Recents in File App not working

I just got a new iPad. Until now I’ve relied on the Recents folder in the Files App, and more specifically, the Recents widget for easy access to much used files. On my new iPad the folder will not populate and the widget remains empty. I’ve searched widely for a few days and have not found any mention of this problem.

Has anyone else had this problem or know what I can do?

I’ve done the basic stuff many times with no result: hard restarting, deleting and downloading the app, combinations thereof and checking for updates.

Seems like I should mention that I’m an old non techie person. I’ve messaged twice with Apple Support in order to get this far and they have been great! But I haven’t asked them for help on this problem yet. I guess I thought I’d try to fix this one, without them. Maybe try to get what I need here before I call them again.

I’m using the iPad Air 11” running iOS 18.6.2.

Thanks.