iCloud Files Disappeared? 4 Ways to Recover Your Lost iCloud Files

If your iCloud files disappeared recently, you are not alone. Here's what one of the users had to say: "My iCloud Drive seems to have lost a lot of stuff. The folders are empty now, but they are still there. No data have been purposefully erased, and they are not visible in the iCloud Drive's recoverable files or recently deleted things sections".

Dont trust iCloud with your Data! (lost many files)
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Sometimes, you accidentally turn off iCloud Drive, or the system signs you out, leading to this. However, there are essential fixes that can help you recover your lost iCloud files. You can recover by checking the "Recently Deleted" directory, restore from your backups, and more. Let's explore the solutions when iCloud files disappear!

Fix 1. Recover iCloud Files Disappeared on a Mac with Software

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a reliable solution tailored to the specific needs of macOS users seeking to recover disappeared iCloud files. This intuitive software offers seamless functionality, ensuring a user-friendly experience while addressing the crucial task of iCloud file recovery.

Its straightforward interface simplifies the recovery process, making it accessible even to users with limited technical expertise. While leveraging advanced algorithms, this program efficiently scans your iCloud Drive storage and iCloud file version history, allowing you to restore your valuable data with ease.

Even if you've accidentally deleted files from your iCloud Drive or encountered unexpected data loss, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac equips you with the tools necessary to recover permanently deleted files from iCloud, including photos, videos, notes, and more. Check out the following steps to recover your iCloud files:

Step 1. Choose iCloud Recovery

Select the iCloud tab from the left list, choose the "Recover data from iCloud account" option to recover your iCloud Drive data, and click "Next" to log in to your iCloud account.

Step 2. Choose the "iCloud Drive" category

EaseUS software will quickly scan all the recoverable data from your iCloud account. Check the "iCloud Drive" category, and click the "Next" button.

Step 3. Recover iCloud Drive data from iCloud

Select the iCloud Drive data you want to restore, click the eye icon to preview the details, and then click the "Recover" button to get them back.

Step 4. Save recovered iCloud Drive data

Choose a safe storage location on your Mac hard drive to save the recovered iCloud Drive data. You can also save the recovered data to your cloud drives, such as DropBox, OneDrive, GoogleDrive, etc.

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Fix 2. Check Recently Deleted to Recover iCloud Disappeared Files

A possible solution, if you need to recover erased iCloud data, is to go through the Recently Deleted section. Files deleted from iCloud will be placed in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days, during which you may retrieve them on a Mac before they are completely erased.

To recover previously erased iCloud Drive files from the Bin folder, do the following actions:

Step 1. Visit iCloud.com on your Mac. Click on iCloud Drive to open it.

Step 2. Find the deleted files in the "Recently Deleted" folder from the sidebar. Click"Recover All" or select a file and then click the"Recover" button to complete the process.

If you want to recover deleted items after 30 days rather that recover recently deleted iCloud drive files, consider installing EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to recover permanently deleted files from iCloud Drive.

Fix 3. Restore Disappeared iCloud Files from Backups

iCloud Backups are a way to keep your data secured and can be restored when needed. You need to sync data periodically to keep the iCloud files updated. However, you cannot restore the iCloud backup directly on Mac if files have disappeared recently, as these are designed to be restored on iPhones and iPads.

Access iCloud backups on Mac

You can view and manage iCloud backups on your Mac. Here's how to access iCloud backups on Mac:

Step 1. Go to Apple Menu from the top-left corner and click on "System Settings".

Step 2. Click on Apple ID and then "iCloud". Click on "Manage Account Storage" and then "Backups".

Did you accidentally delete your iCloud backups? Worry no more! This post will show you how to recover deleted iCloud backups quickly and safely.

Restore files from Time Machine Backup

To restore specific files from backup on Mac, you can use the Time Machine backup functionality:

Step 1. Open the Time Machine from the launchpad. Now head to the location of the disappeared iCloud files, which in our case is iCloud Drive.

Step 2. Time Machine Backup allows you to browse through the backup timeline and restore the files you're looking for.

Step 3: Select all of the iCloud disappeared files and click "Restore."

Restore iCloud Files from Backup (iOS)

If you have an iOS device, i.e., iPad or iPhone, you can directly restore the iCloud backup to your device. Here's how to do so:

Step 1. Open Settings on your iOS device. Tap on "General" and then "Transfer or Reset iPhone". Tap on "Erase All Content and Settings".

Step 2: Once the device is reset, turn it ON. Select "Restore From iCloud Backup".

Fix 4. Contact Apple Support to Return iCloud Disappeared Files

Visit the Apple Support page to have a conversation with Apple customer service representatives. Ask Apple's Official Support to return the disappeared iCloud files.

Step 1. Select the Apple product or service for which you want assistance and the problem you're having.

Step 2. Lastly, click Chat and log in using your Apple ID or the serial number of your device.

Conclusion

Although experiencing the "iCloud files disappeared" error can be distressing, viable remedies exist. You can recover deleted iCloud files by contacting Apple Support, utilizing the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, or searching the Recently Deleted folder. All in all, vital data can be recovered, and future data loss can be avoided with the proper tools and approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Following are some queries related to iCloud files disappeared:

1. Why are my iCloud files suddenly missing?

Unchecking "Desktop & Documents Folders" in iCloud settings on your Mac may cause your iCloud files to disappear. Other reasons can be accidental deletion, storage issues, and more.

2. Where have my Documents gone on iCloud?

Your documents may appear missing on iCloud if you've unchecked "Desktop & Documents Folders" in your Mac's iCloud settings. This action removes local copies to conserve space while retaining them in iCloud. Access them via iCloud Drive on synced devices or the website.

3. Why does iCloud delete my files?

Accidental deletions or issues with synchronization can lead to file deletion. However, they're still accessible in iCloud. Additionally, iCloud deletes files if you uncheck "Desktop & Documents Folders" in iCloud settings, removing local copies to save space. Regular backups and syncing settings can help prevent data loss.