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If you can’t open a shared file in Schoolwork

If a teacher or student renames, moves, or deletes a shared Handout file with the Files app, you can’t access it in Schoolwork.

The steps in this article are for iOS 12.1.4 and earlier. To resolve this issue, update to iOS 12.2 or later.

Schoolwork automatically organizes Handout files in iCloud Drive. If a file is renamed, moved, or deleted, the file must be renamed or moved back to the original location before it can be accessed again.

Learn how Schoolwork names and stores files

Schoolwork automatically saves files in a HandoutName folder within the class folder, and uses the following format to name files, 'FamilyName GivenName - OriginalFilename.ext'. For example, if a student in Math class named Johnny Appleseed shares file ZZZ within Handout YYY, the file name would be 'Appleseed Johnny - ZZZ.pages'. The file is stored in a folder with the same name as the Handout, YYY, within the Math folder in the Schoolwork folder.

Rename the file

If the shared file was renamed, the file name needs to be changed back to the original name.

  1. Open the Files app and locate the file.

  2. Tap Select, then tap the file that you want to rename.

  3. Tap Rename.

  4. Enter the original name of the file, then tap Done.

If a student can’t remember the original name of the file, a teacher can locate the name in the iCloud Drive files.

Move the file back to its original location

If a file is moved, follow these steps to move the file back to its original location:

  1. Open the Files app and locate the file.

  2. Tap Select, then tap the file that you want to move.

  3. Tap the folder icon, then select the original folder where you want to move your file.

  4. Tap Move.

Create a new Handout

If a teacher deletes a shared file, all students and any other teachers contributing to the Handout lose access to the file. To create a new shared file, create a new Handout for the class, then add the original file so that teachers and students can gain access again.

If an individual student deletes a file, you can send the student a copy of the file in a new Handout.

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