Data Recovery & Access Recovery

Your Data and Access
Recovered. Lawfully.

Lost data from a dead phone, damaged MacBook, or failed hard drive — we recover it. Locked out of your own device or account — we restore your access. Every job starts with identity and ownership verification. Verified owners only, always.

iPhone · Android · MacBook · Windows HDD · SSD · Flash Drive · SD Card Diagnosis Always Free Verified Owners Only No Fix, No Charge Pretoria West
WhatsApp — Start Here Book a Diagnostic
Required Before Any Work Begins
We verify ownership before touching your device or data — no exceptions.

South African law requires us to confirm you are the lawful owner or authorised user of any device or account before we perform access recovery or extract data from it. This protects you, protects us, and ensures this service cannot be misused. It takes under five minutes and is done in-store on arrival.

What you need to bring (two forms required):

  • Form 1 — Government-issued photo ID: South African ID card, passport, or driver's licence. Must match the name the device or account is registered to.
  • Form 2 — Proof of ownership (choose one):
    • Original proof of purchase (receipt, bank statement showing purchase, or retailer invoice)
    • IMEI registration on your name (bring the box, or log into your network provider account showing the device IMEI)
    • Access to the registered account on a separate device (e.g., sign into iCloud.com or Google in-store on another phone to show account ownership)
    • For MacBooks: system serial number matching your Apple ID registered devices, or MacBook listed in iCloud.com under your login
  • Signed job card declaration: You sign a written statement before work starts confirming you are the lawful owner. This is a standard part of our job card process for all access and data recovery work.

This policy is in place to comply with the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 (unlawful access to computer systems), the ECT Act 25 of 2002, and POPIA. Any person who provides false ownership information commits a criminal offence. MobiDokta reserves the right to refuse any job where ownership cannot be reasonably verified, without obligation to provide reasons.

Compliant with Cybercrimes Act 19/2020 Compliant with ECT Act 25/2002 Compliant with POPIA Compliant with CPA Section 60 Written job card on every job Data not retained after handover
Data Recovery

Recover Data from Dead or Damaged Devices

When a device won't turn on, a drive fails, or storage is corrupted — your data isn't necessarily gone. We work at component and chip level to recover files, photos, messages, and documents that standard tools cannot reach.

Data Recovery
iPhone / iPad Data Recovery
When an iPhone is dead, water damaged, or has a board fault, your photos, messages, and contacts may still be recoverable directly from the NAND flash memory chip — even without the device booting. We perform chip-level data extraction. Highest chance of recovery: iCloud backups first, then on-device.
Diagnosis free · Recovery from R1,200 · 24–72 hours
Data Recovery
Android / Samsung Data Recovery
Google account sync is the fastest path — if your Google account is signed in, most contacts, photos (Google Photos), and documents restore automatically. For dead boards where Google sync didn't capture everything, we perform NAND-level extraction for supported chipsets.
Diagnosis free · Recovery from R1,000 · 24–72 hours
Data Recovery
MacBook SSD Data Recovery
MacBook SSD failure presents as a folder with a question mark, an error on startup, or a completely blank screen with no boot. We remove and image the SSD using specialist hardware, then extract your files — Documents, Desktop, Photos, iMessage, and more. FileVault-encrypted drives require your login password to decrypt.
Diagnosis free · Recovery from R1,500 · 24–48 hours
Data Recovery
External Hard Drive Recovery (HDD)
A clicking, ticking, or unrecognised external hard drive usually has a failed read head or seized motor. We open in a clean environment, perform platter inspection, and where possible recover data to a new drive. Clicking drives must be powered off immediately — every extra spin increases permanent data loss risk.
Diagnosis free · Recovery from R800 · 2–5 days
Data Recovery
External SSD / USB Flash Drive Recovery
Corrupted, unrecognised, or accidentally formatted USB drives and external SSDs. Logical recovery (file system corruption, accidental delete, format) is typically the fastest. Physical controller failures on USB sticks require chip-off recovery — we'll advise which applies after a free assessment.
Diagnosis free · Logical from R450 · Physical from R950
Data Recovery
SD Card / MicroSD Recovery
SD cards from cameras, drones (DJI), dashcams, and phones. Accidentally formatted, corrupted, or showing as blank. We recover photos and video files including RAW formats. Tip: stop writing to the card immediately — every new file overwrites recoverable data.
Diagnosis free · From R350 · Same day to 48 hours
Data Recovery
Water-Damaged Device — Data Priority
When a water-damaged device comes in, our first priority is data preservation — board cleaning and corrosion removal happen before any repair attempt. If the device cannot be revived, we can still attempt data extraction directly from the memory chip. Act within 24–48 hours for the best outcome.
Diagnosis free · Urgent — bring in immediately
Data Recovery
iMac / Desktop Mac Data Recovery
iMac with a failed HDD or SSD, or a Mac that won't boot. We remove the drive, image it to a working drive, and recover your files. For Fusion Drive setups (HDD + SSD pair), we handle the logical volume rebuild required to access the combined storage.
Diagnosis free · From R1,200 · 24–72 hours
Access Recovery

Regain Access to Your Own Device or Account

Locked out of your own phone, laptop, or account? We restore lawful owner access using manufacturer-approved recovery processes — never security bypasses. Proof of ownership is verified before any work begins. See the requirements above.

