User profile for user: Jondogg
Jondogg Author
User level: Level 1
12 points

How can I permanently delete files from iCloud Trash?

I have a file that no matter what I do, I've literally tried everything I can think of, keeps reappearing in my Trash on my MacBook, and files on iPhone and iPad. I took my MacBook into Apple as I first thought it was just on that, and they reinstalled the OS, and still it’s there. With the file being on all my devices, I know think it’s iCloud related. I have deleted hundreds of times via immediately deleting and emptying the Trash, and it goes, and a few minutes later, it’s back. The file is showing 0KB memory, so it’s not taking anything up, it’s just really getting on my nerves. I am at the point now that I'm thinking about getting rid of my Apple ID that I have had for 12 years. Can anyone please help me?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: file wont delet from icloud keeps re appearing on ipad and macbook

Posted on Jul 6, 2025 8:20 AM

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User profile for user: andysims
andysims
User level: Level 2
227 points

Posted on Jul 7, 2025 6:21 AM

A file being stuck in a sync loop with iCloud can occasionally happen when a file doesn't properly finish deleting across all devices. Even though it shows as 0KB, the system might be holding onto a ghost copy. Something went wrong in the background, and now iCloud keeps trying to "restore" it.


Here are a couple of things to try:

  • Go to iCloud.com in a browser, log in, and check the “Recently Deleted” or “iCloud Drive” section.
    • Sometimes files get stuck there without showing on devices.
    • If the file can be seen there, delete it from iCloud.
  • Then, on your devices, sign out of iCloud (System Settings > Apple ID), restart each device, then sign back in.
    • This can refresh iCloud's sync state and usually clears stubborn files that aren't truly gone.


If that doesn't work, try this:

  • Disable iCloud Drive temporarily on device(s)
  • Wait a few minutes, then re-enable it.
    • This forces iCloud to rescan and re-sync your file system.
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User profile for user: andysims
andysims
User level: Level 2
227 points

Jul 7, 2025 6:21 AM in response to Jondogg

A file being stuck in a sync loop with iCloud can occasionally happen when a file doesn't properly finish deleting across all devices. Even though it shows as 0KB, the system might be holding onto a ghost copy. Something went wrong in the background, and now iCloud keeps trying to "restore" it.


Here are a couple of things to try:

  • Go to iCloud.com in a browser, log in, and check the “Recently Deleted” or “iCloud Drive” section.
    • Sometimes files get stuck there without showing on devices.
    • If the file can be seen there, delete it from iCloud.
  • Then, on your devices, sign out of iCloud (System Settings > Apple ID), restart each device, then sign back in.
    • This can refresh iCloud's sync state and usually clears stubborn files that aren't truly gone.


If that doesn't work, try this:

  • Disable iCloud Drive temporarily on device(s)
  • Wait a few minutes, then re-enable it.
    • This forces iCloud to rescan and re-sync your file system.
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How can I permanently delete files from iCloud Trash?

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