Each Apple ID offers 5 GB of free iCloud storage space so that users can back up their data. However, the free 5 GB of space is inadequate to back up your data, especially if you use it to back up lots of photos. This is why most iPhone, iPad, and Mac users opt for 50, 200, or 2000 GB plans.
The iCloud drive can be accessed and managed from iOS, Mac, and Windows devices as well. While organizing your files on the iCloud drive, you might come across photos, videos, or other files you might not need. iCloud Drive lets you delete files from iCloud, and all deleted files are available in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days, just in case you change your mind.
Can I restore deleted iCloud Drive files after 30 days?
As said earlier, iCloud Drive moves all deleted files to the Recently Deleted folder and safely keeps them for 30 days. After the initial 30 days, files will be automatically deleted from the Recently Deleted folder permanently.
So, you cannot restore files deleted from the iCloud Drive after the initial 30 days. If you are looking to free up some space, we recommend you download photos from iCloud drive to Windows 10/11 PC or an external drive before deleting them from your iCloud drive.
Is it possible to configure the iCloud Recently Deleted folder to save files even after 30 days?
As of now, iCloud Drive does not offer an option to alter the Recently Deleted folder settings to change the default 30-day policy.
Restore deleted files from iCloud Drive
If you are unsure how to view and restore files from iCloud Drive, here is how.
Step 1: In a web browser, visit the iCloud website and sign in to your Apple account.
Step 2: On the home page of iCloud Drive, click the all apps button (refer to the picture) and then click the iCloud Drive icon.
Step 3: On the left pane of iCloud Drive, click Recently Deleted to see all files that were deleted in the previous thirty days.
To restore a file, click the three dots next to the file name and then click the Recover option. The file will be restored back to the location from where it was deleted.
If you are using OneDrive as well, refer to our can I recover deleted OneDrive files after 30 days article.
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