This is a review of FonePaw Android Data Recovery, an Android data recovery tool.
I’ve worked in tech for decades, writing software reviews and offering support and training. I took an in-depth look at FonePaw Android Data Recovery to let you know if it will meet your needs.
It seems to have relatively few users who are generally dissatisfied, so I recommend you use an alternative. If you’d like to test it, the free trial version will show you which lost files were located.
Based on my experience testing many Android data recovery apps, it’s very unlikely you’ll be able to recover them all.
In this FonePaw Android Data Recovery review, I’ll explore the types of data the application can restore, how long this is likely to take, and weigh up your chance of success. I’ll also list other features that are offered and whether it’s suitable for beginners or advanced users.
Let’s get started.
Contents
FonePaw Android Data Recovery Overview
FonePaw Android Data Recovery rescues lost and deleted information from your Android phone. The software runs on your Mac or PC and scans your phone once it has been connected via USB.
There are several versions and licenses available:
- Single-user license for one Mac: $49.95
- Family license for five Macs: $79.95
- Single-user license for one PC: $49.95
- Family license for five PCs: $79.95
These prices are in the middle of the range, and a number of reputable alternatives cost less than $40. In this review, I will focus on the Mac version. A free 30-day trial will show you if your files can be recovered before paying for the application.
FonePaw Android Data Recovery is likely to recover at least some of your phone’s lost data. I can’t be certain of how effective it is compared to similar apps because I haven’t found any industry tests that included it.
It is clear that users are generally dissatisfied, so I recommend you use one of the alternatives I list below.
Recovery Features
How is data recovery possible? When information is deleted from your phone, the data is not removed. It’s simply marked as available space, and as you continue to use your phone it will be overwritten by new files.
Methods of data recovery offered: Scanning the device directly for lost information.
Supported phones: Over 6000 phone models, Android 2.3 to Android 9.0.
Supported storage: Phone’s internal memory, SD cards, SIM cards.
Supported data types:
- Contacts
- Text messages, MMS, WhatsApp including attachments
- Call logs
- Photos
- Videos
- Audio
- Documents including Word, Excel, PPT, PDF, HTML, ZIP, RAR, and more.
Additional features: The software will also back up and restore your Android phone, and extract data from bricked phones.
User Experience
FonePaw Android Data Recovery is an application that runs on your Mac or PC and is easy to set up and use. Data is recovered from your phone in five simple steps:
- Launch FonePaw Android Data Recovery on your computer
- Select Android Data Recovery
- Connect your phone to your computer
- Select the type of data to scan for
- Preview and recover what you need
Some Android data recovery apps require you to root your phone so that it can be scanned. FonePaw doesn’t. It makes your life easier by rooting your phone automatically as part of the recovery process.
However, like other apps, you are required to place your phone in “USB debugging” mode before connecting it to your computer.
Effectiveness
Mobile data recovery apps can help rescue some of your data, but I’ve never found an app that can consistently recover all file types. How effective is FonePaw Android Data Recovery?
I was unable to find much consumer feedback on the application. Users gave it a rating of just 2.5 stars on CNET. [1] This low rating and the perceived small user base are concerning.
Users of FonePaw’s iPhone app also seem dissatisfied. That product received a rating of just 2.3 stars on Trustpilot [2], 1.25 stars on Sitejabber [3], and 2.5 stars on G2 [4].
Most complaints are focused on customer support and the app not working as expected. Some users were able to get a refund.
Customer Support
You’ll find a FAQ, Getting Started Guide, and User Guide on the FonePaw Support Page [5]. Support can be contacted via an online form.
FAQS
Is FonePaw Android Data Recovery safe?
Yes. It won’t overwrite or delete any data on your phone and Bitdefender found no malware in the Mac version.
Is FonePaw Android Data Recovery free?
No. The free trial version will show you the lost files that can be located, but you need to purchase a license to recover them.
Can you use FonePaw Android Data Recovery on iPhones?
No, but another of FonePaw’s products, iPhone Data Recovery, does.
Alternatives
Here are some alternatives I recommend you use instead of FonePaw Android Data Recovery.
Wondershare dr.fone for Android
Wondershare dr.fone is a reputable alternative that offers versions for Windows, Mac, and Android. It’s one of the slower apps I’ve tried but doesn’t require you to root your Android phone.
iMobie PhoneRescue for Android
iMobie PhoneRescue is a second alternative that automatically roots and unroots your Android phone during the scan process. Windows and Mac versions are available.
Aiseesoft FoneLab Android Data Recovery
Aiseesoft FoneLab will scan your phone much faster but requires you to root it first. It also backs up your phone and transfers its files to your computer. Windows and Mac versions are available.
Final Verdict
FonePaw Android Data Recovery may be able to recover lost files on your Android phone, but be aware that I’ve never encountered an app that can consistently rescue all types of Android data. It is friendlier than some other recovery apps in that you don’t need to root your phone before scanning it.
However, the application’s low ratings and small user base ring alarm bells for me. Wondershare dr.fone for Android, iMobie PhoneRescue for Android, and Aiseesoft FoneLab Android Data Recovery are effective alternatives with much better reputations.
The first two save you some effort by not requiring that you first root your Android phone, while the last will save you time by offering much faster scan speeds. One is sure to meet your needs.
References
