File Sharing Problems

How to Share SharePoint Files on Mobile Without Saving

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to share a file directly from SharePoint using a mobile device, but needs to do so without downloading or keeping a permanent local copy on the device storage.

How to Share SharePoint Files on a Mobile Phone Without Saving Them

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: Mobile
Scenario: Sharing a cloud document with colleagues or clients while using a mobile phone on the go.
Observed behavior: The user needs to generate a sharing link or grant access without triggering a local file download.

Before you start

Make sure you have installed the official SharePoint mobile app, signed in with your work or school account, and have the necessary sharing permissions for the file.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Share or Copy Link Feature in the SharePoint App

Generate a sharing link directly from the app's document library to provide access without downloading the file.

By using the built-in sharing options in the SharePoint mobile app, you send a link granting access to the cloud file rather than sending an actual file attachment. This prevents the file from being saved permanently to your local device storage.

Open Document Library

Launch the SharePoint app on your phone, navigate to your site, and open the relevant document library.

Select the File

Scroll through the library to locate the file you want to share. Do not tap the file to open it if you want to avoid caching it.

Open More Options

Tap the three dots (More options) icon located next to the file name to open the action menu.

Choose Share or Copy Link

Tap 'Share' to send it directly via email or messaging apps, or select 'Copy link' to manually paste the link wherever you need.

Avoid Downloading

Ensure you do not select the 'Download' or 'Save to device' option from the menu, which would create a local copy.

Use the Share or Copy Link Feature in the SharePoint App

Temporary Cache Behavior: If you tap to open and preview the file, the app may create a temporary cached copy to display it. This is not a permanent save, but you can avoid it entirely by sharing directly from the library list.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Easily Manage and Share Cloud Documents on Mobile with WPS Office

Looking for a lighter, faster way to handle documents on your phone? WPS Office is a powerful alternative to Microsoft Office that lets you view, edit, and share files via links without eating up your mobile storage.

1. Open WPS Office: Launch the WPS Office app on your mobile device.
2. Access Cloud Files: Navigate to the Cloud tab to locate your synced documents.
3. Share as Link: Tap the Share icon next to your file and choose 'Share as Link' to avoid sending local copies.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Generate lightweight sharing links directly from your mobile device.All-in-one app for PDFs, spreadsheets, and presentations.Significantly smaller app size saves valuable phone storage space.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share a SharePoint file link with external users?

Yes, if your organization's SharePoint sharing settings allow it. When you tap 'Share', you can tap the link settings gear icon to specify if anyone with the link can view it, or restrict it to specific people.

Does copying a link in SharePoint use any storage space on my phone?

No, generating and copying a link happens on the server side. It does not download the file or consume any local storage space on your mobile phone.

How do I clear cached SharePoint files on my mobile device?

Mobile operating systems usually manage app cache automatically. However, you can go to your device's App Settings, select the SharePoint app, and choose 'Clear Cache' to manually remove temporary preview files.

Document & File Issues