iPad: File Manager app removed, how to access 121 GB data?

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JH819 Author

Level 1

4 points

iPad: File Manager app removed, how to access 121 GB data?

i-Pad IOS File Manager,

Hi to all,

purchased this file manager App from Zuhanden (Germany) in 2016

http://www.zuhanden.de/apps/file-manager-pro/

idea was to duplicate on i-Pad the Windows Explorer.exe

Worked perfectly

Purchased newer i-Pad in 2021, App still available, copied data.

Purchased newer i-Pad 2025, App now deleted from Apple Store.

installed 2025 i-Pad from recent MacBook backup on 2021 i-Pad.

i-Pad and MacBook are IOS26.xx up to date

Everything copied perfectly except File Manager, as deleted from Apple Store, won't operate.

As i have 121 Gb of data in File Manager app, i need to :

find a way to re-install the app (where/how to find it, is it even possible)
or find an alternate File Manager app (pay once, no subscription, no Cloud) - ie everything local
a method to copy at least by folders, file by file is impossible due to quantity

German App developper seems to have gone out of business; Great ! tried Mail, no reply

Thanks ! in advance for any tips/suggestions,

Best Regards

Secam819

iPad Pro, iPadOS 26

Posted on Aug 7, 2026 1:04 PM

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Answer 1

MrHoffman

Level 10

159,243 points

Aug 7, 2026 3:00 PM in response to JH819

How to get that data exported from that apparently-deprecated will be determined by what sharing options are provided by that discontinued app. Which I don’t know.

Among some of the possibilities (and again, this is app-dependent), use the old iPad still with the app and…

share the files to iCloud Drive where Apple tools can then access the files,
use the app to share (via Airdrop) the files to your Mac,
use the app to connect to and upload the files to an SMB file share configured on your Mac,
or yes, you can use a flash drive with both a Lightning connector and a USB-C connector, and “sneakernet“ the files.

Given the swollen battery and given the deprecated app, I wouldn’t suggest dawdling.

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Answer 2

JH819 Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 7, 2026 1:18 PM in response to JH819

Further info pertaining to above request :

Zuhanden GMBH has disappeared as an Apple App supplier.

Their web site is dead.

Mr Hans Koenig was the Zuhanden GMBH (Germany) CEO

company apparently defunct

Mail : *** (dead Mail)

Mr Koenig is now at Lennertz & co

Linkedin quotes as : Head of US venture & Blockchain

Tried contacting for help & eventual contact info of the original developper

No reply, dead end

JH819

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 3

LotusPilot

Level 10

320,098 points

Aug 8, 2026 3:55 AM in response to JH819

The native Files App already provides much of the functionality that you are looking for - at least within the limitations of iOS/iPadOS and iCloud. The iPad User Guide is an often overlooked source of information about iPad and iPadOS; here is a direct link to the section concerning the native Files App - noting that the link is to the opening page of the section outlining use of the Files App:

https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/ipad4aaf0d7f/ipados

If your existing third-party file manager App is no longer supported or available from the Apple App Store, there are others from which to choose - some considerably better and more full-featured than others. Only you can decide with of the many that are available will best fit your needs - although many are intended for more advanced needs.

Of the many available, perhaps consider Stratopherix FileBrowser - Document Manager, or its “pro version” FileBrowser Professional:

https://apps.apple.com/app/filebrowser-professional/id854618029

https://apps.apple.com/app/filebrowser-document-manager/id364738545

You might review the extensive online Manual and help files to determine suitability for your needs.

https://www.stratospherix.com/products/filebrowserprofessional/filebrowser-professional-user-guide.php

Speaking of personal experience, I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending FileBrowser Professional - this offering extensive functionality and capabilities. Versions are available for both iPad/iPhone and Mac computers.

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Answer 4

Aug 7, 2026 1:31 PM in response to JH819

Have you tried the built in Apple Files app?

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Answer 5

Aug 8, 2026 9:33 AM in response to JH819

JH819 wrote:

Hi,

yes, but not what i want.

I'm 73 and i like the Win Explorer display : Folders named "My Files 01 to N" with sorted content as i want it.

Best Regards

Secam819

OK. Then what you want is the Apple Files app. It does that. Start here Files basics - Apple Support and follow the subsequent. You can sort on any number of factors including name.

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Answer 6

JH819 Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 7, 2026 2:25 PM in response to Kilgore-Trout

Hi Kilgore-Trout,

Thanks ! for the reply.

Stored where : difficult to say, on i-Pad IOS where program files are located is not shown.

I can still access everything, both on i-Pad 2016 (IOS 15.8.8), an antique ! and on i-Pad 2021 (IOS 26.6.1)

I can copy folders to FE File Explorer App.

Possibly to a USB thumb drive for manual transfer.

General idea is to find a new current App showing & organizing file structures to emulate Win Explorer's simplicity.

I'm looking for buy-once, no subscription software.

Don't want Cloud storage nor availibilty on multiple devices.

Everything local on device.

Backup via MacBook (M2/2023/512 RAM/1Tb SSD), i have 3x i-Pads from 3 different generations.

I-Pad 2016 to be retired (running out of storage + swelling battery).

it has served me well...

Best Regards

Secam819

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Answer 7

Aug 7, 2026 1:51 PM in response to JH819

Where exactly are the files stored? Can you still access them? Did you back them up?

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Answer 8

JH819 Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 7, 2026 2:13 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Hi,

yes, but not what i want.

I'm 73 and i like the Win Explorer display : Folders named "My Files 01 to N" with sorted content as i want it.

Best Regards

Secam819

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