Can't delete non existing file in recently deleted in iPad

How to delete file in recently deleted file that says file couldn't be removed as it doesn't exist in iPad . It says recently deleted items may be permanently deleted by your storage provider. Don't understand what it means. I tried updated & follow the advice in the Apple community going to browse & deleted but still can't remove. Pls advise. Thx

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Mar 16, 2025 5:02 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 16, 2025 5:17 PM

Hello hoodybear,


In Files, tap ⋯⃝ in the sidebar, choose Edit Sidebar and turn off the location where this file is (iCloud Drive, "On My iPad"...), reboot your iPad and turn back on the location in Files.


This should refresh the list of files for this location and hopefully remove the offending file.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 16, 2025 5:17 PM in response to hoodybear

Hello hoodybear,


In Files, tap ⋯⃝ in the sidebar, choose Edit Sidebar and turn off the location where this file is (iCloud Drive, "On My iPad"...), reboot your iPad and turn back on the location in Files.


This should refresh the list of files for this location and hopefully remove the offending file.

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Can't delete non existing file in recently deleted in iPad

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