[Step-by-Step Guide] How to Permanently Delete Files on iPhone?

In everyday use of the iPhone, we often delete files that are no longer needed to free up storage space. However, many users are unaware that these deleted files have not truly disappeared from the device; they are still occupying storage space and can even appear again. So, how do I completely delete files from my iPhone? Take it easy. This article is for you and we will introduce how to permanently delete files on iPhone in two ways.

Part 1. How to Permanently Delete Files on iPhone by Emptying the Recently Deleted Folder

When you delete files on your iPhone, they don't disappear immediately but are moved to the "Recently Deleted" folder. Files in this folder will be retained for 30 days before being permanently deleted. Therefore, if you want to completely delete these files immediately, you can manually empty the "Recently Deleted" folder by following these steps.

Here is how to delete files from iPhone permanently:

Step 1. Open the Files app and go to the "Browse" tab.

Step 2. Under "Locations", select where the files you want to delete are stored.

Step 3. Tap the "More" button, then choose "Select".

Step 4. Select the files you wish to delete and tap the "Delete" button. Alternatively, to delete a single file, you can press and hold the file, then tap "Delete".

Step 5. Navigate to the "Recently Deleted" folder, select the item you want to delete, and choose the "Delete" option again. Alternatively, you can select "Delete All" to empty the Recently Deleted folder entirely.

It's not just the Files app; the Photos app, Notes app, Messages app, and Mail app on iPhone also have a Recently Deleted folder. You can follow these steps to locate and empty them.

For Photos app:

Step 1. Open the Photos app.

Step 2. At the bottom, tap "Albums", then scroll down to the "Other Albums" section and select "Recently Deleted".

Step 3. Tap "Select", then choose "Delete All". (Click here to learn more ways to permanently delete photos from your iPhone.)

For Messages app (iOS 16 and later):

Step 1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap "Edit" in the top-left corner and then select "Show Recently Deleted" or tap "Filters" in the top-left corner and choose "Recently Deleted".

Step 3. Select the conversations you want to delete permanently, tap "Delete", and follow the on-screen instructions.

For Notes app:

Step 1. Open the Notes app.

Step 2. If you're not on the Folders page, tap the "Back" button to return to it.

Step 3. Select "Recently Deleted", then tap "Edit" and choose "Delete All". (No Recently Deleted Notes folder on iPhone?)

For Mail app:

Step 1. Open the Mail app.

Step 2. Go to the "Mailboxes" page and tap "Bin".

Step 3. Then tap "Edit", choose "Select All", and tap "Delete", followed by "Delete All".

Part 2. How to Delete Files from iPhone Permanently via Coolmuster iOS Eraser [Unrecoverable]

While emptying the "Recently Deleted" folder can permanently delete some files, there is still a chance they could be recovered by professional data recovery software. If you want to ensure that files are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered by any tool, using a professional tool like Coolmuster iOS Eraser is a more reliable option. It is a data erasure tool specifically designed for iOS devices, capable of completely wiping files so they cannot be retrieved by recovery tools.

Highlights of Coolmuster iOS Eraser:

• Thoroughly erase all data from your iDevices, including private information, system settings, deleted files, and more.
• Permanently delete contacts, SMS, call logs, music, videos, photos, and other types of data.
• Completely erase both existing and deleted data without the possibility of recovery.
• Choose from three security levels for erasure: Low, Medium, and High.
• Use a 100% read-only mode to securely wipe iOS data.

Free Download for PC

How do I completely delete files from my iPhone using iOS Eraser? Follow the steps below:

Video Tutorial:

In a Nutshell

That's all about how to permanently delete files on iPhone. Emptying the Recently Deleted folder can indeed permanently delete files, but there is still a chance that they could be recovered by professional data recovery software, and not all file types have a Recently Deleted folder. However, if you want to ensure that these files cannot be recovered, Coolmuster iOS Eraser is a more reliable choice. This tool not only thoroughly wipes files but also guarantees data irretrievability, providing better protection for your privacy.

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