When I copy files from a USB drive to "On My iPad" using the Files app, all that data is automatically included in the backup to iCloud. I do not want or need these files backed up. How do I exclude some or all of the files stored on my iPad under "On My iPad" from being backed up?
iPad Air, iPadOS 14
iOS/iPadOS doesn’t provide adequately granular exclusion controls over files stored locally on the device. The only way to accomplish your aim is to move the files that you don’t wish to include in your iCloud backup into an App Library (folder) - and then exclude the chosen App Library from the iCloud backup.
I have a similar need to your own - and have arranged an adequate solution for my own requirements by installing a File Management App on my iPad (specifically, File Browser - Document Manager Professional) - and created a folder structure within the File Manager’s own local App Library; this Library is explicitly excluded from the iCloud backup.
This solution has a generic system limitation (due to the iOS/iPadOS Sandboxed System Architecture) in that other Apps cannot access files within the App Library. Dependent upon you own need, this may or may not defeat the object.
File Browser - Document Manager Professional:
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/filebrowser-document-manager/id364738545
iOS/iPadOS doesn’t provide adequately granular exclusion controls over files stored locally on the device. The only way to accomplish your aim is to move the files that you don’t wish to include in your iCloud backup into an App Library (folder) - and then exclude the chosen App Library from the iCloud backup.
I have a similar need to your own - and have arranged an adequate solution for my own requirements by installing a File Management App on my iPad (specifically, File Browser - Document Manager Professional) - and created a folder structure within the File Manager’s own local App Library; this Library is explicitly excluded from the iCloud backup.
This solution has a generic system limitation (due to the iOS/iPadOS Sandboxed System Architecture) in that other Apps cannot access files within the App Library. Dependent upon you own need, this may or may not defeat the object.
File Browser - Document Manager Professional:
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/filebrowser-document-manager/id364738545
Apple removed my post due to mentioning details about the next iOS version and that I have the "B" version.
This is at the time of writing fixed. If you go to the exclude apps section and deselect the file app, the file stored in the On My iPad location are excluded from the back up.
This didn't work in ios14. I know I spent 2 hours with Apple support on this. Previously you would have to "hide" the files in an app folder such as GarageBand or other app and then exclude that app from the backup. I have GB's of photos stored in On My iPad folders and they are now excluded from the backup.
I don't think this is an option for data files that were copied to "On My iPad" via the Files app. There simply is not the option to turn off having these locally stored files backup up to iCloud using the instructions you provided.
The most direct way doing selective iCloud backups is by going to iCloud, and deselecting the apps using iCloud with the toggle.
Yes, any discussion of unreleased/beta versions of software are likely to be pruned without mercy - as the Terms of Use that govern participation within the Apple Support Communities prohibit such discussion or disclosure.
As a member of any Apple beta-release or seeding programme, you will have accepted a non-disclosure agreement.
How to exclude files copied to "On My iPad" (using the Files app) from being backup up to iCloud?
