File Sharing Problems

How to Share OneDrive Files as View-Only on iOS

Natalie Taylor Oct 8, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to share OneDrive files or folders from an iOS device without granting the recipients editing permissions.

How to Share OneDrive Files as View-Only on iOS

Product: OneDrive iOS App
Device & OS: iOS
Scenario: Sharing documents securely from a mobile device while ensuring they cannot be modified by the recipient.
Observed behavior: The user wants to configure sharing settings to ensure recipients only have view-only access to the files.

Before you start

Ensure you have the latest version of the OneDrive app installed on your iPhone or iPad and that you are logged into your Microsoft account.

Solution 1Recommended

Set Sharing Permissions to View-Only in OneDrive for iOS

Adjust the sharing settings within the OneDrive app before sending the invitation to restrict editing.

By modifying the link settings before you share a file, you can control exactly what recipients can do with your document. Turning off the editing feature ensures your original file remains unaltered.

Select the file or folder

Open the OneDrive iOS app, locate the file or folder you want to share, and tap the More icon (three dots) next to it.

Tap Share

Select the 'Share' option from the context menu that appears.

Choose Invite People

Tap on 'Invite People' and enter the email addresses of your intended recipients in the provided field.

Disable editing permissions

Find the 'Allow editing' toggle and turn it off to ensure the file is shared as view-only.

Send the invitation

Tap 'Add' or 'Send' to dispatch the view-only link to your recipients.

Set Sharing Permissions to View-Only in OneDrive for iOS

Permission Confirmed: Recipients will receive an email link allowing them to read the file, but any changes they attempt to make will be blocked.

Secure Mobile Document Sharing

Share View-Only Files Securely with WPS Office on iOS

WPS Office for iOS allows you to easily share documents using secure, view-only links. You can also connect your OneDrive account directly within WPS Office to manage, view, and share your files seamlessly without switching apps.

1. Open WPS Office: Launch the WPS Office app on your iPhone or iPad and open the document you wish to share.
2. Tap the Share icon: Tap the 'Share' button located on the top or bottom navigation bar.
3. Select Link Sharing: Choose the 'Share as Link' option and set the permission to 'View Only' to prevent unwanted modifications.
4. Send to Recipients: Copy the secure link or share it directly via your preferred messaging app or email.

Create secure, view-only sharing links in secondsSeamlessly integrate with OneDrive, Google Drive, and DropboxFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a recipient's permission from view-only to edit later on iOS?

Yes. You can manage access by tapping the three dots next to the shared file in OneDrive, selecting 'Details' or 'Manage Access', and updating the permission settings for specific users.

Do recipients need a Microsoft account to open a view-only OneDrive link?

No. If you share a view-only link, recipients can typically open and read the document in their web browser without needing to sign in, provided the link is set to 'Anyone with the link'.

Can view-only recipients download the shared file?

By default, view-only recipients can download a copy of the file. To block downloads entirely, you need to use the 'Block download' toggle, which is available in the link settings of the OneDrive app.

Document & File Issues