Forensic Services

Deleted Data Retrieval

Deleted doesn't mean gone. Messages, photos, call logs, and files often remain in unallocated storage long after deletion. We recover what was removed — from phones, computers, and cloud accounts — with honest upfront assessments of what's possible.

Honest pre-engagement assessmentPhone & computer recoveryIncluding factory-reset devicesCourt-admissible reports

Why Recovery is Possible

Deleted Doesn't Mean Erased

When you delete a file or message, the device doesn't immediately remove the underlying data. Instead, it marks the storage space as available for reuse. Until something new is written over it, the original data persists in what's called unallocated storage — and we can read it.

This is why stopping device use immediately is critical. Every photo taken, message sent, or app opened after the deletion event increases the risk that the data you need will be overwritten.

Important

Stop using the device immediately. Do not delete anything else. Do not factory reset. Call us first.

Messages & Conversations

  • SMS, iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal
  • Deleted Facebook Messenger and Instagram DMs
  • Cleared call history
  • Deleted voicemails

Photos & Media

  • Deleted photos and videos
  • Recently deleted folder contents
  • Thumbnail and preview caches
  • Screenshot history

Files & Documents

  • Deleted documents and spreadsheets
  • Recycle bin contents
  • Cleared download history
  • Removed app data

Powered by Oxygen Forensics

Forensic-Grade Data Recovery via Oxygen Forensic Detective

Oxygen Forensic Detective includes advanced data carving and unallocated space scanning capabilities — the same technology used by law enforcement agencies worldwide to recover deleted evidence. It reconstructs data from raw storage sectors, SQLite databases, and filesystem remnants.

Unallocated space scanning

Systematically reads every sector of storage media, identifying file signatures and data structures even without directory entries — recovering files the device's own interface says no longer exist.

SQLite database reconstruction

Most messaging apps store conversations in SQLite databases. Oxygen reconstructs these databases at a low level, recovering deleted rows that are invisible in the app but still present in unallocated storage.

Multi-source corroboration

Cross-references recovered data across device logs, system backups, and cloud extractions to build the most complete picture possible — and to verify that recovered data is genuine.

Oxygen Forensics
35,000+

Device profiles with specialised recovery paths for deleted data

150+

Countries where this recovery methodology is used and court-recognised

The Process

How Deleted Data Retrieval Works

01

Viability Assessment

Before any extraction, we assess recovery likelihood based on device type, OS, encryption, and usage since deletion. We only proceed when recovery is realistic.

02

Forensic Imaging

A write-blocked forensic copy of the device is created. The original is never modified — all recovery work is done on the forensic image.

03

Unallocated Space Scan

We scan unallocated storage space for remnants of deleted data — files, messages, and media that were marked for deletion but not yet overwritten.

04

Report & Device Return

Recovered data is documented in a court-admissible report. Your device is returned with all seals intact and the original data untouched.

Get in Touch

Think data might still be recoverable?

Call for a free, no-obligation assessment of your situation. We'll tell you honestly what's possible and what it costs — before you commit to anything.

Practical Guidance

Before You Call Us

A few simple steps taken now can significantly improve what we're able to recover — and how well your evidence holds up in court.

01

Stop using the device

Every action taken on a phone or computer after an incident can overwrite deleted data. The sooner you stop using it, the better your chances of recovery.

02

Don't delete anything

Even if messages or files seem damaging, deleting them now can harm your case and may itself be viewed unfavourably by a court. Leave everything as it is.

03

Do not factory reset

A factory reset makes forensic recovery significantly harder and in some cases impossible. Even if advised by someone else — do not reset the device before speaking to us.

04

Write down what happened

A brief timeline — what occurred, when, and what you're hoping to find — helps us focus the examination and give you a more accurate assessment on your first call.

Common Questions

Deleted Data FAQ

01 Is deleted data always recoverable?
No — and we won't pretend otherwise. Recovery depends on the device type, OS version, encryption, and how much data has been written since deletion. We provide an honest assessment before you commit to anything.
02 Can you recover data after a factory reset?
Sometimes. On older devices and certain Android models, factory reset data can be partially recovered. On modern iPhones with Secure Enclave, a reset is significantly more difficult to reverse. We assess viability case by case.
03 Which types of data are most commonly recovered?
Messages and call logs have the highest recovery rates on most devices. Photos are often recoverable due to their size and storage patterns. App data recovery rates vary significantly by application.
04 What makes data unrecoverable?
The main factors are: the device continuing to be used after deletion (which overwrites the data), full-disk encryption with no accessible key, secure erase operations, and physical damage to storage chips. The sooner you stop using the device, the better.
05 How long ago was the data deleted?
Time matters less than usage since deletion. A message deleted a year ago on a rarely used phone may be recoverable; one deleted a week ago on a heavily used device may not be. Stop using the device now if you haven't already.
06 Do you charge if recovery is not possible?
We provide a pre-engagement assessment to determine likelihood before we proceed. If we don't believe recovery is viable, we'll tell you and will not charge for a full extraction. A nominal assessment fee may apply.

Client Feedback

What Clients Say

Real outcomes from real people — names abbreviated to protect privacy.

“I was told by another company the data was unrecoverable. Digital Forensics Group gave me an honest assessment, then recovered messages I thought were gone for good. They changed the outcome of my case.”

TR

T.R.

Family Court Litigant · Sydney, NSW

“Critical financial records had been deleted from a device before a dispute. They recovered enough to establish the full timeline — including transactions the other party claimed never occurred.”

ML

M.L.

Civil Litigation · Brisbane, QLD

“Years of photos from a wiped phone — I thought they were gone permanently. They recovered almost everything. The process was quick and they kept me updated the whole way through.”

KS

K.S.

Personal Data Recovery · Gold Coast, QLD

Get in Touch

Start Your Confidential Enquiry

Tell us briefly about your situation. We respond within one business day with an honest assessment — no obligation to proceed.

+61 499 475 408

Mon–Fri, business hours AEST

Nerang, Gold Coast QLD

Serving all of Australia & New Zealand

Response within one business day. No obligation to proceed.