How to Recover Deleted Files in Microsoft 365 Mobile Apps

If you've accidentally deleted important documents from your Microsoft 365 mobile apps, don't worry; recovery is often quick and straightforward. Microsoft 365 provides built-in recovery options through OneDrive and SharePoint, allowing you to restore your files with ease. Here’s how to make the most of these tools effectively.

What recovery options does Microsoft 365 offer?

Microsoft 365 offers several recovery options for deleted files, primarily through OneDrive and SharePoint. In OneDrive, deleted files move to the Recycle Bin, where they can be restored within a limited timeframe. For SharePoint, files can also be recovered from the site's Recycle Bin. If files are permanently deleted from both locations, you may still have options available through your IT support, depending on your organization’s settings.

Prerequisites

Before starting the recovery process, ensure you have the following:

• The Microsoft 365 mobile app installed on your device.
• An active Microsoft 365 account.
• Internet access.
• The necessary permissions to access the Recycle Bin in OneDrive or SharePoint.

How to recover deleted files from OneDrive on mobile

To recover deleted files from the OneDrive app on your mobile device, follow these steps:

1. Open the OneDrive app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the Me icon at the bottom right corner.
3. Select Recycle Bin from the menu.
4. Browse through the list of deleted files to find the one you want to recover.
5. Tap and hold on the file you wish to restore.
6. Select Restore from the options that appear.

The file will be moved back to its original location in your OneDrive.

How to restore files in SharePoint using your mobile device

To recover deleted files from SharePoint using your mobile device, follow these steps:

1. Open the SharePoint app on your mobile device.
2. Navigate to the site where the file was originally stored.
3. Tap on the More icon (three dots) next to the site name.
4. Choose Site contents from the menu.
5. Tap on the Recycle Bin option at the bottom of the page.
6. Locate the file you want to recover and select it.
7. Tap Restore to recover the file back to its original location.

What to do if recovery options fail

If you cannot recover your files using the built-in options in OneDrive or SharePoint, consider these alternatives:

• Check if the file is available in a different location or on another device where it might have been saved.
• Contact your IT support team, as they may have backup solutions or access to server-side recovery methods that can help you retrieve the lost files.

How to prevent accidental deletions in the future

To minimize the risk of accidentally deleting important files in Microsoft 365 mobile apps, consider these tips:

• Regularly back up your files to multiple locations, such as an external drive or a different cloud service.
• Familiarize yourself with the app’s features, including the location of the Recycle Bin, so you can quickly access deleted files.
• Be cautious when using the delete function, and double-check before confirming deletions.

Conclusion

Act quickly to recover your deleted files using the steps outlined above. Regular backups and careful file management can help you avoid future issues. If you still can’t find your files, reach out to your IT support for assistance.