How can I find my lost documents in Apple Numbers?

I created several shopping lists in the Numbers app and initially created a shopping lists folder in the files app to store them. Upon discovering that the app automatically saved them to a Numbers folder I deleted mine and used the Numbers one. Although not my choice this did work OK until the last update.


Since the update on 20250406 the Numbers folder is nowhere to be found. The program still appeared to have three of the six documents available but they were not the latest versions. Three complete documents which took a lot of time and work have just vanished.


If I search the files root folder a folder called numbers is found but it is not accessible, i.e. clicking on it just brings up nothing.


Anyone got any bright ideas?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Apr 11, 2025 7:40 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 13, 2025 11:02 PM

Re: "Since the update on 20250406 the Numbers folder is nowhere to be found. The program still appeared to have three of the six documents available but they were not the latest versions. Three complete documents which took a lot of time and work have just vanished.


If I search the files root folder a folder called numbers is found but it is not accessible, i.e. clicking on it just brings up nothing. Anyone got any bright ideas?"


See if one or more of the suggestions below can help find / uncover / restore the missing files:


✽ Check the available memory / storage on your iPhone: Eg: An iPhone needs around 8 Gb free in order to operate smoothly. If files were deleted in order to complete the update, and continue using your iPhone, files that can easily be replaced are sometimes deleted.

See: How to check the storage on your iPhone and iPad - Apple Support


✽ Check the "Recently Deleted" folder ... eg: it usually contains deleted files for 30 days

See: Delete files or recover deleted files in the Files app on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


✽ Try searching for the missing shopping list-files themselves, (ie: not just the Numbers folder.)

Find files on your iPhone or iPad in the Files app - Apple Support

Eg: says:

Types of files stored in the Files app

    • Under Locations, in On My [Device], you can find files stored locally on the device that you're using.
    • Under Locations, in iCloud Drive, you can find files and folders that sync to iCloud Drive, including Pages, Numbers, Keynote documents, and more.

If you use iCloud: If you can’t find a spreadsheet in Numbers for iCloud - Apple Support


✽ Wondering if you backed up your Numbers files with your iPhone data before updating.

If so, you may want to restore that back-up. (Back-up again first so you retain any new or changed files. )

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support


✽ More Info. / Support / Contact options etc:

If all else fails: You might want to reach out to the Numbers Support Team:

There is a "Get Support" link (or an app) at the bottom of their webpage (link below)

Numbers - Official Apple Support

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1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 13, 2025 11:02 PM in response to Bourne without the iGene

Re: "Since the update on 20250406 the Numbers folder is nowhere to be found. The program still appeared to have three of the six documents available but they were not the latest versions. Three complete documents which took a lot of time and work have just vanished.


If I search the files root folder a folder called numbers is found but it is not accessible, i.e. clicking on it just brings up nothing. Anyone got any bright ideas?"


See if one or more of the suggestions below can help find / uncover / restore the missing files:


✽ Check the available memory / storage on your iPhone: Eg: An iPhone needs around 8 Gb free in order to operate smoothly. If files were deleted in order to complete the update, and continue using your iPhone, files that can easily be replaced are sometimes deleted.

See: How to check the storage on your iPhone and iPad - Apple Support


✽ Check the "Recently Deleted" folder ... eg: it usually contains deleted files for 30 days

See: Delete files or recover deleted files in the Files app on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


✽ Try searching for the missing shopping list-files themselves, (ie: not just the Numbers folder.)

Find files on your iPhone or iPad in the Files app - Apple Support

Eg: says:

Types of files stored in the Files app

    • Under Locations, in On My [Device], you can find files stored locally on the device that you're using.
    • Under Locations, in iCloud Drive, you can find files and folders that sync to iCloud Drive, including Pages, Numbers, Keynote documents, and more.

If you use iCloud: If you can’t find a spreadsheet in Numbers for iCloud - Apple Support


✽ Wondering if you backed up your Numbers files with your iPhone data before updating.

If so, you may want to restore that back-up. (Back-up again first so you retain any new or changed files. )

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support


✽ More Info. / Support / Contact options etc:

If all else fails: You might want to reach out to the Numbers Support Team:

There is a "Get Support" link (or an app) at the bottom of their webpage (link below)

Numbers - Official Apple Support

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How can I find my lost documents in Apple Numbers?

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