iPad Files app always freezes when using external cloud services

Hi!


Against better judgment, I'm using iCloud Drive to keep my data synced across multiple devices (Macbook Air, MacMini, iPad, iPhone). I'm doing this because the Files app on the iPad keeps crashing (freezing) whenever I try and use external cloud services (such as Dropbox or Google Drive). It is actually quite creepy how reliably the app crashes after a few minutes of navigating external cloud storage. It feels like this feature of the Files app is an alpha version not yet fully developed. It looks as if I can add external cloud storage to the Files app, but it never ever works without crashing: The Files app is only stable if and when I use iCloud Drive. No other service really works reliably on the iPad. So I'm forced to go with iCloud Drive. (Yes, I've updated my OS and all relevant apps. I'm using recent hardware from 2021 and 2022, so everything should just work.)


Has anybody ever encountered a similar problem? And does anyone have a solution to this? I would love to go back to Dropbox (instead of iCloud Drive, which has far too many bugs to my taste and is an incredibly unprofessional service), but I need my files to be constantly accessible in the Files app on the iPad without lags, freezing, or any other kind of problems.


By the way: On the native storage apps (Dropbox or Google Drive for iPad OS), everything works smoothly: I can navigate all folders and the apps never crash. However, these apps are very much limited in terms of opening and editing files. In many cases, they still force you to manually download a file (e.g., a txt file) to a local folder, edit it locally, and then upload it again, replacing the previous version. The Files app does this much more professionally: You're opening the file, editing it, saving it, and closing it. (Even though, of course, the whole download-upload routine is happening too, but it's automatic and in the background.)


Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Rob

iPad Air 5 Wi-Fi

Posted on Feb 3, 2023 12:52 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 8, 2023 03:04 PM

Exact same thing happens to me. Am trying desperately to find a solution so i can use Dropbox.


No luck so far but let me know if you find an answer.

Similar questions

1 reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iPad Files app always freezes when using external cloud services

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.