Does Deleting Files in One iPhone automatically deletes Files in Other iPhone

Understanding the Impact of File Deletion Across Multiple iPhones Using the Same Apple ID

When managing multiple Apple devices, such as iPhones, it’s common to question how actions taken on one device may affect the other. A frequent concern among users is whether deleting files on one iPhone leads to their automatic removal from another device sharing the same Apple ID.

The Relationship Between Apple ID and Data Synchronization

Apple’s ecosystem is designed to offer seamless synchronization across devices linked to the same Apple ID. Features like iCloud Drive, Photos, Contacts, and Notes ensure that data remains consistent across your iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers.

Does Deleting Files on One iPhone Remove Them from Others?

The answer depends on how the files are stored and synchronized:

• iCloud Drive Files:
  If you delete files stored in iCloud Drive on one device, those files are also removed from iCloud and, consequently, from all other devices connected to the same Apple ID with iCloud Drive enabled. This synchronization ensures that your data remains consistent but also means that deletions are reflected universally.

• Local Files and App Data:
  Files stored locally on your device outside of iCloud Drive usually remain unaffected on other devices, unless specifically synchronized through cloud services or app-specific cloud syncing.

Case Scenario: Deletion Affecting Multiple Devices

In your situation, you mentioned having two iPhones—an iPhone 8 and an iPhone 13 Pro—and the concern that deleting files on one may have unintentionally removed files from the other. Since both devices share the same Apple ID, it’s likely they are connected through iCloud services, which could lead to synchronized deletions if the files are stored in iCloud Drive.

Steps to Clarify and Manage Your Data

1. Verify Storage Locations:
   Check where your files are stored—locally or in iCloud Drive. You can do this by reviewing file storage settings on both devices.

2. Review iCloud Settings:
   Navigate to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, and determine which services are enabled for file synchronization.

3. Check Recently Deleted Files:
   In iCloud Drive, Deleted files are retained for 30 days. You can restore accidentally deleted files from the ‘Recently Deleted’ folder.

4. Avoid Unintended Data Loss:
   If you wish to prevent files from syncing across devices, consider storing certain files locally or disabling