How to Recover Recently Deleted Files in iCloud Drive
Deleted iCloud Drive files can usually be recovered from the Recently Deleted folder within 30 days. On an iPhone, open the Files app, select Browse > Recently Deleted, choose the file, and tap Recover. Recovered files return to the original iCloud Drive folder when synchronization is active.
Steps
- Open the Files app on the iPhone and tap Browse.
- Select Recently Deleted under Locations.
- Tap the More button, choose Select, and mark the required file.
- Tap Recover to restore the file to the original iCloud Drive location.
- Open the original folder under iCloud Drive and confirm that the recovered file appears.
Files can also be recovered through iCloud.com. Sign in, open iCloud Drive, select Recently Deleted, choose a file, and select Recover.
Common Issues and Fixes
- Recently Deleted is empty: The file may have been deleted more than 30 days ago, or permanent deletion may have occurred. Check the original folder and iCloud.com before assuming that recovery is unavailable.
- The Files app does not show iCloud Drive: iCloud Drive may be disabled. Open Settings > [Apple Account] > iCloud > Drive and enable Sync this iPhone.
- The recovered file does not appear immediately: iCloud synchronization may be delayed by a weak connection or low device storage. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network and allow synchronization time.
- A file was removed from another cloud location: Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive use separate trash folders. Check the service that stored the file instead of iCloud Drive.
- The file was permanently deleted: Files removed from Recently Deleted generally cannot be restored through iCloud Drive. An older backup may be the only remaining recovery source.
Quick Tips
- iCloud Drive Recently Deleted normally keeps files for up to 30 days, not indefinitely.
- Check file names, folders, and extensions before recovery because duplicate files may exist.
- Deleted files may disappear from every device using the same Apple Account after synchronization.
- A device backup may not contain a separate recoverable copy of every iCloud Drive file. Confirm backup contents before relying on backup restoration.
- Avoid deleting additional files until recovery is complete, especially when available iCloud storage is limited.
Related Questions
Can deleted iPhone Files app files be restored without a backup?
Files deleted from iCloud Drive can often be restored through Recently Deleted without a backup. Files permanently removed from the folder usually require an existing backup or another saved copy.
How long do iCloud Drive files remain in Recently Deleted?
iCloud Drive files generally remain recoverable for 30 days. After the retention period, automatic removal may prevent recovery through Apple services.
