What causes "InShot 'Original File Is Missing' Draft Error"?

Source clip deleted from Photos/Gallery Clip moved to another folder or app iCloud 'Optimize iPhone Storage' offloaded the original Phone storage cleaner removed the file

How do I fix "InShot 'Original File Is Missing' Draft Error"?

1. Restore the deleted clip: Open Photos > Albums > Recently Deleted (or Gallery > Trash on Android) Recover the clip, then reopen the draft 2. Download originals from iCloud: Settings > Photos > Download and Keep Originals Or open the clip in Photos and wait for it to fully download 3. Move the file back: If you moved the clip into another folder, put it back in its original location 4. Prevent it next time: Don't delete or move source clips until the final video is exported Export finished projects before cleaning your gallery Contact InShot (inshot.ios@inshot.com on iOS) if the file is present but the draft still won't open

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InShot 'Original File Is Missing' Draft Error

Workaround available iOS, Android Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

InShot drafts don't store copies of your clips. If the original was deleted, moved or offloaded to iCloud, the draft can't open until that file is back on the phone.

Most likely fix: Restore the deleted clip.

Symptoms

A draft shows 'The original file is missing', won't open, or opens with blank/black clips.

Why it happens

Source clip deleted from Photos/Gallery
Clip moved to another folder or app
iCloud 'Optimize iPhone Storage' offloaded the original
Phone storage cleaner removed the file

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. Restore the deleted clip
1. Open Photos > Albums > Recently Deleted (or Gallery > Trash on Android)
2. Recover the clip, then reopen the draft
2. Download originals from iCloud
1. Settings > Photos > Download and Keep Originals
2. Or open the clip in Photos and wait for it to fully download
3. Move the file back
1. If you moved the clip into another folder, put it back in its original location
4. Prevent it next time
1. Don't delete or move source clips until the final video is exported
2. Export finished projects before cleaning your gallery
3. Contact InShot (inshot.ios@inshot.com on iOS) if the file is present but the draft still won't open

This guide also covers

inshot original file is missing
inshot draft missing
inshot drafts won't open
inshot videos disappeared
recover inshot draft

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