How to Delete Files on iPhone

To delete files on your iPhone, you have several methods available. Whether you want to delete files using the Files app, Pages app, Google Drive app, or iCloud.com, here are the step-by-step instructions:

Method 1: Delete Files using Files App

  1. Organize files and folders: Open the Files app and navigate to the location where the file you want to delete is stored. You can create new folders or move files to existing ones to keep your files organized.
  2. Touch and hold the file: Touch and hold the file you want to delete until a menu appears.
  3. Choose an option: Tap on the “Delete” option to permanently delete the file.

Method 2: Delete Files using Pages App

  1. Open Pages app: Open the Pages app and navigate to the document you want to delete.
  2. Touch and hold the document: Touch and hold the document thumbnail until a menu appears.
  3. Tap Delete: Tap on the “Delete” option to permanently delete the document.

Method 3: Delete Files using Google Drive App

  1. Open Google Drive app: Open the Google Drive app and navigate to the file you want to delete.
  2. Tap More: Tap the three vertical dots next to the file name.
  3. Tap Remove: Tap the “Remove” option to permanently delete the file.

Method 4: Permanently Remove Deleted Files on iCloud.com

  1. Sign in to iCloud.com: Sign in to your iCloud account on a computer or another device.
  2. Click Data Recovery: Click on the “Data Recovery” button in the toolbar.
  3. Restore Files: Select each file you want to permanently remove, or select “Select All”.
  4. Click Delete: Click the “Delete” button to permanently remove the files.

Remember to be cautious when deleting files, as they cannot be recovered once deleted. Make sure you have backed up your files to a secure location before deleting them. Deleting files on your iPhone without a backup can be a risky move, as it may lead to permanent loss of data. However, it’s not always a guarantee that your files will be lost forever. Here’s a breakdown of the risks and possibilities:

Risks:

  1. Permanent deletion: If you delete files without a backup, there’s a high chance they will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
  2. Data loss: If you delete files without a backup, you may lose important data, such as photos, videos, documents, or contacts, which cannot be recovered.

Possibilities:

  1. Recently deleted files: If you delete files, they may still be recoverable from the “Recently Deleted” folder for a limited time (30 days on iCloud Drive and 30 days on your device).
  2. iPhone data recovery tools: There are specialized tools available that can help recover deleted files from your iPhone, even without a backup. However, these tools may not always be successful and may require technical expertise.

Conclusion: Deleting Files on iPhone

While deleting files on your iPhone without a backup carries risks, it’s not always a guarantee of permanent loss. If you’re unsure about the importance of a file or want to ensure its safety, consider creating a backup or using a data recovery tool. Always exercise caution when deleting files to avoid potential data loss.

Additional Tips:

  • Regularly back up your iPhone to prevent data loss.
  • Use cloud storage services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox to store your files and access them from multiple devices.
  • Consider using data recovery software to recover deleted files, if needed.
  • Be mindful of the “Recently Deleted” folder and regularly review its contents to recover files before they’re permanently deleted.
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