Fix PDF Files Duplicating with Restored in Filename on iOS
Question details
The user is experiencing an issue where downloaded PDF files are automatically duplicating on their iOS device, with the word "restored" appended to the filenames, which consumes extra storage space.
- Product
- PDF Files
- Device & OS
- iOS
- Scenario
- Downloading and managing PDF files on an iOS device connected to cloud sync or backup software.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files are repeatedly duplicated and renamed with "restored" in the filename, leading to unnecessary storage consumption on the device.
Before troubleshooting, check your device storage to see how much space the duplicated files are taking, and verify if this issue is happening exclusively to PDF files or other document types as well.
Isolate and Disable Sync or Backup Software
External backup tools or file-sync software, such as iTunes or conflicting cloud drives, often cause the "restored" file duplication bug.
When an iOS device experiences synchronization conflicts with external backup software, it may attempt to recover files it assumes are lost or corrupted. This results in the creation of duplicate files with "restored" added to their names. Temporarily disabling these services helps isolate the root cause.
Unplug your iOS device from any connected computers, Mac devices, or USB backup drives.
If connected wirelessly, open iTunes (or macOS Finder), select your device, and temporarily pause automatic syncing features.
Temporarily disable auto-sync features in active cloud storage apps, such as iCloud Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, to see if the duplication stops.
Manually Delete Duplicates and Restart Device
Clear out the existing "restored" files and refresh your device's operating system to stop the duplication loop.
View and Manage PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
Avoid file syncing conflicts and duplication errors by managing your PDFs directly within WPS Office. It provides a stable, built-in file manager and powerful PDF viewing tools optimized for iOS devices.
- 1. Install the app: Download WPS Office from the iOS App Store and open the application.
- 2. Access the built-in file manager: Tap the "Files" tab at the bottom to access your local and cloud documents in one secure environment.
- 3. Manage and read PDFs securely: Open your PDF directly within the WPS viewer to read, annotate, or manage the file without relying on conflicting external sync tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPhone keep duplicating files and adding "restored" to the name?
This usually happens when there is a synchronization conflict between your iOS device and backup software (like iTunes) or a cloud storage service. The system attempts to recover a file it thinks was lost or corrupted, creating a duplicate labeled as "restored".
How can I quickly delete all duplicated PDF files on iOS?
Open the native Files app, pull down to reveal the search bar, and type "restored". Tap "Select" in the top right corner, choose all the duplicated files, and tap the trash icon. Remember to also clear your "Recently Deleted" folder to permanently free up the storage space.
Does iCloud Drive cause duplicated files with sync conflicts?
Yes, if iCloud Drive encounters a sync conflict between two devices, it may create duplicate files to prevent data loss. Ensuring a stable internet connection, turning iCloud Drive off and on, and updating to the latest iOS version can help resolve this issue.
How do I stop iTunes from automatically syncing my PDFs and causing duplicates?
Connect your device to your computer, open iTunes (or Finder on newer macOS versions), select your device icon, navigate to the Summary tab, and uncheck the option to "Automatically sync when this iPhone is connected". Click Apply to save the changes.
