File Sharing Problems

How to Share OneDrive Files with Multiple iPads Using One Microsoft 365 Account

Olivia Miller Oct 15, 2026 869 views

Question details

A user needs to distribute an agenda folder from a single clerk's OneDrive account to 15 dedicated iPads used by board members who do not have their own Microsoft 365 accounts.

How to Share OneDrive Files with Multiple iPads Using One Microsoft 365 Account

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: iPadOS, Windows/Mac
Scenario: Distributing meeting materials and folders to multiple tablet devices simultaneously without requiring individual user logins.
Observed behavior: The board members require seamless access to the shared folder on their iPads without triggering Microsoft 365 sign-in prompts or hitting account device limits.

Before you start

Review your organization's internal security policies and data compliance requirements before sharing a synchronized folder over an open local network or attempting to bypass account limitations across multiple devices.

Solution 1Recommended

Share a Synchronized Local Folder Over the Network

Synchronize the OneDrive folder to a local host computer and share it across the local Wi-Fi network. iPads can then access the files using a third-party file manager app.

By syncing the cloud folder locally, you can bypass the Microsoft 365 account limitation on the iPads. The host computer acts as a local file server, allowing any authorized device on the same Wi-Fi network to pull the files.

Synchronize OneDrive to the Host Computer

Open the OneDrive client on the clerk's computer. Ensure you are signed into the Microsoft 365 account and verify that the specific agenda folder is set to sync locally to the hard drive.

Share the Local Folder on the Network

Right-click the synchronized agenda folder on the computer and select 'Properties' (Windows) or 'Get Info' (Mac). Navigate to the 'Sharing' tab, enable network sharing, and configure the permissions to allow read access for the network users.

Install a File Manager on the iPads

On all 15 dedicated iPads, open the App Store and download a network-capable file management application, such as FileExplorer File Manager or the native Apple Files app.

Connect the iPads to the Network Share

Launch the file manager app on each iPad. Tap the option to add a new network connection (SMB or Windows Share). Enter the host computer's local IP address and the necessary shared credentials to access the agenda folder.

Share a Synchronized Local Folder Over the Network

Local Network Connectivity: Both the host computer and all 15 iPads must remain connected to the same local Wi-Fi network for the file share to remain accessible during the meeting.

Share Documents Easily

Use WPS Cloud to Share Folders with Anyone

Bypass complex local network setups. With WPS Office, you can securely upload your agenda folder to WPS Cloud and share it with 15 iPads via a single accessible link. The board members can view documents directly without needing to register for accounts.

1. Upload the Folder to WPS Cloud: Open WPS Office on the clerk's primary device, navigate to the Cloud tab, and upload the entire agenda folder to your WPS Cloud space.
2. Generate a Sharing Link: Right-click the uploaded folder in WPS Cloud and click 'Share'. Choose to create a public link.
3. Configure Viewing Permissions: Set the sharing permission to 'Anyone with the link can view' to ensure no login prompts interrupt the board members.
4. Access Directly on iPads: Distribute the generated link to the 15 iPads. Board members can open the link directly in their iPad web browser to view all documents instantly.

Share entire folders easily via secure public or password-protected linksHighly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsNo individual user accounts or subscriptions required for viewersSeamless cross-platform viewing on iPadOS, iOS, Windows, and Android

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share a OneDrive folder via a public web link instead of a local network?

Yes, if your Microsoft 365 enterprise settings allow external sharing, you can right-click the folder in OneDrive and select 'Share', then choose 'Anyone with the link'. However, many IT administrators disable this feature for security reasons, making local network sharing a common workaround.

Do I need an active internet connection on the iPads to access a local network share?

No. As long as the host computer (which has the downloaded files) and the iPads are connected to the same local Wi-Fi router or access point, you can access the shared folder locally without an external internet connection.

What happens if the host computer goes to sleep during the meeting?

If the host computer syncing the OneDrive folder goes to sleep or powers off, the network connection will drop, and the iPads will immediately lose access to the shared folder. You must configure the host computer's power settings to 'Never sleep' while sharing.

Document & File Issues