How to Recover Deleted Files from iPhone: 6 Proven Methods

Where do deleted files go on iPhone?

Many iPhone users experience the frustration of losing important files due to accidental deletion, iOS update failures, device crashes, or other unexpected events. When you delete files on iPhone, they don't immediately disappear but are typically stored in specialized recovery areas within the system.

If you're facing data loss, don't panic—there's a strong chance you can retrieve deleted files from your iPhone. This comprehensive guide presents multiple effective solutions for iPhone file recovery.

How can I recover deleted iPhone files without backup?

When you delete photos or files on iPhone, they're not immediately erased but moved to the Recently Deleted folder in the Files app, where they remain for 30 days. For permanently deleted files, professional iPhone data recovery software offers your best chance of recovery.

Method 1. Recover recently deleted files from the Files app

The Files app's Recently Deleted folder stores deleted files for 30 days, providing a straightforward recovery option for recent deletions.

Step 1. Open the Files app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap Browse and click Recently Deleted.      

Step 3. Select files to recover > Tap Recover.

⏰ Time Limit: Files are automatically permanently deleted after 30 days. For older deletions, proceed to Method 2.

Method 2. Recover deleted files via iPhone data recovery software

If method 1 doesn't work for you, then a professional data recovery tool will be a perfect assistant. Even if you haven't backed up your data before, you can get them back directly from your iPhone. FoneTool provides professional data recovery capabilities for permanently deleted files, even without existing backups.

Step 1. Download, install and launch FoneTool on your PC.

Step 2. Connect iPhone via USB > Go to Toolbox > iOS Data Recovery.

Step 2. Check the icon you need > Click Start Scan.

Step 3. Choose deleted files > Cllick Recover to PC to retrieve.

How to recover deleted files on iPhone with backup

If you have the habit of backing up your iPhone data regularly, it becomes easier to recover deleted files. iCloud and iTunes provided by Apple are generally acknowledged as the two most common backup tools used by most users. Next, we will list out the specific steps about how to recover data from iPhone according to the different backup methods used by iPhone users.

Method 3. Retrieve deleted iPhone files from iCloud.com

 iCloud.com provides limited file recovery through its Recently Deleted folder, similar to the iPhone Files app. The following steps will show you how to retrieve files from iCloud.

Step 1. Go to iCloud.com in your browser.

Step 2. Sign in with your Apple ID, click Account Settings.  

Step 3. Then click Restore Files under the Advanced option.

Method 4. Restore deleted files on iPhone from iCloud backup

Complete iCloud backup restoration can recover deleted files but requires device reset and replaces all current data.

Important Considerations:✎...

Verify the iCloud backup contains your needed files

Ensure stable internet connection throughout the process

iCloud Backup excludes files already stored in iCloud

The step-by-step tutorial will guide you on how to recover deleted files from iPhone without computer.

Step 1. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

Step 2. During setup, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.

Step 3. Sign in to iCloud > Select appropriate backup.

Method 5. Get deleted files back with iTunes backup

iTunes backups enable full device restoration but overwrite current data and don't allow selective file recovery.

Notes:✎...

It will overwrite all the original data on your iPhone and then import the iTunes backup.

It does not allow you to preview and select the files you need to restore.

Step 1. Open iTunes > Connect iPhone > Click Trust.

Step 2. Click device icon > Summary > Restore Backup.

Step 3. Click Summary > Restore Backup under the Backups menu.

Step 4. Select relevant backup > Click Restore.

Bonus: Better alternative for iPhone backup without data loss

FoneTool's Phone Backup feature provides flexible, non-destructive backups without the limitations of iCloud or iTunes.

Advantages Over Traditional Methods:

✅ Selective backup without erasing existing data

✅ Preview and choose specific files before backup

✅ Faster transfer speeds (2000+ contacts in 20 seconds)

✅ Full Windows 11/10/8/7 and iOS 17/16/15 compatibility

Here we take photos backup as an example:

Step 1. Go to Phone Backup > Selective Backup > Get Started.

Step 2. Click file type icons (e.g., Photos) > Select items > OK.

Step 3. Choose storage path >Click Start Backup.

Wrapping up

With the help of this guide, you no longer need to worry about how to recover deleted files from iPhone. Once you find that the files are deleted, please stop all operations on your iPhone to prevent losing more data. Besides recovering files from recently deleted folders, you can also use this reliable FoneTool to recover permanently deleted files effortlessly.

In addition, for those who have a good habit of backing up iPhones, retrieving deleted files from iTunes or iCloud backup is also a good way. Meanwhile, to protect data safety, FoneTool's phone backup feature can also help you a lot.

Frequently asked questions