Can’t Collaborate with People on Freeform Boards on iPhone or iPad? Here’s the Fix!

Though the Freeform app is well-known for seamless collaboration, a handful of users have complained that they can’t collaborate on shared boards on iPhone or iPad after the iOS 18/iPadOS 18 software update. But there is no need to panic as we have found some workable solutions to fix this issue. So, let’s jump right in to get rid of the problem sooner than later to bring the fun-loving collaboration back on track again!

Tips to Fix Collaboration Not Working in Freeform on iPhone and iPad 

A little brainstorming upfront is always better when you are dealing with a weird issue. It would be wise to get it out of the way.

Why is Collaboration Not Working in Freeform on iPhone or iPad? 

Without mincing my words, I would like to say that the ill-functioning iCloud syncing appears to be at the heart of the collaborative glitch in the Freeform app. Hence, you can resolve the issue by taking care of the iCloud syncing. As has become the norm these days, the problem might also be a byproduct of a software bug. So, we will need to look at this problem from both perspectives.

1. Don’t See the Latest Updates in the Shared Board? Force Quit the Freeform App

If you don’t see the latest updates in the Freeform app, force quit the app and open it again. Many a time, all you need to do to fix a problematic app is just to just force kill it.

  • Swipe up from the home bar and hold to bring up the app switcher. On iPhone or iPad with the Home button, double-press the Home button to reveal the app switcher.
  • Then, swipe up on the Freeform app card to kill the app. 
Force quit Apple Freeform app
  • After that, open the app again to check if the latest updates have appeared. 

2. Turn OFF/ON iCloud for Freeform 

As stated above, the collaboration not working problem in Freeform could very well be due to the ill-fated iCloud syncing. Therefore, try to turn off/on the iCloud toggle for the app

  • Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> Apple ID banner -> iCloud -> Show/See All -> turn off the switch for Freeform. 
  • After that, restart your iPhone and then turn on the toggle for Freeform. 
Enable iCloud for Apple Freeform app on iPhone and iPad

3. Can’t Make Changes or Add People to the Shared Freeform Board? Remove the Sharing Limitations 

If you are unable to make changes or add people to the Freeform board? Make sure the organizer of the shared board has given permission to make changes or add people to the shared board.

An organizer can easily manage the shared board permissions

  • Head into the Freeform app -> Shared -> touch and hold onto the shared board -> Manage Shared Board
  • If you want to manage the permissions for everyone, tap on Share Options and then make the needed changes. 
manage sharing options for Apple Freeform app
  • If you want to manage the share permissions for a specific person, select the person in question and then remove the restrictions. 

4. Update Software on Your iPhone or iPad 

If you still can’t collaborate on Freeform boards, try updating the software. I suspect there might be a software bug that could be blocking collaboration. 

  • Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> General -> Software Update. After that, download and install the latest version of iOS or iPadOS on your device. 
Update Software in iOS 18

Wrap up…

That’s pretty much it! Hopefully, the issue is gone and you have started to collaborate on projects again. Great! Which one of the above tips has worked for you? Be sure to share your valuable thoughts in the comments section below. 

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Posted by
Rajesh Mishra

Editor-in-Chief: Rajesh Mishra is a Shakespearean poet at heart who turned a tech nerd while having a secret rendezvous with iPhone 4. When that rendezvous turned obsession, he let go of his hard-core political journalism in favour of the lifelong love-affair with technology. In a career spanning one and a half decades, Mr. Mishra has crafted over 8K articles and produced more than 3K videos for YouTube. When he is not at his desk, you may find him either engrossed in a Deathmatch or chasing Wordsworth!

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