The Files app is the native file manager on iPhone and iPad running iOS 13 and iPadOS. It is user-friendly and keeps your storage organized. Moreover, it also supports third-party cloud storage apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. So it’s convenient to use the Files app on your iPhone and iPad to access all your photos, videos, PDFs, and documents in one place. Whether you are a beginner or a long time user, check out this handy guide.

• Add Third-party Apps in Files App on iPhone
• Check Files Stored Locally on iPhone or iPad
• Connect External Devices in Files App
• Create New Folders in Files App
• Search for Files
• Add a Favorite Folder
• View Recently Accessed Files
• Use Drag and Drop in Files App on iPad
• Move Multiple Docs at Once in Files App Manually
• Duplicate Multiple Docs at Once in Files App
• Share Docs and Folders in Files App
• Add Tags in Files App
• Customize Tags in Files App
• Delete Files in File App
• Delete Multiple Docs At Once in Files App
• Recover Deleted Docs in Files App
• Use Coloring or Drawing Tools in Files App
• Zip and Unzip Files
• Use Keyboard Shortcuts in Files App

#1. Add Third-party Apps in Files App on iPhone

To enable third-party apps in the Files app, you first have to download those apps from the App Store. After that,

Step #1. Open the Files app.

Step #2. Tap on Browse → Tap on three dots icon from the top right.

Step #3. Tap on Edit.

Step #4. Now, enable the option for a third-party app like Google Drive, Box, One Drive, Dropbox, Adobe Creative Cloud, etc. → Tap on Done.

#2. Check Files Stored Locally on iPhone or iPad

Step #1. Open the Files app → Tap Browse → Tap on On My iPhone.

Here you will see all files that are stored locally on your iPhone or iPad. If you do not see the option for On My iPhone, follow the above tip and enable it.

#3. Connect External Devices in Files App

You can connect external devices to your iPad and see it in the Files app. For this, just connect a compatible USB flash drive, SD card, or hard drive, and you will see it under Locations in the Files app.

#4. Create New Folders in Files App

Step #1. Under iCloud Drive or On My iPhone, touch and hold in an empty area.

Step #2. Tap on New Folder → Type a name and tap on Done.

#5. Search for Files

In the Files app, you will see a search bar at the top. Tap on it and input the file name to search for a file. The search result will also display where the file is stored, like On My iPhone, iCloud Drive, etc. Tap on the file from the search result to view it.

#6. Add a Favorite Folder

Step #1. Open the Files app → Tap on Browse and choose a location.

Step #2. When you see a folder, long-press it.

Step #3. Now, tap on Favorite → Tap on Browse from the bottom row and below Locations, you will see a heading titled Favorites. Your favorite folder will be shown below it.

#7. View Recently Accessed Files

Step #1. Open the Files app → Tap on Recent from the bottom row.

Step #2. Now, view all recently opened files here.

#8. Use Drag and Drop in Files App on iPad

To drag and drop in the Files app, touch and hold the file or folder until it lifts up. After that, simply drag it to another location within the app.

#9. Move Multiple Docs at Once in Files App Manually

Step #1. Open the Files app → tap on Browse tab → Go to the location where you have saved the document.

Step #2. Tap on Select from the upper right → Select multiple files.

Step #3. Now, tap on a single folder icon → Select a location and tap Copy.

#10. Duplicate Multiple Docs at Once in Files App

Step #1. Open the Files app → Tap on Browse tab → go to the location where you have saved the document.

Step #2. Tap on Select from the upper right. Next, select multiple files.

Step #3. Tap the icon with two squares with a plus.

Step #4. Duplicates of the selected files will be created. These files will have the word ‘2’ at the end of the file name.

#11. Share Docs and Folders in Files App

Step #1. Open the Files app → Browse tab → Go to the location where you have saved the document.

Step #2. Touch and hold the document.

Step #3. Tap Share and then select an option from the Share Sheet. You may AirDrop, Email, share via third-party apps, and more.

#12. Add Tags in Files App

Step #1. Open the Files app → tap on Browse tab → go to the location.

Step #2. Touch and hold the file → Tap on Tags.

Step #3. Select a color tag or Add New Tag → Tap on Done.

Step #4. Tap on Browse. Here you will see a heading named Tags. Tap on a tag to access all files under it.

#13. Customize Tags in Files App

You can conveniently customize tags in the Files app. For instance, you can add a new one, remove the one you don’t like anymore, and even rearrange them. Here is all about customizing tags in the Files app.

#14. Delete Files in File App

Step #1. Launch Files app → Top on Browse tab → Go to the location.

Step #2. Touch and hold a file. Tap on Delete from the pop-up. It will be immediately deleted.

#15. Delete Multiple Docs At Once in Files App

Step #1. Open Files app → Tap on Browse tab → Go to the location where you have multiple files.

Step #2. Tap on Select from the upper right. Select multiple files by touching their icons.

Step #3. Tap the delete icon from the bottom row. Multiple files will be deleted.

#16. Recover Deleted Docs in Files App

Accidentally deleted a file? Don’t worry. Here is how you can recover them.

Step #1. Open the Files app and tap on Browse.

Step #2. Tap on Recently Deleted under Locations.

Step #3. For a single file, touch and hold it and then tap Recover. The file will be immediately restored to its original location.

To recover multiple deleted files at once, tap Select and then select the files. Finally, tap Recover.

#17. Use Coloring or Drawing Tools in Files App

You can use markup tools on certain file types in the Files app to color and draw. For example, you can add signature, text, magnifier, sketch, draw on images, and PDFs. For this,

Step #1. In the Files app, open a compatible file.

Step #2. Tap on the round pencil icon from the upper right.

Step #3. Here you can use various tools. To add signature, text, and magnifier, tap the plus button from the bottom right.

#18. Zip and Unzip Files

It is effortless to zip and unzip files in the Files app. You can learn more about it here with proper screenshots.

#19. Use Keyboard Shortcuts in Files App

Using keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly carry out your tasks if you have paired your device with a physical keyboard. Learn how to use keyboard shortcuts in the Files app on the iPad.