Whether you accidentally deleted content or it’s unexpectedly missing from iCloud, follow along for how to recover lost iCloud Drive documents and files.
Just like the Photos app, deleted files from iCloud remain recoverable for 30 days. You’ll need to use a Mac, iPad, or another device with a desktop browser to see the most iCloud files that are able to be recovered.
However, with the Files app on iPhone and iPad, you can also recover files from the “Recently Deleted” location but you may not see all files that appear when using iCloud.com.
How to recover lost iCloud Drive documents
- Head to iCloud.com on the web (works on Mac, iPad, and other desktops)
- Log in and click Account Settings (under your name or click the arrow in the top right corner)
- In the very bottom left-hand corner under Advanced, click Restore Files
- Wait for files to populate, click individual files or use the Select All checkbox
- Click Restore, then Done when finished
- The restored file(s) will be on your Mac’s Desktop (even if you did it from iPad)
Alternately, head to the Recently Deleted location in the Files app on iOS and iPadOS.
Here’s how the process looks:
Now scroll or swipe to the bottom and look for Advanced in the left corner. Click Restore Files.
It may take a few moments to populate the list of deleted files that can be recovered. iCloud Drive files are saved in the deleted cache for 30 days.
Select the files you’d like to recover and click Restore.
As shown above, Apple notes that if you’re not seeing a file, try looking in the Files app on iPhone or iPad under the “Recently Deleted” location.
When complete, you’ll see a confirmation of the files that were restored. Head to your Mac’s desktop to see them.
You can look for deleted Bookmarks, Contacts, and Calendars, and restore them by heading back to the Advanced section on iCloud.com.
Read more 9to5Mac tutorials:
macOS Catalina:
- How to get started with and use Voice Control in macOS Catalina
- How to check iPad and Mac Sidecar requirements
- How to set up Screen Time on your Mac in macOS Catalina
- How to get your Mac ready for macOS Catalina
- How to create a bootable macOS Catalina 10.15 USB install drive [Video]
- How to sync iPhone and iPad to your Mac in macOS Catalina without iTunes
iPhone & iPad:
- How to use the ‘Remind when messaging’ feature on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- iOS 13: How to use Reader View on iPhone and iPad
- How to change icons and colors for Reminders Lists on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- How to make subtasks and sublists with Reminders in iOS 13 and macOS Catalina
- How to get started with and use ‘Sign in with Apple’ on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- How to share your location on iPhone and more with the Find My app
- iPadOS 13: How to make iPad app icons and text bigger
- How to use the ultra wide camera on iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro
- How to use iCloud Keychain to manage and store your passwords
- How to use Night mode on iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments