Suddenly Empty Folders in iCloud (Files Disappeared)

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Level 1

64 points

Suddenly Empty Folders in iCloud (Files Disappeared)

I pay for the 2TB iCloud storage plan which I access from multiple devices.

I just noticed that MANY of the folders in this archive are suddenly EMPTY. The files are gone but the folders are still there. The pattern is too random, and the empty folders are scattered throughout the archive so I don't think it was an accidental delete, mistakenly done by me. It's throughout the file system.

PLEASE HELP! I want to trust my iCloud, which I pay for, but I'm afraid to store important things here now. And I need to get my files back.

Posted on Feb 16, 2023 2:05 PM

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Answer 1

Trish313

Community Specialist

Feb 20, 2023 12:57 PM in response to Hucklebucks

Hi Hucklebucks,

While we cannot speculate on what may have happened, we'd be happy to get you pointed in the right direction for assistance. If the steps provided above were unsuccessful, the next step would be to reach out to Apple directly so that they can take a look into this with you.

Depending on your region, you may be able to reach them here: Contact - Official Apple Support

Have a good one!

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Answer 2

Hucklebucks Author

Level 1

64 points

Feb 20, 2023 7:10 AM in response to Eric_G1

Hi Eric,

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I tried everything you suggested but I still can't find the files which vanished from the empty folders in my iCould drive.

Can you please let me know your ideas on how this could have happened? I want to continue using iCloud but not if there is a risk of unexpected file loss.

Thanks!

Anthony

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Answer 3

Eric_G1

Community Specialist

Feb 18, 2023 1:40 PM in response to Hucklebucks

Hello Hucklebucks,

If the data went missing within the last 30 days you may try the following to double-check and see if it's within the Recently Deleted/Trash areas:

•iOS/iPadOS: Open the Files app, tap Browse, then tap Recently Deleted. If you see a missing file, try to tap and hold the item, then choose Recover.

•iCloud.com: Go to the iCloud Drive page here, and sign in: iCloud. From the lower-right corner of the screen, click Recently Deleted. If you see one of the missing files, select it, then click Recover.

•macOS: Check the Trash for any files here. If you see them, try dragging it to the Desktop.

Similarly, the following steps can be followed to see if they help recover the files:

1. Go to the iCloud Settings page: iCloud

2. At the very bottom of the screen, under Advanced, click Restore Files.

3. Click Select All or select the files that you want restored.

4. Click Restore.

If the above hasn't helped, you may also try looking here:

•Check the iCloud Drive (Archive) folder: Open Finder, select Macintosh HD > Users > [User name]. If the archive folder exists, you will see "iCloud Drive (Archive)".

Cheers.

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Suddenly Empty Folders in iCloud (Files Disappeared)

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