Airdropped files from the Files app automatically saves to iCloud Drive—How to stop this

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Level 1

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Airdropped files from the Files app automatically saves to iCloud Drive—How to stop this

Many have tried to get help on this problem with no results. I am now giving it a go. Since iOS 17, files Airdropped from any application (except the Photos app, it seems) are automatically saved to iCloud Drive. For example, if I use AirDrop to send a PDF document from my iPhone to my iPad, the file will *automatically* be saved to the Downloads folder in iCloud Drive, even though the file was never in iCloud on my iPhone. No matter its original location, the file will be saved in iCloud Drive. This is new behavior since iOS 17– behavior that Apple has obviously implemented with intention. I am searching for a way to get around it, and would be grateful for a solution. I’ve searched this forum and the web many times for an answer. I’m beginning to suspect there isn’t one, which leaves as my next step a complaint to Apple for behavior that goes against their public statements regarding privacy.

Posted on Jun 13, 2024 10:33 AM

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Answer 1

muguy

Level 10

90,440 points

Jun 13, 2024 7:20 PM in response to ojleblanc

Files that you send are typically sent to the downloads folder on your device. If you sync with iCloud, your file may then sync to your iCloud account. Not sure what statements you're referencing, but there is no privacy issue.

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Answer 2

ojleblanc Author

Level 1

11 points

Jun 14, 2024 8:39 AM in response to muguy

Thanks for the reply, muguy.

Prior to iOS 17, one could choose where files were saved. Now, there is no choice. I understand iCloud syncing: if a file is in iCloud on one device and I am iCloud syncing turned on, that file will appear on other iOS devices that also have iCloud syncing turned on. That is expected behavior.

What I’m seeking a solution to is when a file that never touched iCloud is sent by me via AirDrop from one iOS device to another, the file is suddenly placed on iCloud Drive (yes, in the Downloads folder); thereby placing a file on the internet that had never touched the internet.

In other words, to Airdrop files between iOS devices appears to require those files to first be placed on iCloud. That’s the privacy issue.

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Airdropped files from the Files app automatically saves to iCloud Drive—How to stop this

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