From the Files app of our iPhone or iPad we access all our documents and folders. Documents that, at a given moment, we need to download to edit, share or simply consult. It is rare that this download could fail , but if so we will need to fix it as soon as possible.
Various resources to regain access when we need it
We have several resources when it comes to fixing a file download error in the Files app on our iPhone or iPad. Before we get started though, let’s make sure to reboot the device and also make sure that it’s running the latest version of the operating system available. Once this is done, and assuming that we have an internet connection, either by Wi-Fi or by mobile data, we can follow these steps:
- Turn on mobile data for the Files app:Especially if we’re using a mobile data connection or have poor Wi-Fi coverage. We can do it in Settings > Mobile data by activating the option next to Files .
- Check the status of the servers:from the System Status website at Apple to rule out any temporary errors that prevented the download.
- Deactivate and activate iCloud Drive:within the Settings app > Our name> iCloud we can deactivate iCloud Drive , restart our iPhone and then activate it again. It may take a while for the content to appear again, but when it does, it should be able to download normally.
- Restore network settings:as they could cause an error that prevented the download. We will do it in the Settings app , entering General and then Transfer or reset the iPhone/iPad . Here we choose Restore network settings and confirm.
- Delete and reinstall the Files app:by pressing and holding on the Files app on our iPhone or iPad, we choose Delete app and confirm again by touching Delete app . Then we go to the App Store app to search for it again and touch the small cloud with an arrow to download and install it.
- Sign out and sign back in to iCloud: What we will do from the Settingsapp , entering our name and touching Sign out . After restarting the iPhone we can start it again from the same section.
If none of this works, we should already consider resetting iPhone settings . Once this is done, it is a good idea that we test that everything works properly before restoring the backup, because if it stops working when restoring said copy, we would have to consider configuring it as a new iPhone.
I have disabled iCloud Drive and now all my desktop icons are gone, what happened?
Keeping in mind that, as a temporary solution, we can access all our files from iCloud.com , it’s also a good idea to just wait. Sometimes a few minutes, even hours, can just bring that file back. In the event that iCloud Drive does not appear in the Files app, another error that could occur, just touch the button in the form of three dots, choose Edit and then activate iCloud Drive among the options. Everything to be able to access our files whenever we need them.