effective, and able to handle a wide range of data types.

Ease of Use and Simple Interface

The best free iPhone data recovery software should be intuitive, even for beginners. You want a tool that allows you to recover data quickly without confusion or technical jargon.

Ability to Recover Multiple File Types

Not all data recovery software can recover every type of file. Look for software that supports photos, messages, videos, contacts, and notes. The more file types it can handle, the more versatile the tool is.

Compatibility with iOS and Popular Devices

Ensure that the software is compatible with the latest iPhone models and iOS versions. Compatibility is crucial for successful recovery, especially with the frequent updates to iOS.

Preview and Selective Recovery

A reliable tool should allow you to preview recoverable items before restoring them. This feature lets you selectively recover files , saving time and preventing unnecessary data restoration.

Part 3: Top iPhone Data Recovery Tools Worth Trying in 2026hot icon

If you're wondering, "What is the best iPhone data recovery?"—we've tested several tools and compiled a list of the top options that offer free scanning and previewing. Here are the best free iPhone data recovery tools for 2026:

UltData – Best Overall Free iPhone Data Recovery SoftwareHOT

UltData iPhone Data Recovery supports recovery from both iPhone devices and iCloud/iTunes backups. It can recover a wide range of data types, including photos, messages, contacts, and more.

Pros:

  • Offers free scan and preview functionality before purchase
  • Compatible with the latest iOS versions and iPhone models
  • Provides safe recovery process without data loss or overwriting existing files
  • Supports recovery from multiple sources: iOS devices, iCloud, and iTunes backups
  • Allows selective recovery to restore only needed files
  • Simple and intuitive user interface suitable for beginners
  • Recovers over 35 types of data including photos, messages, contacts, WhatsApp, and more

Cons:

  • Full recovery features require purchasing the licensed version
  • Free version only allows scanning and previewing recovered data

iMobile – Best for Comprehensive Recovery

iMobile offers extensive recovery options, including photos, videos, messages, and contacts from both your device and iTunes/iCloud backups.

Pros:

  • Recovers data from both the device directly and backup files
  • Works with multiple iPhone models across different iOS versions
  • Supports comprehensive data types recovery
  • Provides preview before recovery

Cons:

  • Full recovery functionality requires a paid upgrade
  • Free version has limitations on recoverable file quantity

EaseUS – Best for Fast Scanning

EaseUS is known for its quick scanning and efficient recovery of iPhone data, including messages, contacts, and photos.

Pros:

  • Features fast scanning process to quickly identify recoverable data
  • Supports recovery from iPhone, iTunes, and iCloud backups
  • User-friendly interface with step-by-step guidance
  • Allows preview of recoverable files

Cons:

  • Free version only allows scan and preview, actual recovery requires payment
  • Limited data types in free trial version

Dr.Fone – Most User-Friendly Recovery Tool

Dr.Fone is designed to be user-friendly, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced users. It recovers various iPhone data types like messages, media, and app data.

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use interface with clear navigation
  • Supports a wide range of data types including app data
  • Offers multiple recovery modes for different scenarios
  • Compatible with various iOS devices and versions

Cons:

  • Free trial offers limited functionality
  • Full features require subscription or one-time purchase

D-Back – Best for Advanced Data Recovery

D-Back excels in advanced recovery, supporting encrypted backup extraction and data recovery from damaged devices.

Pros:

  • Supports both device and backup recovery methods
  • Works with all iPhone models
  • Can extract data from encrypted backups
  • Handles recovery from damaged or broken devices

Cons:

  • Limited functionality in the free version
  • Advanced features require premium license

Stellar – Best for Media and Photos Recovery

Stellar specializes in media recovery, offering excellent photo, video, and media file restoration.

Pros:

  • Strong recovery capabilities for photos and videos
  • Supports recovery from iPhone, iTunes, and iCloud
  • Maintains original quality of recovered media files
  • Offers deep scan for thorough media recovery

Cons:

  • Full recovery requires a paid version
  • Free version has limitations on file size and quantity

Disk Drill – Best for Data Recovery from Backup

Disk Drill allows users to recover data from iTunes and iCloud backups without scanning the device directly.

Pros:

  • Easy backup recovery without connecting iPhone
  • Supports a wide range of file types
  • Can recover data from corrupted backups
  • Provides preview functionality before recovery

Cons:

  • Full data recovery requires payment
  • Free version has data recovery size limitations

Part 4: How to Use UltData – Free iPhone Data Recovery Software (Step-by-Step)

UltData stands out because it allows you to scan and preview for free, and then selectively recover what you need without overwriting your data. Here's how you can use it:

Recover Directly from Your iPhone

  • Launch UltData and choose "iPhone/iPad Data Recovery".
  • ultData for iphone
  • Connect your iPhone to your computer.
  • ultData for iphone
  • Let UltData scan your iPhone for recoverable files.
  • ultData for iphone
  • Preview the results and select the files you want to recover.
  • ultData for iphone

Recover from iCloud Backup Without Reset

  • Log in to your iCloud account through UltData.
  • log in with the apple id credentials
  • Select the backup you want to recover from.
  • select the file types
  • Scan the backup and choose which data to restore.
  • select the destination folder

Recover from iTunes/Finder Backup Selectively

  • Choose "Recover Data from iTunes."
  •  install software
  • Scan the backup file.
  • scanning for the backup files
  • Preview and selectively recover files you need.
  • hit the recover

Part 5: Tips to Maximize Your iPhone Data Recovery Success

To increase your chances of successful recovery, here are some tips:

Act Quickly After Data Loss

The sooner you attempt recovery, the better your chances of success, as deleted data can be overwritten by new files.

Back Up Regularly with iCloud or iTunes

Prevention is key. Regular backups ensure your data is protected in case of accidental loss.

Avoid Heavy Use After Data Loss

When you lose data, try to minimize using the device until the recovery process is complete. This reduces the risk of overwriting the lost files.

Conclusion

Choosing the best free iPhone data recovery software can be challenging, but with the options listed here, you can find the right solution for your needs. UltData stands out as a reliable and user-friendly tool that offers free scanning and recovery. Whether you're recovering text messages, photos, or contacts, taking quick action and using the right tool is essential for a successful recovery.

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