OneDrive File Issues

How to View Shared OneDrive Folders on iPhone App

WPS Content ManagerWPS Content Manager Oct 10, 2026 873 views

Question details

The user needs to access OneDrive folders shared by others directly from the iPhone app, as they are currently only visible on the web version.

How to View Shared OneDrive Folders on Your iPhone
Product
OneDrive
Device & OS
iPhone (iOS)
Scenario
Trying to view and manage shared collaborative folders via the mobile app.
Observed behavior
Shared folders are visible on the web version of OneDrive but do not appear in the iPhone app's file list automatically.
Before you start

Ensure you have your OneDrive account credentials ready and can access a desktop web browser, as the initial configuration must be done on the web interface.

Solution 1Recommended

Add a Shared Folder Shortcut via OneDrive Web

By creating a shortcut to the shared folder on the web version of OneDrive, it will automatically sync and become accessible in your iPhone app.

The mobile app requires shared folders to be integrated into your personal file directory to display them effectively. Adding a shortcut bridges the gap between the 'Shared with me' section and your main files.

1
Open OneDrive on the web

Log in to your OneDrive account through a web browser on your computer.

2
Navigate to shared files

On the left navigation pane, click on 'Shared', and then select the 'Shared with me' tab.

3
Create a shortcut

Locate and select the shared folder you want to view on your iPhone. From the top menu bar, click on 'Add shortcut to My files'.

4
Access from iPhone

Open the OneDrive app on your iPhone. The shared folder will now appear in your 'My files' view, allowing seamless mobile access.

Add a Shared Folder Shortcut via OneDrive Web
Sync Delay: It may take a few moments for the shortcut to sync to your mobile device. If it doesn't appear immediately, pull down on your iPhone screen to refresh the file list.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why don't shared folders appear automatically in the iPhone OneDrive app?

By default, items shared with you are kept in a separate 'Shared' view to keep your personal directory uncluttered. To view them alongside your regular files on mobile, you must intentionally add a shortcut to 'My files'.

Will adding a shortcut to 'My files' use up my personal OneDrive storage?

No, creating a shortcut to a folder shared by someone else does not consume your own OneDrive storage space. The files remain hosted on the original owner's account.

Can I remove the shortcut later without deleting the owner's files?

Yes. You can delete the shortcut from your 'My files' folder at any time. This action simply removes the link from your view and does not delete or affect the actual files owned by the other person.