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Files app: anyway to remove local copies without deleting file from iCloud?

M

mman454

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 12, 2015
23
12
As the title says, I'm trying to figure out if there is any way to remove local copies of a file that were downloaded using the files app. For example, I tap a video that I have stored in iCloud drive and the files app proceeds to download a copy for local viewing. When I'm done watching the video, I no longer want it cached on my phone. Is there any way to remove the local copy without completely deleting the file from iCloud?
 
I’ve been trying to find an answer to this for ages too! Nobody seems to know. The weird thing is nobody seems to care very much?
 
You used to be able to. Not that long ago I remember clearly having the option to delete from the device only or all copies including iCloud.

This seems to have been changed at some point in the public betas for some stupid reason.
 
Just had a conversation with apple support. After many misunderstandings they finally understood what I was trying to say. Turns out its not possible to remove files from your device which have been downloaded. The only way to do it is to sign out of iCloud on your device and then all the files will be deleted! Completely crazy. And this device is suppose to be able to replace my computer!
 
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From watching the WWDC videos it seems this is intended to be managed by the system. Developers of cloud based extensions are told to plan, manage and expect that the files may be removed to make space on the system. This obviously doesn’t apply to those apps which are storing files locally like PDF Expert and others.
 
jesterengland said:
Just had a conversation with apple support. After many misunderstandings they finally understood what I was trying to say. Turns out its not possible to remove files from your device which have been downloaded. The only way to do it is to sign out of iCloud on your device and then all the files will be deleted! Completely crazy. And this device is suppose to be able to replace my computer!
Click to expand...

SMH.....more reason to stay away from iOS.
 
the app's current intent is merely to facilitate syncing.
it does that nicely i think we all agree.
but your suggestion of an option to Remove Local Copy is a great one to be sure.
 
mman454 said:
As the title says, I'm trying to figure out if there is any way to remove local copies of a file that were downloaded using the files app. For example, I tap a video that I have stored in iCloud drive and the files app proceeds to download a copy for local viewing. When I'm done watching the video, I no longer want it cached on my phone. Is there any way to remove the local copy without completely deleting the file from iCloud?
Click to expand...

The following Finder extension get it done nicely ~

https://github.com/Obbut/iCloud-Control
 
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