Have you ever accidentally cleared your Mac’s cache only to realise your Notes app is suddenly empty? Do not worry, your notes might still be recoverable. This guide walks you through a simple process to restore your lost notes stored “On My Mac”.
Why Does This Happen?
When you clear cache or perform system clean-ups, critical files like the Notes database can sometimes get deleted or moved to the Trash. Fortunately, if the Trash hasn’t been emptied, you have a good chance of getting your notes back.
Step 1: Check Your Trash
Open your Trash and look for these files:
- NoteStore.sqlite
- NoteStore.sqlite-wal
- NoteStore.sqlite-shm
These files make up the Notes database. If you find them, you’re in luck!
Step 2: Back Up the Files
Before making any changes:
- Copy these files from Trash to your Desktop.
- Create a folder named Backup Version and save the copied files there.
This ensures you have a safe copy in case anything goes wrong.
Step 3: Quit the Notes App
Close the Notes app completely. Use Activity Monitor to confirm the Notes process isn’t running. This prevents conflicts when replacing files.
Step 4: Replace the Current Database
- Open Finder, click Go in the top menu, and select Go to Folder.
- Enter: ~/Library/Group Containers/group.com.apple.notes
- In this folder, you’ll see files with the same names as before. Rename them by adding “_old”:
- NoteStore_old.sqlite
- NoteStore_old.sqlite-wal
- NoteStore_old.sqlite-shm
- Keep those files just in case the you have new note in it or recovered version is not workable.
- Copy your backup files into this folder.
Step 5: Relaunch Notes
Open the Notes app again. If the .sqlite file is valid and not corrupted, your old notes should reappear.
What If This Doesn’t Work?
If your notes don’t come back, the database might be corrupted or permanently deleted. In that case, a professional data recovery expert might make the difference.
Need Help?
At EHDR, we specialise in recovering lost data from Mac devices. If DIY steps don’t work, contact us. Our experts for advice, retrieve your valuable information safely and securely.
