OneDrive File Issues

How to Find a Word File from a Broken MacBook on Another Device

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to locate a Word essay created on a malfunctioning MacBook, which is currently not appearing in the Word app on an iPhone using the same school account.

Product: Microsoft Word / OneDrive
Device & OS: MacBook (macOS) / iPhone (iOS)
Scenario: Attempting to access a document synced via a school account on a different device after the original computer stopped working.
Observed behavior: The file is not visible in the Word app on the iPhone despite being signed into the same school account.

Before you start

Ensure you have the exact login credentials for the school account used to create the document and access to a working computer or mobile browser.

Solution 1Recommended

Check OneDrive Online for the Synced File

Verify if the document successfully synced to the cloud before the MacBook stopped working.

If the document was saved directly to the school's OneDrive account and the MacBook had an active internet connection, it should be available on the cloud server even if the Word app on your iPhone is glitching.

Access OneDrive Web

Open a web browser on your iPhone or another working device and navigate to the official OneDrive website.

Sign In

Search for the File

Browse the 'My files' or 'Recent' sections to look for your Word essay, or use the search bar at the top.

Sync Requirement: If the file was saved locally on the MacBook's hard drive and not uploaded to OneDrive, it will not appear online.

Solution 2

Recover the File from the Broken MacBook's Drive

If the file didn't sync to OneDrive, it must be extracted locally from the original MacBook's hard drive.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Reliable Cross-Device Sync

WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. With built-in WPS Cloud, your documents are automatically synced and backed up across macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android, preventing data loss when a single device fails.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on your Mac, PC, or mobile device.
2. Enable WPS Cloud: Sign in to your free WPS account and turn on Cloud Sync to automatically back up your documents.
3. Access Anywhere: Log into the same account on your iPhone or Android to instantly view and edit your synced essays.

Free and lightweight Office suite with a familiar interfaceFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsFree cloud storage for instant cross-device synchronizationBuilt-in auto-backup prevents data loss during unexpected device failures

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't my Word document showing up on my iPhone?

If the document was saved locally on your MacBook instead of your school's OneDrive, or if the MacBook lost its internet connection before it could finish syncing, the file won't appear on your iPhone.

Can I access my MacBook files from iCloud on my iPhone?

Yes, if your MacBook was previously set up to sync the Desktop and Documents folders to iCloud Drive, you can open the Files app on your iPhone and check the iCloud Drive section for your essay.

Where is the Word AutoRecovery folder located on a Mac?

It is typically located in a hidden Library folder at ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Word/Data/Library/Preferences/AutoRecovery. You can access it by holding the Option key while clicking the 'Go' menu in Finder, selecting 'Library', and navigating through the folders.

Document & File Issues