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Cloud Resource Guide: How to Retrieve Texts, Photos, and Other Data

Cloud Resource Guide:

How to Retrieve Texts, Photos, and Other Data

Recovering important text messages, photos, and other irreplaceable files after losing a device to unforeseen disasters like wildfires or theft can be a devastating experience. While DriveSavers specializes in data recovery from damaged devices, if your device is lost, stolen, or destroyed, this guide will help you retrieve data if it was stored on cloud backup services like iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox.

Keep reading to find official resources and instructions for various devices and operating systems, including iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Even if you don’t remember setting up a backup, your data may have been automatically saved to the cloud. Many devices enable cloud backups by default, which means your data could still be recoverable. You may also be able to recover documents, text messages, photos, and other types of data from the cloud even if you didn’t manually back them up.

⚠️ Warning: Before Restoring Data from Cloud Storage ⚠️

Restoring data from a cloud backup can overwrite existing files on the device you are restoring to. Before proceeding:

Use a brand-new device whenever possible to prevent data loss.

If restoring to an existing device, back up any new data (such as recent photos, messages, or documents) first.

If you only need specific files or photos, manually download them instead of performing a full system restore.

Consult an IT professional if you are unsure whether restoring from a backup is the best option for your situation.

Once data is overwritten by new data, it cannot be recovered, so proceed with caution!

Did You Back Up to the Cloud Without Knowing?

Before assuming your data is lost, check these services—you may be able to recover text messages and retrieve photos from the cloud even if you didn’t manually back them up.

iPhone & iPad

Apple devices often automatically back up to iCloud if the feature was turned on during setup. Sign in to iCloud.com to see if your data is stored there.

Mac Computers

If you used OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, your files may still be accessible even if your computer is gone.

Android Phones & Tablets

Many Android devices back up text messages, photos, and app data to Google Drive. Check your account by signing into Google Drive or Google Photos.

Windows Computers

If you used OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, your files may still be accessible even if your computer is gone.

Linux Systems

Some Linux users automatically sync files to a remote server, Nextcloud, or another cloud service without realizing it.

Recovering Data on iOS Devices (iPhone and iPad)

If you’ve lost access to your iPhone or iPad, you can restore your photos and other data to a new iOS device if you were using iCloud backups.

Unsure? Apple devices often automatically back up to iCloud if the feature was turned on during setup. To check, sign in to iCloud.com to see if your data is stored there.

Restore Your Data from an iCloud Backup

Apple provides a guide on how to restore your new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a previous iCloud backup. This process will help you recover your apps, data, and settings on a new device.​

Restore Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch from a Backup
Recovering Data on macOS Devices (Mac Computers)

For those who have lost their Mac computers, data recovery is possible if you have a Time Machine backup.

Mac Computers: If you used OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, or another cloud backup system, your files may still be accessible even if your computer is gone.

Restore from a Time Machine Backup

Apple offers instructions on how to restore your Mac from a Time Machine backup. This will allow you to recover your system, applications, and files to a new Mac.​

Restore Your Mac from a Backup
Recovering Data on Android Phones and Tablets

If your Android device is no longer accessible, you can restore data to a new device if you were backing up on your Google Account.

If you are unsure, check your account by signing into Google Drive or Google Photos.

Restore Data on a New Android Device

Google provides guidance on how to back up and restore data on Android devices. This includes restoring apps, settings, and other data from your Google Account to a new device.​

Back Up or Restore Data on Your Android Device
Recovering Data on Windows Devices (PCs and Laptops)

In the event of losing a Windows PC or laptop, data recovery is feasible if you have been using Windows Backup and OneDrive.

Windows Computers: If you used OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, or another cloud backup option, your files may still be accessible even if your computer is gone.

Restore Files from OneDrive

Microsoft provides instructions on how to restore your files with Windows Backup. This includes recovering various file types from OneDrive to a new device.​

Back Up and Restore with Windows Backup
Recovering Data on Linux Devices

For Linux users, data recovery is possible if backups were made using tools like Timeshift or other backup solutions.

Linux Systems: Some Linux users automatically sync files to a remote server, Nextcloud, or another cloud service without realizing it.

Restore Your Linux System from a Backup

Guides are available on how to back up and restore data in Linux. These resources provide steps to restore your system and files from a backup.​

How to Back Up and Restore Data in Linux?
Final Thoughts

By utilizing the resources linked above, you can recover text messages, photos, and other important data from cloud backups to a new or replacement device, even if your phone or computer was lost, stolen, or destroyed. If your device was damaged, but you still have it in your possession, call DriveSavers. We specialize in recovering data from water-damaged, fire-damaged, and crushed devices. We also recover data that was accidentally or maliciously deleted and data encrypted by ransomware.

For professional data recovery assistance, visit DriveSavers Data Recovery.

If you ever run into data loss issues due to encryption errors, drive corruption, or accidental deletion, DriveSavers Data Recovery is here to help. Contact us for professional data recovery solutions and get your files back quickly and safely.

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Mike Cobb, Director of Engineering and CISO
As Director of Engineering, Mike Cobb manages the day-to-day operations of the Engineering Department, including the physical and logical recoveries of rotational media, SSDs, smart devices and flash media. He also oversees the R&D efforts for past, present, and future storage technologies. Mike encourages growth and ensures that each of the departments and their engineers continues to gain knowledge in their field. Each DriveSavers engineer has been trained to ensure the successful and complete recovery of data is their top priority.

As Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Mike oversees cybersecurity at DriveSavers, including maintaining and updating security certifications such as SOC 2 Type II compliance, coordinating company security policy, and employee cybersecurity education.

Mike joined DriveSavers in 1994 and has a B.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Riverside.

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