The Files app is built into every iPhone and iPad. It allows you to view, organize, and manage your documents in one central location.
With the Files app, you can:
- View documents
- Open downloaded files
- Create folders
- Move files
- Connect to cloud storage such as iCloud Drive
If you use a computer, think of the Files app like File Explorer on Windows or Finder on a Mac. It shows you where your files are stored and helps keep everything organized.Windows or Finder on a Mac. It shows you where your files are stored and helps keep everything organized.
How to Open and Navigate the Files App
To get started, open the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.
When the app opens, tap the Browse tab at the bottom of the screen. This is where you can see your different storage locations.
You may see:
- iCloud Drive – Files stored in the cloud and available on your other Apple devices
- On My iPhone (or iPad) – Files saved only on this device
- Other connected cloud services, if you have linked them
Tap any location to view the files inside.
Understanding the Browse Screen
When you open the Files app, start with the Browse tab at the bottom of the screen.
Tap Browse, and you will see different storage locations, including:
- iCloud Drive – Files stored in the cloud and available on your other Apple devices
- On My iPhone (or iPad) – Files saved only on this device
- Other connected cloud services, if you have linked them
Tap any location to view the files inside.
Create a Folder
Folders help keep your documents organized.
To create a new folder:
- Open the Files app.
- Tap Browse.
- Open a storage location such as iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or On My iPhone.
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
- Tap New Folder.
- Type a folder name.
- Tap Done.
Your new folder is now ready to store files.
Move a File
Moving files helps reduce clutter and keep related documents together.
- Locate the file.
- Press and hold the file.
- Tap Move.
- Choose the destination folder.
- Tap Move again to confirm.
The file will now appear in its new location.
Delete a File
Delete a File
Deleting removes a file from its current folder.
- Press and hold the file.
- Tap Delete.
- Confirm if prompted.
Deleted files are stored in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days before being permanently removed. During that time, you can restore them if needed.
Share a File
Files can be shared directly from the app.
- Press and hold the file.
- Tap Share.
- Select how you want to send it, such as Mail, Messages, or AirDrop.
Sharing works especially well when sending files to nearby Apple devices.
Why the iOS Files App Matters
Learning how to use the Files app makes managing documents much easier.
It helps you:
- Keep important forms organized
- Save downloaded attachments
- Store PDFs in one place
- Access files across Apple devices
Once folders are set up and files are sorted, finding what you need becomes faster and less stressful.
Conclusion
The iOS Files app gives you better control over your documents and downloads. By creating folders and organizing files regularly, you can avoid clutter and quickly locate important information.
Whether saving PDFs, managing forms, or sharing documents, the Files app keeps everything organized in one convenient place.
To learn how to set up iCloud Drive on your own iDevice to use files, read this helpful article by Apple’s support page.
If you think you’ve lost and deleted a file, take a look at our post How to Recover Deleted Files.
