How to download files directly to OneDrive on iPhone and iPad

Dealing with files on iOS 12 isn't as straightforward every bit on Windows 10, merely that doesn't mean you can't integrate your OneDrive account fully and download files on your iPhone or iPad and save them straight there.

Products used in this guide

Best tablet: iPad Pro 2022 12.9 ($999+ at Amazon)
Microsoft'southward app: OneDrive for iOS (Free)
Apple's app: Shortcuts for iOS (Free)

What you need starting time

In Windows 10 you can save files directly to OneDrive in the File Manager application every bit before long equally you've enabled your business relationship. In iOS 12, yous're able to practise something similar, merely y'all'll need to set it up kickoff.

Download the OneDrive app from the App Store.
Log into OneDrive with your Microsoft Account.
On your iPhone or iPad, open up the native Files app.
In the left hand menu pane, tap on edit.
Enable the OneDrive toggle.

You'll now be able to encounter your OneDrive files and folders inside the iOS Files app, which is of import for the side by side step.

Adjacent, download the Shortcuts app from the App Store. This is Apple'southward own application that opens up a world of automation and functionality non otherwise available on iOS 12.

How to save files directly to OneDrive

Right now you tin't but save a file to an iPhone or iPad like you can on Windows or Mac. It works OK for photos, just as more of the states motion to productivity on phones and tablets, there's no reason you wouldn't desire to download a zip file on your iPad.

That'south where this little workaround comes in.

Add the Download File shortcut to the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad.
Navigate to the web page you want to download the file from.
To download the file, you beginning demand to get its URL.
Copy the file URL to the clipboard.
Open the Shortcuts app.
Run the Download File shortcut.
When the file has been downloaded, you'll be asked where to save.
Select the desired OneDrive location.
Tap add.

The file will and so be saved directly to any location in OneDrive you chose. It'll then be available on any of your devices connected to OneDrive, including your Mac or Windows 10 PC.

It's a scrap hacky, but much of working with the iPhone and iPad involves adapting your workflows to get the best from them. You can add Shortcuts to your home screen and dock for quick access, and some files, such every bit audio, tin be shared direct to the shortcut through the share sheet in one case the web thespian has opened.

With a petty use, it'll soon go second nature and you lot'll be saving your files with ease.

Our tiptop equipment picks

The steps above will work on any iPhone or iPad running iOS 12. If you're in the marketplace for something new, the iPad Pro 2022 12.9 used here is an incredible slice of hardware.

Big tablet

Pad Pro

iPad Pro 12.nine

Non the iPad you remember

The latest iPad Pro is a stunning piece of hardware and it'due south hard to argue confronting Apple still being the male monarch of tablet makers.

Whether the iPad Pro is a "laptop replacement" is open up to interpretation, but for many people, it has more than to offer than a laptop could. That'southward in part due to the strength of the iOS app ecosystem, and if you're a heavy Microsoft user, you'll have a great fourth dimension hither. Microsoft'south apps for the iPad are superb.