Find and open the blue Files app (or swipe down from the center of your screen to Search).
Look for the app with a blue folder on a white background called Files. Can’t spot it? Place your finger in the center of your phone screen—not at the top of the phone, which opens shortcut icons instead of Search—and swipe down to open the Search bar, then type Files.
🔍 What to look for on your iPhone screen: White icon with a blue folder (“Files”)
🏮 Lanny’s pointer tip: “Swipe down from the CENTER of your screen (not the top) to search “Files”!”
👉 Try it now: Swipe down from the center of your phone screen (not the top) to open Search, then tap the blue Files app.
💡 Helpful Note: Always swipe down starting from the center of the phone screen to get the Search bar—if you swipe down from the top of the phone, you’ll get shortcut icons instead of Search!
Look at the bottom-right corner of the Files app and tap Browse (tap it a second time if you are already inside an old folder). Then tap the location you used earlier, such as iCloud Drive or On My iPhone.
🔍 What to look for on your iPhone screen: “Browse” tab at the bottom right
🏮 Lanny’s pointer tip: “Tap Browse at bottom right, then open your folder!”
👉 Try it now: Open the location and folder where you saved your file.
💡 Helpful Note: If you just saved the document moments ago, you can also tap the clock icon (“Recents”) at the bottom left!
Look for your document’s name (like Coffee Maker Manual) and tap it once to open it. If your folder has many items, tap the magnifying-glass Search bar and type one word from its name.
🔍 What to look for on your iPhone screen: Magnifying glass Search bar or file row
🏮 Lanny’s pointer tip: “Spot your file name (or search it) and tap once!”
👉 Try it now: Tap your file to open it on your iPhone and make sure it’s the right one.
💡 Helpful Note: When searching in Files, make sure the filter tab above the keyboard says “Recents” or the name of your folder.
The secret to feeling confident on your iPhone is doing the motion once without help. Switch to your phone, close Files, and open your document one more time at your own pace.
🔍 What to look for on your iPhone screen: Your open PDF document
🏮 Lanny’s pointer tip: “Boom! You found it—no more lost files!”
👉 Try it now: Try finding it once on your own—there is no timer, and your place here is saved.
💡 Helpful Note: You are always in control. Replay any step above if you want a refresher.
