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    Contents
    • Getting Started
      • Add files to Documents
      • Create a folder or a subfolder in Documents
      • How to rename, move, and delete your files
      • Sync and back-up your files using cloud storages
    • Using Documents
      • Supported file formats
      • Create a new file in Documents
      • Create a folder or a subfolder in Documents
      • Copy, move, rename, delete, restore, or compress files and folders
      • Customize the view of your files
      • Use search in Documents
      • Access recently opened and favorite files
      • Organize your files with Inbox
      • Enhance your files with Tools
      • Set up reminders for your files
      • Access your device files via the Files app folder
      • Documents internal web browser
      • Download files from the Internet
      • Save links in Documents
      • Why VPN?
      • Use VPN in Documents
      • Documents VPN provider & Privacy
      • Share files via the Share button
      • Save files from other apps to Documents via Extension
      • Transfer files from Safari to Documents
      • Transfer files between iOS device and desktop using Wi-Fi
      • Transfer files to another iOS device with Nearby
      • Transfer files to desktop or another iPhone/iPad with WebDAV
      • Share files with Android devices
      • iTunes file sharing
      • Share files from cloud via a link
      • Transfer files between Documents and your Mac using a USB cable
      • Sync and back-up your files using cloud storages
      • Sync a folder with the 2-way sync
      • Set up sync with Mac via SFTP
      • Connect to your Mac or PC via SMB
      • Time Capsule set up
      • Siri shortcuts in Documents
      • Documents widgets
      • Quick Actions
      • Quickly scroll to the top
      • Smart Actions in Documents
      • Use iOS Live Text in Documents
      • How to set password to the app
      • Documents Widgets in Control Center
      • iPhone Mirroring in Documents
    • Troubleshooting
      • Files look broken
      • Music stops when the screen is locked
      • Documents app quits unexpectedly
      • Documents app freezes
      • Sync issues
      • There is no Documents app in the 'Open In' menu
      • Annotations are not visible in Documents while working with a third-party app
      • Restore accidentally deleted files
      • VPN-related issues
      • Wi-Fi Transfer issues
      • Can't access a password protected app
      • Email can’t be sent
      • The app occupies too much space
      • Subscription issues
      • Battery usage and background activity of the app
      • Music skips while playing
      • Lost files after deleting the Documents app
    • Billing & Subscription
      • Upgrade to Documents Plus
      • How to cancel the free trial for Documents Plus
      • How to check and manage your subscription status
      • Refund processes in Documents
    • Privacy & Data
      • Documents privacy FAQ
    • Contact us
    Home Troubleshooting Lost files after deleting the Documents app

    Lost files after deleting the Documents app

    Documents gives you full control over where your files are stored. Since Readdle values your privacy, all files within the app are stored locally on your device by default. If the app is deleted, those files may be lost — unless they were backed up or synced elsewhere.

    Step 1: Check the Cloud Storage

    You can manually save or sync your files to third-party services (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive). Another great and easy-to-use option is to store your data in iCloud. We have a specific folder for this, Documents in iCloud - these files will be accessible to you in the Files app as well. 

    If your data was stored on the cloud storage accounts, you will be able to reaccess it once you re-add your connections to Documents: https://support.readdle.com/documents/synchronization/sync-files-using-cloud-storage.

    If you didn’t back up or upload your files elsewhere, we unfortunately cannot recover them on our side. 

    Step 2: Check for a Device Backup

    If your iPhone or iPad was backed up before the app was deleted, your files might still be recoverable from that backup.

    These are the sources you can use:

    • How to restore your device from a backup > https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204184
    • How to locate backups of your device > https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204215 

    This will return your device to its previous state, so be sure to back up your current data first.

    Step 3: Use iMazing to Extract Backup Files

    To view and possibly retrieve files from a previous backup, we recommend using iMazing:

    1. Download and install iMazing.
    2. Follow the steps in their guide: https://imazing.com/guides/how-to-extract-files-and-data-from-an-encrypted-iphone-backup.

    Step 4: Need Help?

    If you need further assistance or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at rdsupport@readdle.com - we’re happy to help you personally.

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