Can you search inside files for a keyword for files stored in iCloud?

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Level 1

9 points

Can you search inside files for a keyword for files stored in iCloud?

I have an exported file of text from August that I cannot find in my iCloud or other cloud storage locations. I exported it as a .DOCX file as I recall. I know some keywords in the body of the doc I can try to search for instead.

I have tried using the search options in Finder to do this but it seems to only work on the machine I'm using. That is, Finder returns results for my Mac but nothing in iCloud. I change to "iCloud drive" for the search location and it just sits there, never returning any results...like it's stuck.

I originally created this set of files on my prior iPad which I used to set up my new iPad. Shouldn't all the files from the old have migrated to the new? And shouldn't iCloud have stayed the same anyway?

Any suggestions?

iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 3rd Gen, Wi-Fi

Posted on Dec 15, 2021 12:55 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

karina184

Community Specialist

Dec 19, 2021 6:46 AM in response to Geoff Tucker

Hey Geoff Tucker,

You mentioned backing up the the file to iCloud. Does that mean the file was uploaded to iCloud Drive: Set up iCloud Drive on all your devices. If not, what steps were taken to back up the file?

There isn't an option to search for words within a file/document stored in iCloud. If you would like to submit feedback or suggestions to Apple about this, you may do so here: Product Feedback.

iCloud is a service that allows you to have access to your files across all your devices using the same Apple ID. Since iCloud isn't a back up service, the file would need to remain on a device in order for it be accessible in iCloud.

If the file was deleted, you may have the option to recover it: Recover deleted files on iCloud.com. If it was deleted more than 30 days ago, it may not be available.

Best wishes.

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Answer 2

Chris_C1

Community Specialist

Dec 17, 2021 5:17 AM in response to Geoff Tucker

Hey Geoff Tucker,

We understand you're unable to locate an exported file and now unable to find it in iCloud? Is the file physically on a device? If not, how long has it not been available on the device?

We'll wait to hear back. Take care.

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Answer 3

Geoff Tucker Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 17, 2021 5:34 AM in response to Geoff Tucker

The file was originally exported on an app on my iPad Pro. I thought I backed it up to iCloud from there. Now I cannot find the file. The export happened on August 12 or maybe a few days later. I have checked all my files that are Microsoft word docs or PDFs or text files and I cannot find the file I am hunting for.

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Can you search inside files for a keyword for files stored in iCloud?

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