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How to Use Files App on iPhone and iPad: iOS 17, the newest version of Apple’s mobile operating system, finally brings a file manager to both the iPhone and the iPad. File App is a centralized location that allows you to view and manage all of your files that are stored in various cloud services, such as iCloud Drive from Apple, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive from Microsoft.
The Files app was initially introduced by Apple as a feature for the iPad with the intention of making the tablet a more capable alternative to laptop computers. The Files app, which is included on both the iPhone and the iPad, functions almost identically on both devices, with the exception of the drag-and-drop functionality that is only available on the iPad. The Files app gives you a central location for all of your files.
It takes the place of the iCloud Drive app that was bundled with earlier versions of Apple’s iOS. The Files app not only allows third-party cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive to plug into it, but it also provides access to Apple’s own iCloud Drive. This app gives you access to files stored on any service, the ability to transfer files between services, and the ability to search across all of your files. When viewing a file, you have the option to open it in a different app on your device by using the share sheet. We mentioned below are the steps how to Use Files App on iPhone and iPad.
What is the Files app?
The Files app is a file management application that can be found on any iPhone or iPad right out of the box. It gives you the ability to navigate the files that are stored on your device, in iCloud Drive, and in other cloud storage services. You can also organize and manage the files. You can also open and edit files from a variety of other apps by using the Files app on your device. The Files app on your iPhone or iPad is a potent instrument for managing the files stored on those devices. It is intuitive to use and comes with a wide range of features that can assist you in becoming more efficient in your work.
How to Use Files App on iPhone and iPad

- Open the Files app.
- Browse or search for the file you want.
- To open a file, tap on it.
- To share a file, tap on the Share button (the square with an arrow pointing upwards).
- To move a file, tap and hold on the file, then tap Move.
- To copy a file, tap and hold on the file, then tap Copy.
- To delete a file, swipe left on the file, then tap Delete.
Why Use the Files App on iPhone and iPad
- File Management: The Files app allows you to organize, manage, and access all your files and documents in one place. This includes photos, videos, PDFs, and other document types.
- Local and Cloud Storage: It integrates with various cloud storage services like iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, and more, enabling you to access and manage files stored in the cloud.
- Offline Access: You can download files for offline access, which is useful when you need to view documents without an internet connection.
- File Sharing: The Files app makes it easy to share files and documents with others through email, messages, or other sharing methods.
- Search Functionality: It provides a powerful search feature, allowing you to quickly find files based on their names or content.
- Tagging and Organization: You can tag and categorize your files for better organization. This makes it easier to locate specific documents.
- Access External Drives: With the appropriate adapters or wireless connections, you can connect external storage devices like USB drives to your iOS device and access them through the Files app.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Check for New Content: Always make sure that the iOS or iPadOS on your iPhone or iPad is the most recent version. If not, go to Settings > General > Software Update and find the latest software for your device.
- Turn on iCloud Drive: Make sure that iCloud Drive is turned on if you can’t get to files in the Files app. To turn it on, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Drive.
- Look at iCloud Storage: Check to see if you have enough space in iCloud to store your files. You might want to upgrade your storage plan if not.
- Open the Files app again: Close the Files app by force and then open it again to see if the issue still exists. To get to the app switcher, swipe up from the bottom (on older iPhones) or swipe up from the bottom edge and hold down (on newer iPhones). Scroll down or up to get to the Files app. To close it, swipe it up or off the screen.
Conclusion
iCloud Drive, Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive are just some of the online services that are compatible with Apple’s Files app, which allows you to view and manage files stored on those services from within a single app. In addition, you can view your files directly on your iPhone or iPad, where you can also execute a wide variety of commands on them. Apple added a few intriguing new features to the Files app with the release of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 respectively. You now have the ability to organize your files into groups, multitask in an easier manner using multiple windows, and select multiple files at once by dragging an external mouse across them.
Questions and Answers
If you have something on your Mac that you want to send to another device, you must first ensure that the other device is in close proximity to yours, then right-click on the file or files that you want to send, select Share, and finally select AirDrop. You will see a small window appear with a list of any nearby devices that have the AirDrop feature enabled, and you can click on the devices to begin the transfer process.
The Apple File System, also known as APFS, is an example of a proprietary file system that was developed with encryption in mind. APFS is compatible with every platform that Apple offers, including the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch.
If the application was designed to work on both the iPad and the iPhone, then you won’t need to buy a separate copy for each device in order to install it. However, there are some developers who create apps that are only compatible with certain devices, such as the iPad or the iPhone. If that is the case, you will be required to purchase the app that is compatible with each of your devices.
Verify that both the iPhone and the iPad are logged into the App Store with the same Apple ID and that the application in question is available for the iPhone. If these things are in order, proceed to the iPhone’s Settings menu, navigate to the App Store menu, and then select Automatic Downloads for the Apps option.