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File Format & Compatibility

Fix Cannot Open EML Files from SharePoint in Outlook Mobile

Tauseeq MagsiTauseeq Magsi Oct 16, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to open saved .eml email files directly in the Outlook mobile application when attempting to launch them from the SharePoint mobile app.

How to Fix 'Cannot Open EML Files from SharePoint in Outlook Mobile'
Product
Microsoft Outlook Mobile / SharePoint
Device & OS
Android / iOS
Scenario
Accessing a SharePoint document library on a mobile device to view saved .eml email files.
Observed behavior
The SharePoint mobile app successfully previews the EML file, but fails to open it fully in the Outlook mobile app because native EML support is currently unavailable on the mobile platform.
Before you start

Verify that you have access to a desktop computer or an alternative mobile application capable of reading EML files, as the Outlook mobile app currently lacks native support for this specific format.

Solution 1Recommended

Open the EML File Using Outlook Desktop

Since Outlook mobile does not support EML files, accessing them via the desktop version of Microsoft Outlook is the most reliable solution.

The desktop versions of Microsoft Outlook have full native support for the .eml format, allowing you to open, reply to, and forward these saved emails without any third-party tools.

1
Access SharePoint on a computer

Open a web browser on your Windows or Mac computer and log into your Microsoft 365 account to access the SharePoint site where the email is stored.

2
Download the EML file

Locate the specific .eml file in your SharePoint document library, click the three-dot menu next to the file, and select 'Download' to save it to your local hard drive.

3
Open in Outlook Desktop

Locate the downloaded file on your computer and double-click it. It will automatically open in the Microsoft Outlook desktop application with all formatting and attachments intact.

Open the EML File Using Outlook Desktop
Cross-Platform Access: Using the desktop application ensures that complex email layouts, embedded images, and attachments within the EML file render correctly.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

View and Edit Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

While EML format limitations are specific to email clients like Outlook mobile, dealing with various file formats on mobile devices can often be frustrating. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free Microsoft Office alternative that allows you to easily view, edit, and manage your Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files all from one lightweight mobile application.

  1. 1. Download the App: Search for WPS Office in your device's app store or visit the official WPS website to download the application for free.
  2. 2. Install and Launch: Follow the on-screen prompts to install the app, then open it to access the all-in-one document dashboard.
  3. 3. Open Your Files: Easily import or directly open your saved documents, spreadsheets, and PDFs to view or edit them with complete formatting support.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Lightweight mobile application that doesn't consume excessive device storageAll-in-one suite to seamlessly manage documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDFsFamiliar user interface ensuring zero learning curve for Office users
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I preview the EML file in SharePoint but not open it in Outlook Mobile?

The SharePoint mobile app includes a basic built-in file previewer capable of rendering the raw text of EML files. However, the Outlook Mobile application currently lacks the specific integration required to import and render standalone .eml files seamlessly, a feature that is currently exclusive to its desktop counterpart.

Are there plans for Microsoft to support EML files in Outlook for Android?

Microsoft frequently updates Outlook Mobile based on user demand, but there is no official roadmap or timeline provided for EML support on Android. Submitting feedback through the app's settings is the most effective way to encourage the development of this feature.

Can I convert the EML file to a PDF to read it on mobile?

Yes. If you have access to a desktop computer, you can open the EML file in desktop Outlook or the default Mail app, select 'Print', and choose 'Save as PDF'. Once saved as a PDF, you can upload it back to SharePoint and effortlessly view it on your mobile device using any PDF reader, such as WPS Office.