Methods to Recover Deleted Files for iPad [With & Without Backup]

Clara Prescott Published on September 11, 2025Recover Data3-min reading

The common opinion holds that once a file is removed on an iPad, it can never be recoverable. This is not necessarily the case. With the proper steps, you can recover deleted files for iPad and save yourself from losing precious photos or important notes. This article can now be divided into three methods that can be trusted: restoring without backing up, working with iTunes, and iCloud recovery.

Method 1: Recover iPad Files Without Backup

Losing files without a backup can feel like hitting a dead end, but that is not the case. With the help of imyPass iPhone Data Recovery, you can still recover iPad data directly from the device. The software runs a scan on your iPad to find out the deleted files, which are not completely erased from the storage. It supports photos, videos, contacts, and app files, so you have multiple sources of recovery. Better still is the preview feature, which will allow you to preview the files to be restored so that you restore only the files you really need.

Note: If your iTunes backup is encrypted, the software will ask for your iTunes password before scanning. Without it, the program will set a simple password for you. For iOS 13 or later, you will also see an option to scan encrypted data like Call History, FaceTime, and Safari History. Choose Encrypted Scan to include them, or select Cancel to skip.

Method 2: Find and Extract Deleted iPad Files from iTunes Backup

When you back up your device using iTunes regularly, you can always have a reliable backup to recover deleted data on your iPad. iTunes stores a complete backup, which enables you to make a recovery and restore files that are lost due to deletion, software, or a failed update. The only drawback is that restoring from iTunes will replace all your current iPad data with the backup version, which is why some prefer to use iTunes recovery software. But today, we will teach you how iTunes works in restoring iPad files.

While iTunes can restore your data, it replaces everything on your iPad with the backup version, which may not be ideal. A better option is to use imyPass, since it lets you preview and selectively restore only the files you want. This way, you avoid losing your current data while still getting back what matters. If you are looking for a simpler way to recover deleted files on an iPad, imyPass offers a safer and more flexible solution compared to a full iTunes restore.

Method 3. Recover Deleted Files from iPad with iCloud Backup

If you have iCloud backups enabled, you can recover an iCloud backup to bring back files that were lost due to unexpected deletion, system errors, or resets. This method works by restoring your entire iPad from a backup, so it is a good option if you are wondering how to recover deleted data from an iPad without relying on third-party tools right away. Just keep in mind that this process will erase your existing data and replace it with everything from the chosen iCloud backup.

iCloud restoring is the way to go, but it comes with a major setback since it clears your iPad and restores everything from its backup. It would imply that you might have lost more up-to-date files that you have saved after the backup. imyPass addresses this issue by enabling you to access the iCloud backup without resetting your device.

You can preview, select, and recover only the files you need, which is safer and more flexible. To address the needs of readers who prefer to have better control over their recovery, imyPass provides a handy solution to utilizing iCloud backups without the danger of losing the existing data.

Which Method Is the Best to Use - Quick Overall Review

All three options can help if you are looking for how to recover lost files on an iPad, but each has its pros and cons. Restoring from iTunes or iCloud works well if you already have regular backups, though both will overwrite your current data. That means you risk losing newer files saved after the backup. On the other hand, imyPass iPhone Data Recovery stands out because it works even without a backup, lets you preview files before restoring, and gives you the choice to recover only what you need. For flexibility and safety, it is the best method overall.

Conclusion

Depending on your case, it is a matter of finding the most effective one to retrieve deleted data on an iPad. With backups, iTunes or iCloud can be used to restore your files, but they can erase what is there. A much safer and flexible solution would be to use imyPass iPhone Data Recovery with a direct recovery option, unlike the situation when you have to use a backup, an option which is the most dependable one.