Unlock Shared Office Files on iOS: No Microsoft Account Needed!

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Now, it’s simpler for more devices, like iPhones and iPads, to access shared Office documents without needing a Microsoft account. The latest update allows this, so even if you’re not signed in, you can still view these files.

You didn’t need a Microsoft account to open shared files from Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on the web; now, that functionality extends to using an iPad or iPhone as well.

Now, users receiving shared files find it simpler to access and review Word, PowerPoint, or Excel documents directly. However, making edits to shared documents or adding comments is only possible with a Microsoft account.

Due to the widespread use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel in numerous organizations and among users, it’s quite frequent to receive shared Office documents. The latest updates to these Office applications on iOS and iPadOS make it easier for users to access such file types.

Microsoft shares the steps to share documents in a Tech Community post:

  • Open a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file that you want to share.
  • SelectĀ Share > Link settingsĀ (the gear icon in the top-right corner), ensure that either theĀ Anyone with the link can editĀ orĀ Anyone with the link can viewĀ option is selected, and then select theĀ ApplyĀ button.Ā 
  • To share the link with others, type their email address in theĀ ShareĀ dialog box, and then click theĀ SendĀ button, or click theĀ CopyĀ link button and paste it in a message created using an app such as Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Teams.

Anyone who uses that link on a supported device will be able to open and view the file.

The new behavior rolls out with Version 2.94 (Build 25020422) of the Office apps on iOS and iPadOS.

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2025-03-21 17:13