How to Recover .HEIC Files from External Drives with Bad Sectors

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .HEIC file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Recover .HEIC Files from External Drives with Bad Sectors
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What is a .HEIC file?

An HEIC file contains one or more images saved in the High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF), a file format commonly used to store photos on mobile devices. It may contain a single image or a sequence of images along with metadata that describe each image. The file extension ".heic" is most commonly used, but HEIC files may also appear as .HEIF files.

What Are Common Causes of ".HEIC" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".HEIC" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".HEIC" files while organizing or cleaning up their device's storage.
  2. Device malfunction: Hardware or software issues, such as system crashes, firmware updates, or faulty storage media, can lead to ".HEIC" file loss or corruption.
  3. Formatting errors: Mistakenly formatting a storage device without proper backup can result in the loss of all files, including ".HEIC" files.
  4. Virus or malware attack: Malicious software can infect a device and corrupt or delete ".HEIC" files, rendering them inaccessible.
  5. File system corruption: Issues with the file system, such as improper shutdowns or power outages, can cause ".HEIC" files to become lost or unreadable.
  6. Transfer errors: Errors during the transfer of ".HEIC" files from one device to another, such as interrupted transfers or incorrect ejections, can lead to file loss or corruption.
  7. Human error: Accidental overwriting, improper handling of devices, or mistakenly formatting the wrong storage drive can result in ".HEIC" file loss.
  8. Software or application issues: Problems with the software or application used to open or edit ".HEIC" files can cause them to fail or become corrupted.

It is important to regularly back up ".HEIC" files and take preventive measures, such as using reliable storage devices and keeping antivirus software up to date, to minimize the risk of file loss or failure.

How to recover lost ".HEIC" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".HEIC" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".HEIC" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".HEIC" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".HEIC" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
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Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".HEIC" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".HEIC" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo high Efficiency Image Format image file file?

Programs that open ".HEIC" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 Adobe Photoshop CC 2019
Gimp Gimp
Mac
Apple Preview Apple Preview
Apple Photos Apple Photos
Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 Adobe Photoshop CC 2019
Gimp Gimp
iMazing HEIC Converter iMazing HEIC Converter
TunesBro HEIC Converter TunesBro HEIC Converter
Linux
Gimp Gimp
Web
Dropbox Dropbox
Google Photos Google Photos
Google Drive Google Drive
iOS
Apple iOS Apple iOS
Dropbox Dropbox
Google Drive Google Drive
Google Photos Google Photos
Android
Dropbox Dropbox
Simple Soft Alliance Luma: HEIF Viewer and Converter Simple Soft Alliance Luma: HEIF Viewer and Converter

Additional Information

  • File type: High Efficiency Image Format

  • File extension: .HEIC

  • Developer: Moving Picture Experts Group

  • Category: Raster Image Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:46 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .HEIC files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is the process of recovering .HEIC files and how does it differ from other file formats?

    The process of recovering .HEIC files is similar to recovering any other file format, but there are a few differences to note.

    1. Data Recovery Software: Start by using a reliable data recovery software program that supports HEIC file recovery. There are several options available, such as Disk Drill, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Stellar Data Recovery.
    2. Scan for Lost Files: Launch the data recovery software and select the drive or storage device from which you want to recover the .HEIC files. Start the scanning process, which may take some time depending on the size of the drive and the number of files.
    3. Select and Recover: Once the scanning is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files, including .HEIC files. Browse through the list and select the .HEIC files you want to recover. Then, choose a location to save the recovered files, preferably on a different drive to avoid overwriting data.

    Differences from other file formats:

    1. Compatibility: HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Format) is a relatively new file format introduced by Apple. It is not as widely supported as other formats like JPEG or PNG. Therefore, not all data recovery software may be able to recover HEIC files. Ensure you use software that specifically mentions HEIC file recovery support.
    2. File Structure: HEIC files use a different file structure compared to other formats. They are based on the High-Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) standard, which allows for better compression and quality. As a result, the recovery process may require specialized algorithms to extract the data correctly.
    3. Metadata and Thumbnails: HEIC files often contain additional metadata and thumbnails within the file itself. While recovering HEIC files, it is essential to ensure that these additional elements are also recovered correctly to maintain the integrity and completeness of the recovered files.

    In summary, the process of recovering .HEIC files involves using compatible data recovery software, scanning for lost files, selecting and recovering the desired files, and being aware of the differences in file structure and compatibility compared to other formats.

  • Are there any specific software or tools available for .HEIC recovery, and if so, which ones are recommended?

    Yes, there are several software and tools available for .HEIC recovery. Here are a few recommended ones:

    1. Stellar Photo Recovery: Stellar Photo Recovery is a popular tool that supports the recovery of various image formats, including .HEIC. It can scan your storage devices and recover deleted or lost .HEIC files.
    2. iMobie PhoneRescue: PhoneRescue is a comprehensive data recovery tool that supports the recovery of various file types, including .HEIC images. It can recover deleted or lost .HEIC files from both iOS devices and iTunes/iCloud backups.
    3. Tenorshare UltData: UltData is another reliable tool that can recover .HEIC files from iOS devices, iTunes backups, and iCloud backups. It supports the recovery of various data types, including photos, videos, contacts, messages, and more.
    4. Enigma Recovery: Enigma Recovery is a user-friendly tool that can recover .HEIC files from iOS devices and backups. It offers a simple interface and allows you to selectively recover specific .HEIC images.
    5. iMobie PhoneBrowse: PhoneBrowse is a free file manager tool that also supports .HEIC recovery. It allows you to browse and extract various file types, including .HEIC images, from your iOS devices.

    Before using any recovery software, it's important to note that the success of recovery depends on various factors like the extent of data loss, device condition, and usage after data loss. It's recommended to back up your data regularly to prevent permanent loss.

  • Can .HEIC files be recovered from various devices, such as smartphones, cameras, or external storage devices, and are there any limitations or compatibility issues to consider?

    Yes, .HEIC (High Efficiency Image Format) files can be recovered from various devices such as smartphones, cameras, or external storage devices. However, there are a few limitations and compatibility issues to consider:

    1. Operating System Support: .HEIC files are natively supported by Apple devices running iOS 11 or later, and macOS High Sierra or later. However, Windows and Android devices may require additional software or updates to view or recover .HEIC files.
    2. Recovery Software: You'll need specialized data recovery software that supports .HEIC file formats. Ensure that the software you choose explicitly mentions .HEIC file recovery.
    3. Device Compatibility: Not all cameras or smartphones capture images in the .HEIC format. Some devices still use traditional formats like JPEG or RAW. Ensure that your device actually saves images in .HEIC format before attempting recovery.
    4. File Corruption: Like any other file format, .HEIC files can become corrupted and may be unrecoverable. If the file is damaged or overwritten, recovery may not be possible.
    5. Storage Medium: The recovery success rate may vary depending on the storage medium. For example, recovering .HEIC files from internal smartphone memory may be easier than from an SD card or external hard drive.
    6. File Fragmentation: If a .HEIC file is fragmented, it may be more challenging to recover the complete file. Fragmented files are split into multiple parts scattered across the storage medium.

    To increase the chances of successful recovery, it's advisable to stop using the device or storage medium immediately after data loss occurs. Additionally, consult with professional data recovery services if you're unsure about performing the recovery yourself.
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