Microsoft Simplifies Viewing Shared Office Files on iOS

Microsoft has made it even easier for users to access shared Office files across more devices without needing to log into a Microsoft account. Thanks to a recent update, you can now view shared documents on your iPhone or iPad without having to sign in.

Previously, if you wanted to view shared files from Word, Excel, or PowerPoint without an account, you had to do it through the web. Now, this convenient feature is available on iOS devices as well.

This update is great news for anyone who receives Office documents, as they can now open and view Word, PowerPoint, or Excel files effortlessly. However, remember that if you need to make edits or leave comments on these documents, a Microsoft account is still required.

Considering the popularity of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel in many organizations, sharing Office documents is a frequent activity. This change in the Office apps for iPhone and iPad enhances accessibility, allowing more users to view important files with ease.

To share documents, Microsoft has laid out a straightforward process in a Tech Community post. You need to open the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file you’d like to share, select ‘Share’ and then ‘Link settings’ (look for the gear icon at the top-right corner). Make sure to choose either ‘Anyone with the link can edit’ or ‘Anyone with the link can view.’ After that, hit ‘Apply.’ You can then share the link by typing in the recipient’s email in the Share dialog box and clicking ‘Send’, or you can simply copy the link and paste it into a message using an app like Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Teams.

Anyone with the link and a compatible device can open and view the file, making collaboration much smoother. This new functionality is part of the Version 2.94 (Build 25020422) update for the Office apps on iOS and iPadOS.