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Missing files in iPad's Files App

I can't access my recently opened files after I updated my iPad to ios 17.1. Those files appear in my "Recents" but can't be opened. I haven't deleted them too. How to fix this bug? I have my notes there and does not have other copy.

Posted on Sep 26, 2023 2:51 AM

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Posted on Jan 19, 2024 5:23 AM

WHAT IS GOING ON, READ ALL THE COMMENTS AND NO ONE HAS FOUND A WAY AROUND THIS CLEARLY UNFORTUNATE APP ERROR? ARE WE SUPPOSED TO JUST CALMLY ACCEPT OUR FILES ARE GONE FOREVER? MY FILES SHOW WHEN I GO TO RECENT BUT THEY'RE UNCLICKABLE SO ARE THEY HANGING IN THERE OR SOMETHING? SOMEBODY ACTUALLY HELP FIX THIS!!!

82 replies

Apr 12, 2024 7:31 AM in response to _gemeaux

SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME!


Lost my exam notes and I’m about to take the exam.

I edited a PDF of the notes with an Apple Pencil.

The file is no longer in its location.

The files icon shows on Recents, but it can’t be accessed.


Why?! For the love of all that is good!


Very frustrated and upset about this, Apple.

VERY UPSET.

I might as well dump Apple all together if this is how they operate.

Feb 22, 2024 7:38 AM in response to _gemeaux

It seems there is a severe bug in iPadOS 17 with the Files app and PDF files with image layers (the stuff written with an Apple Pencil is added as an image layer to a PDF). I've started to use the Documents app https://apps.apple.com/us/app/documents-file-manager-vpn/id364901807.


It's pretty easy to backup/copy the annotated PDFs to Google Drive, Dropbox, Box or OneDrive.

Oct 16, 2024 8:07 AM in response to _gemeaux

This happened to me today. After sharing a PDF file (locally stored on iPad 9th gen) that I handwrote in, the file is no longer existent where I saved it and it is not in the recently deleted either. I dont understand how a file can just cease to exist like that. one of the many reasons my next set of mobile tech will not be from apple

Apr 23, 2024 10:39 PM in response to _gemeaux

It happened with me too. Initially I thought that there must be storage issue so I purchased iCloud. But the problem still persists. I have lost some really important files on which I had put hours to highlight and annotate with notes. I have an exam coming and now I have no idea what to do. The apple support says that this is the first time they have heard this type of issue and is blaming me that I must have deleted those files. This is pathetic and disheartening. Someone please suggest a solution to recover those files

Jul 9, 2024 6:47 PM in response to _gemeaux

This is utterly frustrating. I was trying to migrate some of my PDF annotation work from the desktop to the iPad just so it’s faster to do write ups. Now I am experiencing the same issue; The files are visible as thumbnails in recents but the files were nowhere to locate. This is a serious loss of time especially that a lot is relying on the iPad for efficiently doing tasks be it personal or mission critical. I have to redo the drawings on each PDF file I annotated.


How hopeless this is that we can only discuss about it and never get an actual resolution.

Jul 18, 2024 8:58 PM in response to _gemeaux

concern regarding a critical issue I recently encountered on my Apple device. Without any prior warning or indication, several important files have suddenly disappeared from their respective folders. Despite thorough searches, including checking the Recent Delete folder, I have been unable to locate these missing files.


This unexpected deletion has caused significant inconvenience and potential data loss, which is highly troubling. I rely heavily on the integrity and reliability of Apple’s systems for my personal and professional work, and such an incident undermines my confidence in the platform.

Missing files in iPad's Files App

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