Numbers for iOS losing data

I have a fairly detailed spreadsheet on Numbers for iOS that I generally update on my iPad but sometimes need to use on either my iPhone or Mac.


On a couple of occasions, having updated the iPad version, I’ve gone and opened it on my phone (hours later) and all the info that I’d entered on the iPad has gone. Thee version with the missing data then becomes the default version of the file so when I open it back up on the iPad, it’s wiped all the data from there too!


It was inconvenient the first time, but the most recent time is an absolute nightmare as I’d spent HOURS updating it.


The iPad and iPhone are always connected to good, strong WiFi so I’ve no idea why it’s not carrying over the updated information.


Can anyone help?

iPad Pro 11-inch Wi-Fi

Posted on Sep 7, 2020 2:01 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 8, 2020 8:53 AM

Hello GobshyteWhyte,


Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities! We understand that your spreadsheets are fully saving which causes you to lose data. Let’s take a look and see what we can do. We're happy to help!


The first thing that we recommend is to make sure your Numbers spreadsheet fully saves the data once you are done with the spreadsheet. Upon completion of edits on your Numbers document we recommend selecting "Spreadsheets" in the top left corner of the document. From there all of your Numbers documents will appear. We ask that you locate the document name that you just edited. If the document is still saving to iCloud there will be a little up arrow when the document is upload the changes to iCloud. Once that has completed we recommend checking the timestamp right above where the arrow was.


Then, when you make changes on your iPhone we recommend making sure you open the file with the same timestamp as what your iPad had. If your iPhone has not downloaded the newest document then it will download the file real quick before opening. If you open Numbers and the file automatically opens, we recommend force closing the app and re-opening it to grab the latest version. Once you are done with making edits, we recommend performing the same process on your iPhone to make sure it says with the correct timestamp before moving back to your iPad.


Here is the Numbers User Guide for iPhone and iPad in case this helps as well.


Numbers User Guide for iPhone

Numbers User Guide for iPad


Have a great day!

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 8, 2020 8:53 AM in response to GobshyteWhyte

Hello GobshyteWhyte,


Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities! We understand that your spreadsheets are fully saving which causes you to lose data. Let’s take a look and see what we can do. We're happy to help!


The first thing that we recommend is to make sure your Numbers spreadsheet fully saves the data once you are done with the spreadsheet. Upon completion of edits on your Numbers document we recommend selecting "Spreadsheets" in the top left corner of the document. From there all of your Numbers documents will appear. We ask that you locate the document name that you just edited. If the document is still saving to iCloud there will be a little up arrow when the document is upload the changes to iCloud. Once that has completed we recommend checking the timestamp right above where the arrow was.


Then, when you make changes on your iPhone we recommend making sure you open the file with the same timestamp as what your iPad had. If your iPhone has not downloaded the newest document then it will download the file real quick before opening. If you open Numbers and the file automatically opens, we recommend force closing the app and re-opening it to grab the latest version. Once you are done with making edits, we recommend performing the same process on your iPhone to make sure it says with the correct timestamp before moving back to your iPad.


Here is the Numbers User Guide for iPhone and iPad in case this helps as well.


Numbers User Guide for iPhone

Numbers User Guide for iPad


Have a great day!

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Numbers for iOS losing data

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