Versions and Backups iPad

If you’ve deleted a file or want to revert 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.

Recently Deleted

You can restore files recently deleted from iCloud or your device for up to 30 days.

In Files App

1. Open Files app
2. Select Recently Deleted in sidebar
3. Select the files you want back then click Recover

iCloud Recently Deleted

1. Sign in to iCloud.com from your browser
2. Go to the Drive section
3. Click the Drive icon
4. Click Recently Deleted
5. Select the files you want back then click Recover

iCloud Data Recovery

If you cannot find the deleted files in Recently Deleted, you may be able to recover them using the Data Recovery feature on iCloud.com:

1. Open iCloud Data Recovery
2. Click Restore Files
3. Select the files you want back then click Restore

For more up-to-date instructions on using iCloud Data Recovery, visit Apple’s Support pages.

Other Cloud Storage

Many cloud storage providers preserve multiple versions and backups of your documents for up to 30 days, including Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.

Revert 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 revert recent changes. While you’re in your document, swipe right with three fingers or shake your device 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.

Backups and Recovery

Versions and Backups Mac

Versions and Backups iPhone

Versions and Backups Android

Versions and Backups Windows