Microsoft 365 Help Upload, find and organise files
Share a document from your phone and understand where it is stored.
Before you start
- Know whether the file belongs in a chat or a team channel.
- Use your work account when choosing OneDrive files.
Choose the option that matches your screen or the task you want to do.
Attach a file to a chat or channel
-
Open the intended conversation
Tap Chat and open the person or group. For a channel, open the channels list under Chat or Teams and choose the correct team and channel.
-
Start the message
Tap the message box, or start/reply to a channel post. Write a short description of the file so people know why you are sending it.
-
Open the attachment options
Tap the + beside the message box, then Attach or the paperclip. Choose a file from the phone or your work cloud storage.
-
Choose the correct file
Browse to the document and tap it. Check its filename and preview. If your device asks for file access, select only the needed document or location.
-
Send and wait
Tap Send. Keep the app connected until uploading finishes. A failed-upload message means the file has not reached the conversation.
-
Open the shared copy
Tap the sent attachment and confirm it opens. Chat uploads are stored in the sender’s work OneDrive; channel uploads use the team’s SharePoint location.
-
Find channel files later
Open the channel and tap Files or Shared; it may be under Tabs. Tap folders to open them.
-
Find chat files later
Open the chat, tap its title or participant names at the top, then look under Files and See all.
Upload to your work OneDrive without sending a message
-
Open Teams file storage
In Teams, tap More, then Files and OneDrive.
-
Choose a document
Tap Add (+) then Files. Select the file on your phone and tap Open.
-
Check where it was saved
Wait for upload and open the file in the list. This is your work OneDrive; it is not automatically the team’s channel folder.
Create folders and manage the original files
-
Use the original storage app
For files in your work OneDrive, open the OneDrive mobile app with the same work account and browse to the intended parent folder.
-
Create the folder
Tap +, choose Create folder or Folder, enter a name and tap OK. Open the folder before adding documents.
-
Use a computer for channel maintenance when needed
If Teams mobile does not show New folder, Rename or Move for a channel library, use Teams on a computer: open the channel’s Shared/Files area, then New > Folder or the file’s three-dot menu.
You have finished when…
- The sent attachment opens correctly.
- You can find it again in the intended conversation or storage folder.
Helpful tips
- For permanent company records, follow the agreed SharePoint or team-folder structure.
- Deleting a cloud file can remove it for everyone. Downloading a separate copy does not update the shared original.
Something looks different?
There is no folder-creation button
Use OneDrive for your own work files, or the team’s SharePoint/library view on a computer for channel folders.
The upload fails on mobile data
Check your connection and whether the organisation restricts uploads. Retry on trusted Wi-Fi without repeatedly sending duplicates.
Microsoft help & further guidance
Menu names can change as Microsoft updates the apps. These official pages include further instructions.