Access Recovery
iPhone — Disabled / Unavailable
"iPhone Unavailable" or "Connect to iTunes" after too many wrong passcode attempts. Recovery via Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows) restores the device to factory. You must have your Apple ID credentials to complete setup — the device links to Apple's servers. Your data comes back from iCloud backup. We guide the full process in-store.
Diagnosis free · From R350 · Same day · Proof of ownership required
Access Recovery
iPhone — Forgotten Passcode (DFU Restore)
If you've forgotten your iPhone passcode and it hasn't been disabled yet, a DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode restore via iTunes or Finder resets the device. This erases all on-device data — your content is restored from iCloud or iTunes backup afterwards. We can assist with the backup restore process.
From R350 · Same day · Apple ID credentials required
Access Recovery
Android — Forgotten PIN / Pattern Lock
For Android devices where the PIN, pattern, or password is forgotten: a factory reset via recovery mode restores access. Your data stored on Google Account (contacts, Drive, Gmail, Google Photos) syncs back automatically on login. Local-only data not backed up to Google is lost — we advise on backup options before proceeding.
From R350 · Same day · Google account credentials required
Access Recovery
Android — Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection)
After a factory reset, Android requires the Google account that was previously signed in — this is Google's theft deterrent (Factory Reset Protection). We guide you through the legitimate Google account recovery process at accounts.google.com. If you no longer have access to that Google account, we assist with Google's official account recovery steps. We do not bypass FRP.
From R350 · Google account access required · Proof of ownership required
Access Recovery
MacBook — Forgotten Login Password
For Apple Silicon MacBooks (M1/M2/M3/M4): recovery via System Recovery (hold power button on boot) allows password reset with Apple ID. For Intel MacBooks: boot into Recovery Mode (Cmd+R), use Disk Utility or Reset Password from the macOS Utilities menu. If FileVault is enabled, you must have your recovery key or the Apple ID linked to FileVault.
From R450 · Same day · Proof of ownership required
Access Recovery
MacBook — FileVault Encryption Locked
FileVault encrypts your entire macOS drive. If you've lost both your login password AND your FileVault recovery key, the data on the drive is cryptographically inaccessible — this is by design. We can verify whether a recovery key is stored in iCloud under your Apple ID. If not, the encrypted data cannot be recovered by anyone — even Apple.
Assessment free · Apple ID credentials required · Proof of ownership required
Access Recovery
Windows Laptop — Forgotten Login Password
Microsoft account-linked laptops: password reset via Microsoft's official recovery at account.live.com using your registered email or phone. Local account (no Microsoft account): boot into Windows Recovery Environment to reset via command line. BitLocker-encrypted drives require your Microsoft account or the 48-digit recovery key — without these, the data is inaccessible.
From R350 · Same day · Proof of ownership required
Access Recovery
Apple ID / iCloud Account Recovery
Locked out of your Apple ID? We guide you through Apple's official iforgot.apple.com account recovery process in-store — entering trusted phone numbers, trusted devices, and account recovery keys. For accounts with Account Recovery Contact set up, we assist with that flow. We do not bypass Apple ID — all recovery is through Apple's official systems.
Guidance from R250 · Proof of identity required by Apple's own process
Access Recovery
Google Account Recovery
Lost access to Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, or Android? We guide you through Google's official account recovery at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery in-store. Google uses identity signals (device history, recovery phone, recovery email, location) to verify ownership. The more of these you can provide, the better your chances — we help you gather and present them.
Guidance from R250 · In-store assisted · Recovery not guaranteed
Access Recovery
Microsoft / Outlook Account Recovery
We guide Microsoft account recovery via account.live.com and Microsoft's support channels. If 2FA recovery codes or backup methods are unavailable, we assist with the Microsoft identity verification process (account.live.com/acsr). Recovery success depends on account history and available verification methods.
Guidance from R250 · In-store assisted
Access Recovery
Hard Drive / NAS Password Recovery
Password-protected external hard drives (hardware-encrypted drives with a forgotten PIN) and NAS devices. We assess whether the encryption can be bypassed via manufacturer tools or official firmware procedures. Most hardware-encrypted drives are designed to be unrecoverable without the PIN — we'll advise on feasibility before any payment is taken.
Assessment free · Outcome depends on drive make/model · Proof of ownership required
Access Recovery
Corporate / MDM-Managed Device Access
If your device is enrolled in a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system (company-issued iPhone, MacBook managed by an employer), we require a letter on company letterhead from an authorised IT administrator or director authorising the access recovery work. We will not remove MDM profiles without explicit written employer consent — this is a legal and ethical boundary we do not cross.
Written company authorisation required before assessment begins
Our Limits

