How to Recover Deleted Files from iCloud Drive on iPhone and iPad
Accidentally deleting a file from iCloud Drive on an iPhone or iPad can be stressful, especially when it seems to disappear instantly. What many users don’t realize is that iCloud includes a built-in recovery feature that temporarily keeps deleted files before they are permanently erased. This recovery option is available directly on iOS and does not require a computer.
When a file is deleted from iCloud Drive using the Files app, it is moved to a Recently Deleted folder rather than being removed immediately. These files are typically stored for up to 30 days, giving you time to restore them if the deletion was unintentional.
To recover a deleted file on iOS, open the Files app and tap Browse at the bottom of the screen. From there, select iCloud Drive, then tap Recently Deleted. Inside this folder, you’ll see files that have been removed within the recovery window. Tap Select, choose the file or files you want to restore, and then tap Recover. The restored file will return to its original location in iCloud Drive and become available again on all devices signed in with the same Apple ID.
It’s important to understand that iCloud Drive is a syncing service, not a traditional backup. This means that deleting a file on one device deletes it across all devices using the same iCloud account. Because of this, the Recently Deleted folder acts as a safety net rather than a long-term backup solution. Once a file is permanently deleted from this folder or the 30-day window expires, it cannot be recovered by Apple Support.
A common source of confusion is that iOS does not use a visible “Trash” or “Recycle Bin” like macOS or Windows. Instead, all file recovery on iPhone and iPad is handled through the Recently Deleted section within the Files app. Knowing where to find this folder can save a significant amount of time and frustration.
For users who frequently work with important documents, a good practice is to move files you’re unsure about into a temporary folder instead of deleting them right away. This adds an extra layer of protection against accidental data loss and gives you more control over what gets removed permanently.
Understanding how iCloud Drive handles deleted files can help prevent panic when something disappears and ensures you know where to look before the recovery window closes.