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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 Sep 26, 2023 3:08 AM

hi! yes I did locate where I had put those files, but for some reason it wasn't there, and the only way to locate those files is from recents only. the last time I accessed those file was yesterday only, and I tried opening today, it won't open already and was vanished from its original location. i tried to move it from recents back to its original folder but it will say "... cannot be moved because it either doesn't exist or the folder it is being moved to doesn't exist."

66 replies

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.

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.

Sep 26, 2023 3:28 AM in response to _gemeaux

Having myself updated to iPadOS17, I've not seen or been able to replicate your issue. As such, you may have been unlucky and have suffered a glitch specific to your iPad.


Your next step is to remove and reinstall the Pages App. Assuming that you wish to keep your documents, don't delete the Pages App; instead, you'll need to offload the Pages App. Offloading deletes just the App - and preserves the associated App data/documents.


Before proceeding, as a precaution, ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup of your iPad:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are confident that your backup has been created or refreshed, you can offload Pages:

Settings > General > iPad Storage -


Scroll down the list of installed Apps to find Pages - tap - then select Offload App.


Next, perform a restart of your iPad:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.



After restarting your iPad, you can reinstall the Pages App from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/pages/id361309726

Missing files in iPad's Files App

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