How do I prevent undeleting permanently deleted files from Recents folder on my Apple device?

i can undelete any permanently deleted file from Recents folder which is pretty poor security.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Recents folder no security

iPad, iPadOS 26

Posted on Feb 22, 2026 9:00 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 22, 2026 10:09 PM

They are supposed to remain in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days, in case you change your mind. They are only permanently deleted when you delete them from that folder earlier or wait for the 30 days. When you delete them from the Recently Deleted folder before the 30 days, you will see a message that says continuing with that action will result in the data being permanently deleted, and that is exactly what that will happen.

8 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 22, 2026 10:09 PM in response to Tony Rees

They are supposed to remain in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days, in case you change your mind. They are only permanently deleted when you delete them from that folder earlier or wait for the 30 days. When you delete them from the Recently Deleted folder before the 30 days, you will see a message that says continuing with that action will result in the data being permanently deleted, and that is exactly what that will happen.

Feb 23, 2026 9:06 PM in response to Tony Rees

Hi Tony,


Anyone that you give access to your iPad will be able to access the Recents folder in the Files app. You can prevent that by choosing Require Face ID / Touch ID to open the Files app.


To do this, you can long press on the Files app icon and then choose Require Face ID / Touch ID option from the sub-menu. With this option activated, Face ID / Touch ID will be required to open the Files app.


Axel F.

Feb 22, 2026 10:42 PM in response to shoeluvr13

Hi guys, many thanks for replies, but unless I’m really missing something it’s just the Apple answer. Why do I say that, well ….. I go into my Files app on the iPad, go to the Recents folder - NOT THE RECENLY DELETED FOLDER - and go back a week or so and select a permanently deleted movie - it opens and I then open it again in iMovie - bearing in mind I had permanently deleted this file days ago. I can do this with any file, photo etc that is in the Recents folder. Security is zero.

How do I prevent undeleting permanently deleted files from Recents folder on my Apple device?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.