How to Find Local Files on iPad

Step by step

1. 15 sec

   Open the Files app

   Locate the Files app icon on your Home Screen or Dock. Tap the icon to launch the file management interface.

   Note: Use Spotlight search by swiping down on the Home Screen and typing Files if you cannot find the icon.
2. 20 sec

   Access the sidebar

   If the sidebar is not visible, tap the Sidebar button in the top-left corner of the interface. This reveals the Locations and Favorites sections necessary for navigation.

   Note: The sidebar must be expanded to select specific drive locations.
3. 15 sec

   Select On My iPad

   Find the 'On My iPad' section under the Locations header in the sidebar. Tap it once to display all folders and files physically stored on your device's internal storage.

   Note: If On My iPad does not appear, ensure you have at least one file saved locally in an app that supports the Files integration.
4. 45 sec

   Create a new folder

   To organize your files, tap and hold on an empty space within the browser window. Select New Folder from the pop-up menu and enter a name for your directory.

   Note: Keep your local storage clean by grouping related project files into specific sub-folders.
5. 45 sec

   Move files locally

   Tap and hold a file until the context menu appears, or drag the file directly into your target folder. To select multiple files, tap the three-dot menu icon in the top toolbar, select Select, and check your desired items before dragging.

   Note: Moving files within the On My iPad directory does not use data or cloud bandwidth.
6. 30 sec

   Search within local storage

   Use the Search bar at the top of the Files app while inside the On My iPad directory. Typing a filename here will filter results exclusively for locally stored items.

   Note: The search bar scope defaults to your current location.