M365 Copilot App for iOS - Lost ability to browse SharePoint

Question

Hello,

Until early December 2025 we were able to use the M365 Copilot app to edit Excel and PDF docs on iPads in the field. To get to the files, we had the option to browse SharePoint libraries.

Has there been an update to the M365 Copilot app recently which removed all of these capabilities? We can still find the files, but there is no browse option, and Excel files can no longer be edited directly in this app.

We used the SharePoint app in the past, but this didn't work properly with larger PDF files.

App version - 2.104.25111621 (2.104.1).

Thanks for any input.

Answer 1

Hi GregorNZS

It has been a while and I am writing to see how things are going with this issue.

Have you had a chance to check the replies provided?

Any update would be appreciated.

Answer 2

Hi, GregorNZS

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

Sorry for this unwanted experience that you're facing. For your question about Copilot app update, the short answer is yes, the Copilot mobile experience is shifting toward previewing work files inside the M365 Copilot app and then handing off editing to the standalone Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). In parallel, Intune/App‑based Conditional Access or App Protection Policies (MAM) can block specific in‑app file pickers or limit which client apps may open SharePoint content. When those policies are in effect, users may “find” files but lose the Browse SharePoint option inside Copilot, and direct editing can be disabled unless the app supports MAM.

Here are some workarounds you can try to resolve this issue:

Install/Update the standalone Office apps

• Word, Excel, PowerPoint from the App Store. Sign in with your work or school account.

Open SharePoint content via OneDrive or Files (picker)

• In the M365 Copilot app, use Open > your OneDrive (work) or tap Places to change location, then hand off to Word/Excel when you need to edit. If browsing SharePoint libraries is missing in Copilot, open the same file through OneDrive (which surfaces SharePoint libraries you follow) or the iPad’s Files app configured for your Microsoft 365 account.

Use Copilot for preview + chat, then tap “Open in Excel/Word”

• Current guidance emphasizes preview in Copilot and editing in the standalone app. PDF scenarios (view/sign/convert) remain available under Actions.

If you’re Intune‑managed, check policies

• App‑based Conditional Access can restrict SharePoint access to “managed apps only.” Ensure Excel/Word/PowerPoint are targeted with App Protection Policies and your Conditional Access policy allows those apps to access SharePoint/OneDrive. Otherwise the Copilot app’s picker can be suppressed.

Basic app hygiene

• Sign out/in, force‑quit, and update the Copilot app; if you purchased Copilot Pro or M365 via the store, use Restore previous purchase if features look downgraded after reinstall.

I understand that this change makes you feel uncomfortable. However, there are sensible reasons behind it. First, internally Microsoft tracks a feature that puts preview + Copilot chat inside the mobile app and routes editing to the Office apps. The Android wave is explicit; iOS guidance highlights “create and edit via Office apps” and saving to OneDrive/SharePoint, which aligns with the same model. Second, If your devices/accounts are governed by Intune, Conditional Access and MAM can remove in‑app “Browse SharePoint” and block editing unless done by approved managed apps.

In case you need to work with large PDF files, you can use Copilot app > Actions for “Sign a PDF,” “Scan to PDF,” “Pictures to PDF,” then Save to a chosen location. For heavy PDFs, open in OneDrive or the standalone Word/PowerPoint if you need AI‑assisted summaries on desktop/web.

Hope this helps. Feel free to get back if you need further assistance.

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