If a file or folder continues to reappear after being deleted, it is usually being re-synced from another device or user connected to the same Sync account or shared folder.
In some cases, the original delete or move action may not have completed successfully due to an interrupted sync, conflicting updates from another user, or a device running an outdated version of Sync.
How to fix this:
1. Make sure all devices are fully synced
Before troubleshooting further, confirm that all computers connected to the account have finished syncing.
On each device:
- Open the Sync desktop app.
- Verify that syncing is complete and there are no errors.
- Allow any pending uploads, downloads, or file changes to finish processing.
A device that has not fully synced may reintroduce a file that was previously deleted elsewhere.
If the file or folder was recently moved before being deleted, wait for the move operation to fully sync on all devices before making additional changes. An incomplete move can sometimes cause files to reappear in their original location.
2. Ensure all devices are using the latest version of Sync
If the file is located in a shared folder, ask all members who have access to the folder to confirm they are running the latest version of the Sync desktop app.
For instructions, see Updating the Sync desktop app to the latest version.
3. Check File Version History
File Version History can help identify which device or user is re-adding the file.
To review file activity:
- Sign in to the web panel.
- Locate the file that keeps reappearing.
- Open the file version history.
- Review the available entries to determine when the file was restored or re-added.
This information can help identify the source of the change. If the file was recently moved, renamed, or modified, another user or device may have made changes at the same time. This is most common in shared folders where multiple people are working with the same files.
To help prevent conflicts:
- Avoid moving, renaming, or deleting large numbers of files while other users are actively making changes.
- Wait for all devices to finish syncing before performing additional file operations.
- If possible, ask other shared folder members to pause updates while troubleshooting the issue.
4. Permanently remove the file
After deleting the file, purge it from your deleted files.
- Delete the file or folder.
- Click the Show deleted files icon at the top right in the web panel.
- Locate the item.
- Permanently delete (purge) it.
- Monitor the account to see whether the item returns.
If the file reappears after being purged, it is likely being re-uploaded or re-synced from another device or user.
5. Check shared folders
If the file is located in a shared folder, another member may be restoring or re-adding it.
Ask all members with access to:
- Verify the file has been deleted on their devices.
- Confirm their Sync app is fully synced.
- Ensure they are running the latest version of the Sync desktop app.
- Check whether the file exists in local copies of the shared folder.
- Confirm they are not actively moving, renaming, or restoring the file.
Still having trouble? Contact support.
If the issue persists after following these steps, please contact our support team with details about what took place when the error occurred so this can be investigated further.