voice memo 'delete forever', but appear in an iCloud Backup

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voice memo 'delete forever', but appear in an iCloud Backup

Hello, I need help with an issue regarding deleted Voice Memo files.

I previously moved some Voice Memo files to my Mac and then deleted them from the Voice Memos app on my iPhone, selecting the “Delete Forever” option. However, when I checked the files on my Mac, they show as ‘Zero bytes’.

To recover these files, I attempted to restore my iPhone using an older iCloud backup that contains the memos. After the restore completes, the files briefly appear in the Voice Memos app as ‘Downloading’, but they disappear shortly after. This seems to be related to the iCloud sync function for Voice Memos, which might be re-deleting the files.

I tried turning off iCloud sync for Voice Memos immediately after the phone restarts from the restore process. However, all the files remain stuck in the ‘Downloading’ state, and nothing progresses.

How can I successfully retrieve these Voice Memo files without iCloud overwriting or removing them again?

Thank you for your assistance.

iPhone XS, iOS 18

Posted on Dec 17, 2024 12:40 AM

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martingc1234 Author

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Dec 17, 2024 7:31 AM in response to martingc1234

Just an update from my end as I was able to resolve the issue.

I called Apple customer support, and after some discussion, we resolved that the files were irretrievable due to the sync function on iCloud. Even though the files existed on the iPhone iCloud backup, it wasn't possible to access them.

I then looked at my Mac and searched for MP4 files - the format of the voice memos. I noticed there were many files located in this directory:

cd ~/Library/Group\ Containers/group.com.apple.VoiceMemos.shared/Recordings/

I played some and realised this is where the voice memos (on my mac) are stored. Note, it seems that Voice Memos are synced between the iPhone device and Mac.

I then realised I had Time Machine backups for my mac (including this folder).

Steps to resolve the issue:

On my Mac I went to Apple > System Settings . Name > iCLoud > and turned off iCloud sync for Voice Memos.
I opened the folder above (~/Recordings) in the Time Machine backup and performed a restore using a backup from a week ago.
Open my voice memo app, and Eureka! all voice memos are back.

Once I've backed up the voice memos I really needed (and thought I lost), I will re-enbale memo sync for iCloud and on my phone and mac.

Just thought I'd share it as a work round in case it helps somebody else.

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voice memo 'delete forever', but appear in an iCloud Backup

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