Procreate files are very large and complex. Each project may include many layers, time-lapse recordings, brushes, and textures. While it might not seem like a lot when you're using the app, the backup contains all of that detailed information, which can take a long time to restore from iCloud.
One thing to check is whether Low Power Mode is turned on. If it is, it limits background activity, which includes iCloud syncing. Go to Settings > Battery and make sure Low Power Mode is turned off. Also, keep your iPad plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. That tells the system it’s okay to prioritize downloading the backup.
Next, make sure that iCloud Drive and Background App Refresh are both enabled. You can check iCloud Drive by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Drive. For Background App Refresh, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. When these are on, it helps the iPad restore content more efficiently.
It might also help to open the Procreate app. Sometimes, opening an app during a restore tells the system to focus on bringing back that app’s data first. If you've already done that and your files appear greyed out or won’t open, that means the file names and previews are there, but the actual data hasn’t finished downloading yet.
If possible, try using a faster Wi-Fi connection or move closer to your router. You could also try restarting your router or switching to a strong mobile hotspot temporarily. Sometimes iCloud downloads slow down due to traffic or network hiccups, and a stronger connection can help speed things up.
As a last resort, if nothing improves, you could try accessing your Procreate files from a computer through iCloud.com — but this only works if your Procreate files were saved to iCloud Drive directly. If you have a past backup on a computer, you might be able to use tools like iMazing to extract your Procreate files and transfer them to your iPad manually.
Restoring Procreate from iCloud is a known issue among artists and designers because of how large and detailed the files are. But with your iPad fully charged, Wi-Fi strong, and the right settings turned on, things should slowly catch up.
