How to Delete Files from File App on iPhone

In today’s digital age, the size of files we store on our devices is getting bigger and bigger. With limited storage capacity, we have to delete unnecessary files to free up space. However, deleting files from the Files app on an iPhone may not be a straightforward process for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore the steps you need to follow to delete files from the Files app on your iPhone.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we start, you will need the following things:

– An iPhone with a Files app installed
– Files that you want to delete stored in the Files app
– Basic knowledge of operating an iPhone

What requires your focus?

You will need to focus on the following things to ensure that you delete the files correctly:

– Selecting the right files to delete
– Confirming that you wish to delete the selected files
– Checking and verifying that the selected files have been deleted

Method 1: Delete Files from the Files App on iPhone

The Files app on your iPhone makes it easy to store and access your files in one central location. Here are the steps to follow to delete files from the Files app on your iPhone:

1. Open the Files app on your iPhone.
2. Locate the file that you want to delete.
3. Swipe left on the file to reveal the "Delete" button.
4. Tap "Delete," and a prompt will appear asking you to confirm the deletion.
5. Tap "Delete" again to confirm.

Pros:
– Simple and quick to delete individual files.
– No additional apps or software required.

Cons:
– Time-consuming if you want to delete multiple files.
– No way to select multiple files to delete at once.

Method 2: Use a Third-Party App to Delete Files

There are third-party apps that you can use to manage your files on your iPhone. One such popular app is Documents by Readdle. Here are the steps to follow to delete files using the Documents app:

1. Open the Documents app on your iPhone.
2. Locate the file that you want to delete.
3. Tap and hold on the file until a menu appears.
4. Tap the "Delete" button, and a prompt will appear asking you to confirm the deletion.
5. Tap "Delete" again to confirm.

Pros:
– Can delete multiple files at once.
– Files can be sorted and organized more efficiently.
– Additional features such as file compression and encryption are available.

Cons:
– Need to download and install an additional app.
– Some third-party apps may charge a fee for additional features.

Method 3: Use iCloud to Delete Files

If you have enabled iCloud on your iPhone, you can also manage your files using the iCloud Drive app. Here are the steps to follow on how to delete files from iCloud Drive on your iPhone:

1. Open the iCloud Drive app on your iPhone.
2. Locate the file that you want to delete.
3. Swipe left on the file to reveal the "Delete" button.
4. Tap "Delete," and a prompt will appear asking you to confirm the deletion.
5. Tap "Delete" again to confirm.

Pros:
– Can access files on other Apple devices.
– Can delete files from iCloud on other devices or a computer.
– Can recover deleted files for up to 30 days.

Cons:
– Need to enable and configure iCloud on your iPhone.
– Can’t delete files directly from the Files app on your iPhone.

Why Can’t I Delete Files from the Files App on iPhone?

There might be several reasons why you can’t delete files from the Files app on your iPhone. Here are a few possible reasons and fixes:

1. The files are still open or being used by another app or process. Close all apps and processes that might be using the files, then try again.
2. The files are synced with iCloud, and you don’t have the permission to delete them. Open the iCloud Drive app and delete the files from there.
3. The Files app has crashed or isn’t working correctly. Restart your iPhone, then try again.

Implications and Recommendations

Deleting files from your iPhone can free up valuable storage space and improve the performance of your device. However, it’s essential to be cautious when deleting files and ensure that you don’t delete any critical files accidentally. Here are some recommendations to follow:

– Back up your important files regularly to avoid losing them accidentally.
– Organize your files into folders and only delete files that you no longer need.
– Use a third-party app such as Documents to manage your files more efficiently.

FAQs

Q: Are deleted files permanently deleted from my iPhone?

A: When you delete a file from your iPhone, it’s moved to the "Recently Deleted" folder, where it will stay for up to 30 days before being permanently deleted. You can recover deleted files from the "Recently Deleted" folder within this time frame.

Q: Can I recover deleted files from my iPhone?

A: Yes, you can recover deleted files from your iPhone within 30 days by accessing the "Recently Deleted" folder in the Files app.

Q: How can I free up more space on my iPhone?

A: Besides deleting files, you can also free up space on your iPhone by deleting unused apps, clearing caches, and transferring files to an external storage device or cloud storage service.

Q: Can I recover files that have been deleted from iCloud Drive?

A: Yes, you can recover files that have been deleted from iCloud Drive within 30 days by accessing the iCloud website on your computer or other devices.

Q: Can I delete files from the Files app on my iPhone using Siri?

A: Yes, you can delete files from the Files app on your iPhone using Siri by activating Siri and saying "Delete [file name]."