Files disappeared from desktop, Finder, and iCloud Drive after iCloud Drive sync on Mac

Question

Level 1

4 points

Files disappeared from desktop, Finder, and iCloud Drive after iCloud Drive sync on Mac

Hello! Today I wanted to clear up some storage and delete some old files of mine. Clicked on iCloud Drive sync and all of my files from desktop disappeared and some old files from previous MacBook appeared in desktop, finder and iCloud.

I then went to browse internet in search of answers, especially apple community pages. There I was told to deselect desktop and documents sync and I did it. But nothing changed. Then I was told to turn off iCloud sync of my Mac in general and I did this aswell. Long story short - none changed.

I now don't know what to do folks, honestly. All of my passwords, contracts, important work wile were there. Completely shattered and in panic right now. Help please

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: All of my files disappeared from desktop, finder and iCloud Drive. Deselecting desktop and documents did it even worse.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jun 29, 2025 11:52 AM

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Answer 1

muguy

Level 10

91,190 points

Jun 29, 2025 12:49 PM in response to Abdullayev13

enabling sync will not delete data. If you turn off iCloud desktop and documents, the “desktop” and “documents” folder are moved into iCloud only status. You can find those folders in iCloud Drive. Otherwise, you’ll need to recover from your Time Machine (or similar) backup.

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Answer 2

Abdullayev13 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 29, 2025 1:01 PM in response to muguy

Didn't find it there. Time Machine wasn't enabled and I hadn't any reserve copies, as I found out. Trying to scan deleted files via some program right now but don't know if it'll help, because I didn't delete these files, they just disappeared.

Well, do you think I will be able to recover my files, if I go to some service center tomorrow?

Desktop folder does show up, but there is just my desktop after all files disappeared. There are like two files now and nothing more.

Thank you for helping!

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Answer 3

Abdullayev13 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 30, 2025 2:03 AM in response to Abdullayev13

Well, I just hopped of from call with Apple Support. Explained to them, that my files were wiped out because of iCloud, their product. No browser downloads were involved. They sad sorry, nothing we can do. You can file a complaint, but nobody will answer.

I'm SHOCKED, that such experience can happen with Apple

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Answer 4

Jun 30, 2025 8:43 AM in response to Abdullayev13

Abdullayev13 wrote: … I'm SHOCKED, that such experience can happen with Apple

I often can't remember what buttons I hit to cause an accidental disaster, and neither we nor Apple can possibly know exactly what happened with you. And, although shocked you may be, what really shocks me is that people don't keep backups.

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