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Autosave did not save my file as it told me it did. What do I do? (Word for iPad)

Anonymous
2025-04-29T23:44:23+00:00

I am using word on IPad for a university essay and made 8 hours worth of significant edits to my essay throughout the day. Autosave is always on, files are always saved into my files which are backed up, and have always been updated and stored as they should.

I double check autosave constantly before I switch documents, and I know for a fact! That when I finished this essay, autosave told me when it was last updated, which corresponded to the time I finished typing.

I am desperate for answers because I have never run into this problem before and I have written a dissertation and many essay on my iPad using word.

When I went back onto the essay document a few hours later, every single crucial edit and many sections of my essay were completely missing. Essentially, the essay document went back to my first draft. I cannot rewrite a whole essay from my first draft to its completion point I had it before the time it is due. I have researched everything and nothing is giving me answers. Please help me retrieve my APPARENTLY saved document!!!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For education | iOS

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-04-30T22:57:45+00:00

    Hi.

    Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Community

    I understand the urgency of your situation. Here are some steps you can take to try to retrieve your document in Word for iPad:

    1. Check the "Recent" tab in Word for iPad to see if your document appears there. Sometimes, documents may not show up in the main file view but can be found in the recent documents list.
    2. Check the OneDrive or SharePoint account linked to your Word for iPad app. Your document may have been saved there even if it's not showing up in the app.
    3. If you have access to a computer, try logging into your Microsoft account on a web browser and check the OneDrive online version to see if your document is saved there.
    4. If you have a backup of your iPad, you can try restoring it to an earlier point in time when you believe the document was still intact.

    Please keep me posted if these steps do not help in retrieving your document.

    Jose R.

    Microsoft Community Support

    Support Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30–17:30 EST (Except US Public Holidays)

    Estimated Response Time: Within 1 Business Day.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-04-30T23:26:13+00:00

    Hi Jose R,

    Thank you so much for your tips. I contacted Apple about restoring a backup to an earlier time. I went through with it and although not all of my essay is back, some parts are… thankfully! So I’ve just continued to rewrite the rest.

    Thanks again for your help!

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-05-01T19:21:05+00:00

    Those are great news.

    Keep in mind that we're here to help you at any times.

    Jose R.

    Microsoft Community Support

    Support Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30–17:30 EST (Except US Public Holidays)

    Estimated Response Time: Within 1 Business Day.

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