Help! My Freeform files disappeared after turning off iCloud sync on iPad.

Question

Level 1

4 points

Help! My Freeform files disappeared after turning off iCloud sync on iPad.

Hi everyone, I really hope someone can help me here.

I recently turned off iCloud sync for Freeform on my iPad (2022, iPadOS 17.5). After doing that, all of my important Freeform files disappeared. It’s not in iCloud, not in Files, and not in Recently Deleted.

Here’s the weird part:

I checked my iPad storage and Freeform still shows ~150 MB of data — which suggests something is still there. But I can’t find or open the missing file anywhere.

What I’ve tried:

Turning iCloud sync back on (didn’t bring the file back)
Searching all folders in Files app
Checked if it shows up when creating a new board (it doesn’t)

Is there a way to access hidden Freeform files stored locally on iPad?
Could the missing file be buried in cache or app storage?
Any tips for recovering data from Freeform when iCloud sync was disabled?

This file is important and I’m hoping there’s still a way to recover it since the storage shows something is still there.

iPad Pro, iPadOS 18

Posted on Jul 20, 2025 01:22 AM

Reply

Answer 1

zinacef

Level 10

88,714 points

Jul 22, 2025 03:26 PM in response to resatriel

You're right to focus on the 150 MB of data showing in iPad storage — that strongly suggests your Freeform content is still on the device, just not visible in the app.

When you turned off iCloud sync, Freeform likely moved the boards to local storage, but since Freeform doesn't have a visible "On My iPad" section or file browser integration, the data may now be stuck in app storage and disconnected from the user interface.

Here’s what you can try:

1. Force Restart the iPad

Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the top button until the Apple logo appears. This can refresh app indexing and reconnect hidden data.

2. Re-enable iCloud Sync and Wait

You already tried turning sync back on, but give it 10–15 minutes while connected to Wi-Fi. Also check other devices using the same Apple ID to see if the board appears there.

3. Offload and Reinstall Freeform

Go to Settings → General → iPad Storage → Freeform, tap Offload App, then reinstall. This keeps the data but may reset the app’s file access and recover the missing board.

4. Check iCloud.com

Visit iCloud.com and look for Freeform. Sometimes boards appear there even when they don’t show on the iPad.

5. Use a Third-Party File Explorer (Advanced)

Apps like iMazing or PhoneView (via Mac or PC) may help you view the app’s local storage. You might locate the board file in the sandboxed app folder.

Freeform doesn't store boards in the Files app or send them to Recently Deleted unless you manually deleted them. If you removed the app entirely before re-enabling iCloud, recovery might not be possible unless it was backed up or synced elsewhere.

If the file is important, contact Apple Support. Explain what happened and when—if the data is still in app storage, they may be able to assist further.

Reply