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How to Transfer Microsoft Office Apps and Files from iPhone 15 to iPhone 16

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to migrate Microsoft Office applications and associated files to a new iPhone 16 after an initial setup failed to transfer them automatically.

Product: Microsoft Office for iOS
Device & OS: iOS (iPhone 15, iPhone 16)
Scenario: Upgrading to a new iPhone model and needing to restore access to existing Office applications and documents.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Office applications, files, and folders do not appear automatically on the new iPhone after the standard data transfer process.

Before you start

Verify whether your Microsoft Office documents were previously saved to a cloud service like OneDrive or stored locally on your iPhone's internal storage, as this determines the correct transfer method.

Solution 1Recommended

Restore Office Files Using Cloud Storage (OneDrive or iCloud)

This is the most efficient method for users who had their documents saved and synchronized via cloud services.

Download Office Apps

Open the Apple App Store on your new iPhone 16, search for Microsoft Office (or individual apps like Word and Excel), and tap the download icon.

Sign In to Your Account

Launch the installed application and tap 'Sign In'. Enter the exact Microsoft account credentials you used on your iPhone 15.

Synchronize Files

Navigate to the 'Open' or 'Folder' tab within the app. Allow a few moments for the app to connect to OneDrive and synchronize your cloud-saved files and folders.

Solution 2

Transfer Local Office Files via Apple Quick Start

Use this method if your Office documents were saved exclusively to your device's local storage and not backed up to a cloud service.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Easily Manage and Transfer Documents with WPS Office for iOS

If you are setting up a new iPhone, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, all-in-one suite that is fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, making document migration and cloud synchronization effortless without the need for multiple app downloads.

1. Install the App: Search for WPS Office in the Apple App Store on your iPhone 16 and download it.
2. Log In: Sign in using your email, Google, or Apple account to access cloud features.
3. Open Your Files: Use the 'Files' tab to easily locate and open documents stored locally on your iPhone or in connected cloud drives.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).All-in-one app design saves valuable storage space on your new iPhone.Built-in cloud sync allows seamless document access and backup across multiple iOS devices.Free to use with a familiar, user-friendly mobile interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn't my Office apps transfer to my new iPhone automatically?

During an iCloud backup restore, apps are re-downloaded from the App Store rather than copied directly. If the app requires an updated login, or if there were temporary network issues during setup, they may not appear immediately.

Can I AirDrop Microsoft Office files from my old iPhone to the new one?

Yes. Open the Apple 'Files' app on your iPhone 15, locate your locally saved Office documents, long-press the file, select 'Share', and choose AirDrop to send them directly to your iPhone 16.

Are my locally saved Office files lost if I already wiped my iPhone 15?

If you factory reset the old device and did not back up your local files to iCloud, iTunes, or a third-party cloud service beforehand, the locally saved Office files cannot be recovered.

How do I find where my Office files are saved on my iPhone?

Open the built-in Apple 'Files' app. Check the 'On My iPhone' location for locally stored documents, and check 'iCloud Drive' or 'OneDrive' locations for files synced to the cloud.

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