How to Recover Deleted MP4 Files (Free & Paid Methods)

Introduction

Accidentally deleted your favorite MP4 video? We’ve all been there. Maybe it was a cherished memory, an important work file, or that perfect YouTube clip you spent hours editing. The good news? Those lost MP4 files might not be gone forever. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to recover deleted MP4 files using both free and paid methods—step by step.

Understanding MP4 File Deletion

Before we dive into recovery tools, let’s understand what really happens when you hit that "Delete" button.

Common Causes of MP4 File Loss

• Accidental deletion – You simply hit delete by mistake.
• Formatted drives – You formatted your SD card, USB, or hard drive unknowingly.
• System crashes – Sudden power loss or blue screen issues can corrupt files.
• Virus attacks – Malware sometimes deletes or hides your video files.
• Transfer interruptions – Pulling out a memory card during transfer can cause data loss.

What Happens When You Delete an MP4 File

When you delete a file, your system doesn’t instantly erase it. Instead, it marks the storage space as "available". Until new data overwrites it, the MP4 file remains recoverable. That’s why acting quickly is key to a successful recovery.

Can Deleted MP4 Files Be Recovered?

Absolutely! Deleted MP4 files can often be brought back using the right tools and methods.

How Data Recovery Works

Think of your hard drive as a giant library. Deleting a file doesn’t burn the book—it just removes its catalog entry. Recovery tools help you rebuild that catalog and retrieve the "lost books".

Factors That Affect Recovery Success

• Time since deletion – The sooner you try, the higher the success rate.
• Storage usage – Avoid saving new files on the affected drive.
• Type of deletion – Files emptied from the recycle bin are harder to recover.

Free Ways to Recover Deleted MP4 Files

Not ready to spend money? Try these free methods first.

Method 1: Check Recycle Bin or Trash

The easiest fix is to check your Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac).

• Open it → Locate your MP4 → Right-click → Select Restore.

Boom! Your file goes back to its original folder.

Method 2: Use File History or Backup

If you’ve enabled Windows File History, Time Machine (Mac), or any cloud backup, you might be able to restore older versions.

• Windows: Settings → Update & Security → Backup → "Restore files from a current backup".

• Mac: Use Time Machine → Browse backups → Restore MP4.

Paid Ways to Recover Deleted MP4 Files

If free tools don’t cut it, paid options can deliver deeper scans and better results.

Method 1: Professional Data Recovery Software

When you want a reliable and powerful solution, using professional recovery software is the best choice—and this is where MyRecover truly shines.

MyRecover is an advanced data recovery tool designed for Windows users who need to restore deleted, formatted, or lost MP4 files quickly and efficiently. It combines an intuitive interface with a high recovery success rate, making it ideal for both beginners and professionals.

Key Features of MyRecover

• Supports MP4 and 200+ file types: Perfect for recovering deleted videos, photos, and documents.
• Fast scanning engine: Scans your drive deeply without slowing down your system.
• Preview before recovery: You can view MP4 thumbnails before deciding what to restore.
• Flexible recovery: Works with HDDs, SSDs, SD cards, USB drives, and more.
• High success rate: Uses advanced algorithms to ensure maximum recovery results.

Try it Free
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

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How to Use MyRecover

1. Download and install MyRecover on your PC (avoid installing it on the affected drive).

2. Select the location where your MP4 files were deleted.

3. Click Scan and let MyRecover search for your lost videos.

4. Once the scan completes, preview the MP4 files you want to recover and choose them.

5. Click Recover and choose a safe location to save them.

MyRecover’s free version allows users to recover a limited amount of data for free, making it a great starting point before upgrading for full recovery.

★Tips to Improve MP4 Recovery Success:

Stop using the affected storage device immediately.

Use a deep scan rather than a quick one.

Save recovered files to another location.

Avoid repeated recovery attempts—this can overwrite data.

Method 2: Hiring a Data Recovery Service

If your drive is physically damaged, software won’t help. Professional recovery labs can manually extract data using advanced hardware techniques.

• Typically costs $100–$1000+, depending on damage and capacity.
• Best for cases like broken drives, water damage, or firmware failure.

How to Prevent Future MP4 File Loss

Use Cloud Backup

Cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive automatically sync your videos, protecting them from accidental deletion.

Create Regular Local Backups

Keep a copy of your important MP4s on an external hard drive or USB flash drive. Bonus tip: Set a reminder to back up every weekend—it takes minutes but saves hours of panic.

Conclusion

Losing your MP4 files can feel devastating—but it’s not the end of the world. Whether you go the free route with tools or take advantage of professional recovery software such as MyRecover, there’s almost always hope. The key is to act fast, avoid overwriting, and keep backups moving forward. With a little patience and the right tools, your deleted MP4s can be back where they belong in no time.