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How to Fix MSG Files Not Opening in SharePoint iOS App
Question details
Users are unable to open or view Outlook MSG files within the SharePoint iOS application.
- Product
- SharePoint iOS App
- Device & OS
- iOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to open and read Outlook email attachments (MSG files) stored in a SharePoint repository from an iPhone or iPad.
- Observed behavior
- The SharePoint iOS app displays a completely blank page when an MSG file is selected, even though standard Office documents like Excel open normally.
Ensure your device is updated to the latest iOS version and that you have installed the most recent version of the SharePoint mobile app from the App Store.
Open the MSG File via Safari or the Web Client
Bypass the mobile app's preview limitations by accessing the SharePoint file through a standard web browser.
The SharePoint iOS application currently lacks a built-in previewer capable of rendering Outlook MSG files. This is a format compatibility limitation within the app itself, not a corruption of your files or SharePoint storage.
Open the SharePoint iOS app and navigate to the folder containing the MSG file you wish to view.
Tap the ellipsis (...) or the 'Share' icon next to the MSG file to open the context menu.
Select the 'Open in Safari' option. Alternatively, copy the file link and paste it into any mobile web browser.
Log in to your Microsoft 365 account in the browser if prompted, and view or download the MSG file directly through the SharePoint web interface.
Submit a Service Request to Microsoft Support
Contact Microsoft Support to report the compatibility issue and request an investigation using app activity logs.
View and Edit Office Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
Avoid mobile compatibility issues by using WPS Office, a comprehensive and free alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers robust support for standard document formats, ensuring your mobile workflow remains uninterrupted.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the App Store on your iOS device and download WPS Office for free.
- 2. Connect your cloud storage: Open the app and link your preferred cloud storage services to access your documents anywhere.
- 3. Manage files seamlessly: Tap on any DOCX, XLSX, or PPTX file to instantly open, view, and edit it with high compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do MSG files show a blank page in the SharePoint iOS app?
The SharePoint iOS app lacks a native file viewer specifically designed for Outlook MSG files. Because the app cannot render the format internally, it defaults to displaying a blank page instead of the email's content.
Can I open MSG files natively on an iPhone?
iOS does not include a native previewer for MSG files. To view them on an iPhone or iPad, you typically need to use a web client, download a dedicated third-party MSG viewer from the App Store, or convert the MSG file to PDF on a computer first.
Is my MSG file corrupted if it won't open in SharePoint?
Not necessarily. If other Office files like Excel and Word open normally in the app, the MSG file is likely fine. You can verify its integrity by opening the file on a desktop computer using Microsoft Outlook.
Will Microsoft update the SharePoint app to support MSG files?
This is a known limitation. While Microsoft frequently updates its mobile apps, the best way to encourage this specific feature is by submitting a support ticket or feature request through the Microsoft 365 admin center.
