What deleting actually does

When you delete a file from the Media Library, WordPress moves it to the Trash rather than removing it instantly. It stays there for 30 days before being permanently deleted.

Once a file is permanently deleted — either after 30 days in the Trash, or if you empty the Trash manually — it’s gone from the server for good and can’t be recovered from within WordPress. You’d need to re-upload the original file from wherever you first saved it.

⚠️ Important

Any page that links directly to the file (e.g. a PDF on a Staff Vacancies page) will show a broken link as soon as the file is deleted — even while it's still sitting in the Trash.

🔍 Before you delete

If you're not sure whether a file is still being used somewhere on your site, check its Uploaded to field in the Media Library first, or ask support to check for you before removing it.

♻️ Recovering a deleted file

Go to Media → Library, click Trash near the top of the screen, find the file, and click Restore. If it's already been permanently deleted, you'll need to re-upload the original from wherever you first saved it.