Files App: Couldn't Communicate with a helper application

I backed up my camera memory cards to my iPad Pro in the Files app. I am trying to move them to my Onedrive account so they are uploaded to the cloud. Every time I try I get an error message "The Operation Can't Be Completed - Couldn't communicate with a helper application". This error also occurs when I try and move them to my Creative Cloud and Google Drive. The only cloud service the works is iCloud. But I don't want to use iCloud because it lacks the customization others offer. Like selecting which folders sync to certain devices. I want these files to only sync to my work computer not my personal. Both have separate AppleID's which sharing across AppleID's is not supported. Any ideas how to get around this error?

iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 3rd Gen, Wi-Fi, Cell

Posted on Mar 16, 2020 11:40 AM

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LotusPilot

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Posted on Mar 16, 2020 12:06 PM

The helper App is the Cloud-service-specific App that allows your iOS/iPadOS to access the cloud service. The must be installed on your device for each Cloud service (e.g., Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive etc.) - and the App must be opened at least once to login to the respective service with necessary credentials.

Failure to open and login via the respective App is the usual cause of “helper” errors.

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33 replies

Dec 24, 2020 8:07 AM in response to Karch14

Same thing happens ALL THE TIME!!!! Half *** programming on Apples part. Typical. Shut down, restart, logout log in stand on one foot look east pray it works this time.

Calvin_BT

Level 3

664 points

Nov 23, 2020 5:00 PM in response to mandylou16

I’m also have a same problem when compressing the zip files that had downloaded in Google drive web version

I already restart or restart the helper application, but My mom uses Screen Time to restrict deleting and installing apps

Any Other Ways????

My only way Is to put iPad in recovery mode and connect to your mac or PC via USB with iTunes or Finder opened.

all you have to do on your mac or pc is to click Restore.

Calvin_BT

Level 3

664 points

Nov 23, 2020 5:14 PM in response to Karch14

I also have the same problem, I was thinking that resetting and restoring can be helpful

To restore your iPad is to connect the iPad into the mac or PC then open Finder on iTunes

then, put your iPad in recovery mode for iPad with home button press power button and home button at the same time

for iPad pro in 2020 press volume up and volume down at the same time.

in your Mac or PC press restore

To reset go to Settings>General>Reset>Erase Content and settings

enter your passcode

Make sure you have backed up your iPad using iCloud or iTunes backup on your mac.

Download iTunes for PC: https://www.microsoft.com/en-id/p/itunes/9pb2mz1zmb1s?rtc=2&activetab=pivot:overviewtab

Hope this works..

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Files App: Couldn't Communicate with a helper application