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Versions and Backups iPad

If you’ve deleted a file or want to reverse recent changes from an existing one, restoring a previous version of your document is a simple process on Writer for iPadOS.

You have various options to recover your previous work, either through the iA Writer app or iCloud. iA Writer for iPadOS comes with built-in support for iCloud Drive. In addition to the advantages of document synchronization across devices, users also benefit from the extra security provided by online recovery tools available in iCloud.

Reverse Changes

iPadOS Undo Function

For those familiar with the iPad, you might already know the iPadOS Undo function, which is the first step to take to reverse recent changes. While you’re in your document, just shake your device from left to right to undo the most recent action you’ve taken, such as deleting a paragraph.

Browse iCloud Versions

If you are working in iCloud, you can access previous versions by using the Browse Versions function. Simply long-press on a file in the Library’s File List, then select Browse Versions (sweep upwards to reveal the option if necessary).

Choose the one you wish to retrieve and press Keep.

Browse Local Backups

Another way to recover your previous elements in a document is via the Browse Backups function.

To locate a backup, just like for versions, long-press on a file in the Library then select Browse Backups (sweep upwards to reveal the option if necessary). This will give you a list of backups for this document.

Select the desired backup from the list, and on the next screen press Restore.

Deleted Document

Browse Local Backups

If you’ve deleted a file, you may be able to locate a prior backup by navigating to the top of the Library and long-pressing on a Location.

Down below, we will press on the Location iCloud to access all the recent backups.

Similar to the process for regular backups, you will see a list of recent backups to choose from.

Choose the backup containing the deleted file you wish to recover and on the next screen click on Restore.

The final screen will allow you to select the location where you want to restore this file, such as iCloud or existing folders used recently.

From icloud.com

Deleted iCloud files can be restored for up to 30 days, from either the iCloud’s Restore Files (A) or the Recently Deleted folder (B).

iCloud Drive Data Recovery (Restore Files)

  1. Log into icloud.com (from desktop browser)
  2. Go to the Drive section
  3. Click on Data Recovery
  4. Click on Restore Files
  5. Select desired files from list then click Restore

iCloud Drive’s Recently Deleted folder

Files deleted within the app are sent to the Recently Deleted folder. To recover these files:

  1. Log into icloud.com (from desktop browser)
  2. Go to the Drive section
  3. Click on Drive icon
  4. Click on Recently Deleted
  5. Select desired files/folders then click Recover

For the most up to date instructions on using iCloud recovery, please see the following Apple resource.

Other Cloud Storage

Many cloud storage providers preserve multiple versions and backups of your documents for up to 30 days.

We recommend visiting your cloud storage provider’s desktop/web console to see what options are available. For some of the most popular options please see:

Dropbox | Google Drive | OneDrive

Contact Us

If you are experiencing a problem that our support section doesn’t solve please reach out to us. We take a break on the weekends (JST), but during weekdays we aim to reply within 1-2 business days.

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