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User profile for user: InflatableMouse
InflatableMouse Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

How to effectively use iCloud for file recovery?

I accidentally removed my entire Documents directory. I would think that's what iCloud backups are for, so I went to Safari, logged into iCloud. Had to enable web access first and after that I was able to access Data Recovery.


I found 900-something files.

First problem:

I get a flat list of files, unable to sort on Directory name (it does show the source directories).


Second problem:

The window is so small it shows 2 lines only. How am I supposed to scroll > 900 files that are randomly sorted by delete date or name (and not directory) to select only the 800-something files that I need???


Third problem:

Need I say more?


Fourth problem:

I can try again, it will restore a few more. I can try again, it will overwrite some, and restore some new ones.


HOW MANY TIMES DO I NEED TO DO THIS BEFORE I GET ALL MY FILES BACK!!?!


The one time I actually need this, it doesn't work!!


I'm not even going to apologize for my tone, I am so frustrated right now! I can't make silly mistake and fix it with the very tool that is designed for it.


Please Apple ... if you read this, the restore option needs a complete overhaul!



[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Oct 19, 2024 1:42 AM

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9 replies
User profile for user: muguy
muguy
User level: Level 10
82,309 points

Oct 19, 2024 2:50 PM in response to InflatableMouse

If you delete a file from iCloud Drive, it is moved to your recycling bin on your Mac or can be recovered from file recovery. You can restore from that location as with any file; unless emptied. Other synced locations (eg photos, messages) provide a recently deleted folder from which you can restore. Anything further deleted from those “intermediary locations” iS irrecoverable .

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User profile for user: InflatableMouse
InflatableMouse Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Oct 19, 2024 11:12 PM in response to muguy

I appreciate your replies and you're trying to help but honestly they are besides the point of this topic and not helpful. You don't have to explain a recycle bin to me. I know how that works. The post is about recovering from iCloud and the why isn't the point. It has the option to restore and its there for the sole purpose of recovering deleted files. It doesn't work very well, and that was what led me to post this topic.


I tried to edit the post to take off the rough edges but it won't let me edit it.

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User profile for user: muguy
muguy
User level: Level 10
82,309 points

Oct 20, 2024 5:44 AM in response to InflatableMouse

If you deleted your files, it's easiest to restore by dragging out of the trash on a Mac to where you want the documents stored. Files in file recovery at iCloud.com have been deleted; they. are moved into data recovery (or Recently Deleted for some apps that store data in iCloud) and also into trash on the Mac. If you further delete from wither location, the item is permanently deleted and irrecoverable.


Otherwise, you'll need to restore from iCloud. I've not experienced any issue that you have in restoring from trash. I'd recommend not trying to restore all at one time.


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How to effectively use iCloud for file recovery?

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