If you’ve accidentally deleted a file or repository in GitHub, you’re not alone. It’s a relatively common occurrence — but it’s one that can cause significant disruptions to your development workflow. From a misplaced keystroke to an oversight during a code cleanup, file deletion can create unnecessary stress for your teams, and in some cases, derail entire projects.
And, while several methods for recovering deleted GitHub files do exist — not all are equal.
To help, we’re here to talk you through the different ways to recover GitHub data, and get your projects back on track as soon as possible!
Recovering deleted GitHub files
If you work with GitHub, you’ll already know that recovering data isn’t just a matter of pressing a “recover all” button.
Due to the complex nature of GitHub data, the steps will differ for every recovery scenario to ensure your data is recovered correctly and the integrity of your project is preserved.
When trying to recover deleted files, there are two common approaches users can take:
Command line methods
For those comfortable with the command line interface, Git commands can recover deleted files at different stages of deletion. For example, if you’ve accidentally deleted a file but haven’t staged the changes yet, you can use ‘git restore’ to bring it back instantly.
But, if you run this command after the changes have been staged, you’ll likely come up against an error code. This is because the file no longer exists in that index.
In this case, commands like ‘git checkout’ and ‘git show’ can help you locate the commit where the file was deleted and restore it from there. But, technical proficiency is advised.
In short, while a command line method can offer immediate results for file recovery, its success will depend on your level of technical knowledge and the speed at which you work.
GitHub desktop and Web UI
If you prefer a more visual approach, GitHub’s Desktop app and Web UI provide graphical methods for recovering deleted files.
For example, in the GitHub Desktop app, any changes you make in your repository will show up in the staging area in the left sidebar of the app. From here, you can revert changes to a previous commit that includes the deleted file. But, this only applies if you have not yet committed the deletion, and also relies on platform availability (which is currently limited).
If you have committed the deletion, the GitHub Web UI allows you to browse through your commit history and download the deleted file directly from the browser. But, because there’s no way to select and download more than one file, you have to download them one by one — a slow and arduous process.
While these methods may be more accessible for users who prefer a less technical approach, they’re not known for handling multiple files or complex recovery scenarios efficiently.
Restoring deleted GitHub repositories
GitHub’s restoration feature
GitHub offers a built-in restoration feature that allows personal account users and organisations to restore deleted repositories within 90 days of deletion.
To restore a deleted GitHub repository, navigate to your GitHub settings and select the repository you wish to restore. From there, you can confirm the restoration action, and GitHub will restore the repository to its original state.
While this feature is useful in certain cases, it’s important to note two things; first, that a user can’t restore repositories in a fork network. And second, that restoring from different commits can create inconsistencies in your data. Sometimes, it’s not worth the risk.
Tip: Whether you’re working with a parent repository, local repo, or other repository, make sure other team members are aware of any changes or restoration actions to maintain consistency across your project. When creating a new repository, it’s also important for team members to have more than basic knowledge of local repository management. From a simple commit hash to how a repository’s forks work, the wrong information can lead to data inconsistencies and project setbacks.
The role of third-party backups
When it comes to GitHub recovery — or any data recovery for that matter — it’s always wise to have a backup plan in place.
This is where a third-party GitHub backup solution like BackupLABS comes into play.
Third-party backup solutions offer an extra layer of protection against accidental deletions, system failures, or other unforeseen events.
Here’s what you need to know:
Enhanced security and convenience
While GitHub provides some native features for data recovery, relying solely on these may not always be sufficient. Third-party backup services like BackupLABS offer enhanced security and convenience by continuously backing up your GitHub data.
This ensures that you have a reliable backup solution in place, providing peace of mind and simplifying the recovery process in case of accidental deletions.
Features of BackupLABS
BackupLABS offers a range of features designed to meet the needs of GitHub users. From automated backups to customisable coverage, BackupLABS ensures that your GitHub data is always protected — on your terms!
BackupLABS also provides easy-to-use tools for restoring from backups, allowing you to quickly recover deleted files and repositories from your last backup, in just a few clicks!
Setup and Usage
Getting started with BackupLABS is simple. After syncing up permissions with your GitHub account, you can select which repositories you want to back up.
It also offers the option to back up all repositories automatically, backing up new repositories created on GitHub without any additional effort. With nightly backups and snapshots saved for 30 days, BackupLABS provides a reliable solution for safeguarding your GitHub data.
Schedule a demo of BackupLABS
Don’t let accidental deletions derail your projects. Instead, take a proactive step towards a more seamless way of working by scheduling your demo of BackupLABS or get started with a free trial today.
