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Recover Deleted iCloud Drive Files: Steps for iPhone, Mac, and Windows

Restore recently deleted iCloud Drive files from Recently Deleted, use the right recovery path for your device, and check backups if the file is no longer listed.
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To recover an iCloud Drive or iWork file deleted within the last 30 days, open iCloud.com/iclouddrive, sign in, open Recently Deleted, select the file, and choose Recover. On an iPhone or iPad, use Files > Browse > Recently Deleted. Apple’s recovery window is 30 days; after a file is permanently removed from Recently Deleted, Apple’s documented iCloud recovery steps cannot restore it.

Recover an iCloud Drive file at iCloud.com

  1. Go to iCloud.com/iclouddrive and sign in with the Apple Account used for iCloud Drive.
  2. Open Recently Deleted.
  3. Select the file you want, then choose Recover. To restore every file still listed there, choose Recover All.

Recovered files return to their original folders. Apple documents recovery for files deleted within the last 30 days; after that, items are removed from Recently Deleted. A file permanently deleted from Recently Deleted cannot be restored through this iCloud.com workflow. Apple Support: Recover deleted files on iCloud.com

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Use the recovery option for the device where you deleted it

iPhone or iPad

  1. Open the Files app.
  2. Tap Browse, then Recently Deleted.
  3. Select the file and tap Recover.

Files recovered this way return to their original location. Apple Support: Delete files or recover deleted files in the Files app on your iPhone or iPad

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One-click scans. No signup required.

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Mac

Check the Mac’s Trash. If the file is there, use Put Back or move it to a folder. If it is not in Trash, look for an iCloud Drive (Archive) folder if one exists, and check a Time Machine backup if you have one. A backup helps only if it contains the file from before deletion.

#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.

Windows PC

Check the Recycle Bin. Right-click the file and choose Restore if it is present. For a file deleted from another device or not found in the bin, also check iCloud.com’s Recently Deleted or Account Settings recovery. Apple Support: Recover recently deleted iCloud Drive files in iCloud for Windows

Restore files deleted from another app

If the file was deleted from another app rather than iCloud Drive or an iWork app, go to iCloud.com/recovery, choose Restore Files, select the files, and restore them. Then check the folders where they were stored before deletion.

Rank #2
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
  • 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.

During data recovery, avoid changing iCloud Drive files. Apple warns that changes made during recovery can interrupt the process. Apple Support: If you’re missing files in iCloud Drive

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If the file does not appear in Recently Deleted

  • Search your device by filename or keywords, and check the original folder.
  • On Mac, check Trash, Spotlight, any iCloud Drive (Archive) folder, and an available Time Machine backup.
  • On Windows, search by filename and inspect the Recycle Bin.
  • If the file was stored with a third-party cloud service shown in Files or Finder, check that service’s deleted-items area as well.
  • Confirm that you are signed in to the Apple Account that held the file and that you are checking the right storage location.

Apple’s documented iCloud recovery process does not provide a way to restore files permanently removed from Recently Deleted. If the 30-day period has passed or you emptied Recently Deleted, check an independent device, local, or cloud backup that existed before deletion; recovery depends on whether that backup contains the file.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$300.00
Bestseller No. 3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU; Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
$405.00
Bestseller No. 4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | Unlocked
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | Unlocked
There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.; Product may come in generic Box.
$262.00
Best Value
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
  • 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | Unlocked
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
  • Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
  • Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
  • Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
  • Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
  • Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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