What We Will Not Do

These boundaries protect you and protect us. A service that bypasses them puts both parties at legal risk under South African law — we refuse these jobs regardless of the reason given, without exception.

iCloud Activation Lock Bypass
iCloud Activation Lock is Apple's stolen device protection system. Bypassing it is not technically possible without Apple's involvement, and any service claiming to do so is either fraudulent or handling stolen goods. We do not offer this, and we cannot facilitate it.
Third-Party Account Access
We will not access, recover, or unlock any account, device, or data belonging to a person who is not present and has not provided written consent. "It's my spouse's phone" or "my employee's laptop" without documentation does not qualify.
Corporate MDM Bypass Without Authorisation
Removing an employer's MDM profile from a company device without that employer's written consent is a violation of the Cybercrimes Act and potentially the ECTA. We require written company authorisation on letterhead before touching MDM-enrolled devices.
Any Job Without Verified Ownership
If a client cannot provide government-issued ID plus proof of ownership, we will not start the job. We reserve the right to refuse without providing reasons, and we will not be pressured into exceptions regardless of the explanation offered.
Devices Flagged as Stolen
If a device returns as stolen on an IMEI check, or if we receive a legitimate police enquiry about a device in our possession, we will cooperate fully with law enforcement and will not return the device to the person who brought it in.
Google FRP or Samsung FRP Bypass
Factory Reset Protection is a theft deterrent. Bypassing it facilitates the use of stolen devices. We guide official account recovery only. Any client who cannot verify their Google or Samsung account during FRP recovery will be redirected to their carrier or the manufacturer.

Any person misrepresenting their ownership of a device to obtain access recovery services commits a criminal offence under the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 and the ECT Act 25 of 2002. MobiDokta maintains signed job cards and identity records on every access recovery job, which are available to law enforcement on lawful request.

Common Questions

What People Ask Us

Will data recovery erase my phone?
Data recovery from a dead or non-booting device does not touch your phone — we extract data directly from the storage chip without restoring or erasing anything. For access recovery (locked/disabled phone), a restore is required which erases the device, but your data is then restored from your iCloud or Google backup.
Can you recover data from a completely dead phone that won't turn on at all?
Sometimes — it depends on why the phone is dead and whether the NAND memory chip is physically intact. If the board fault is in the power circuit and hasn't damaged the memory, chip-level extraction is possible. We assess this for free. If data extraction is not feasible after assessment, you pay nothing.
I forgot my iCloud password and my iPhone is disabled — can you get me back in?
Yes, but you must be able to complete Apple's official account recovery. We restore the iPhone using DFU mode (this erases it), then guide you through Apple's iforgot.apple.com to recover your Apple ID. Without a valid Apple ID, setup cannot be completed — the device will remain in Activation Lock. We guide every step, but Apple's servers make the final call on account access.
My external hard drive is clicking and the computer doesn't recognise it. Can you fix it?
Power it off immediately — every additional spin causes more damage. A clicking HDD has a failed read head or motor fault. Data recovery is still possible if the platters are undamaged. Bring it in for a free assessment. Do not attempt to run recovery software on it yourself — this can overwrite recoverable data or cause further mechanical damage.
What do you do with my data after recovery?
Recovered data is transferred to a storage medium you provide or purchase from us, and then deleted from our working drives on handover. We do not retain, copy, or access client data beyond what is necessary to complete the recovery. This is a POPIA compliance requirement, and it's also just the right thing to do.
The phone was bought second-hand and I don't have a receipt. Can you still help?
Yes, if you can verify ownership through another route — such as logging into the registered Apple ID or Google account on a separate device in-store. If you are unable to demonstrate any connection to the registered account, we cannot perform access recovery. For data recovery (not access), standard device ownership verification still applies.
My employer gave me this work MacBook and I forgot the login. What do I need?
Corporate and MDM-managed devices require a letter from your employer on company letterhead, signed by an authorised IT manager or director, stating that MobiDokta is permitted to perform the access recovery. Your own ID is also required. Without both, we cannot start the job — we will not override a company's IT policy without their authorisation.
What is the "no fix, no charge" policy for data recovery?
Diagnosis is always free. Before any paid work begins, we tell you exactly what we found and what recovery is possible. If we cannot recover your data or restore your access, you pay nothing beyond the diagnosis fee (R0 — diagnosis is free). Payment is only collected on successful recovery or access restoration.
Get Started

WhatsApp First — We'll Tell You If It's Possible

Describe what happened to your device or data. We'll let you know if recovery is feasible, what to bring, and what the process looks like — before you make any trip. Fast response during business hours.

WhatsApp — Describe Your Case Book a Diagnostic

Shop 6, Madeira Isles Shopping Complex, Danville, Pretoria West · Open 7 days · Mon–Sat 09:00–21:00 · Sun 12:00–21:00 · 078 154 1350