The fastest way to access SharePoint depends on whether you're at work or away

You can reach SharePoint through your web browser on any device — desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone — by going directly to your organization's SharePoint URL. Most organizations give you this address when you set up your account, and it usually looks like yourcompanyname.sharepoint.com. You can also access it through Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) if your workplace uses that suite. On a phone or tablet, you can download the SharePoint mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for a smoother experience than the browser version.

Your workplace may also have set up a single sign-on system, which means you log in once and SharePoint opens automatically without entering your password again. If you're not sure whether your organization uses this, ask your IT department or manager — they can tell you the exact web address to use and whether you need any special setup.

Key Takeaways

  • You can access SharePoint through any web browser by typing your organization's SharePoint URL, which your IT department or manager can provide.
  • If your workplace uses Microsoft 365, you can also reach SharePoint by signing into your Microsoft 365 account and selecting SharePoint from the app menu.
  • The SharePoint mobile app (available on iOS and Android) works better than the browser version on phones and tablets, especially for downloading or uploading files.
  • Your organization may have set up single sign-on, which means you only log in once per session instead of entering your password each time.

Accessing SharePoint through your web browser

Open any web browser — Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox — and type your organization's SharePoint web address into the address bar. If you don't know the address, check any welcome email from your IT department, ask your manager, or look at the address bar of any SharePoint link someone has sent you. Once you type the address and press Enter, you'll see a sign-in screen.

Enter your work username and password. Some organizations use your email address as your username, while others use a different format — your IT department can clarify if you're unsure. After you sign in, you'll land on your organization's SharePoint home page, which usually shows recent documents, team sites, and news from your workplace.

If you see a message saying your account doesn't have permission to access SharePoint, contact your IT department or manager. They may need to add you to the system or grant you access to specific sites.

Accessing SharePoint through Microsoft 365

If your workplace provides Microsoft 365 accounts, you can sign into Microsoft 365 and launch SharePoint from there. Go to office.com in your web browser and sign in with your work email and password. You'll see a grid icon (nine dots) in the top left corner of the page — click it to open the app menu.

Look for SharePoint in the list of apps. Click it, and you'll be taken to your organization's SharePoint home page. This method works the same way as typing the SharePoint URL directly, but it's useful if you're already working in other Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, or Outlook and want to switch to SharePoint without opening a new browser tab.

Using the SharePoint mobile app on your phone or tablet

Download the SharePoint app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone or iPad) or Google Play Store (for Android phones and tablets). Search for "SharePoint" and look for the app with the Microsoft logo. Once installed, open the app and sign in with your work email and password.

The mobile app shows your recent files, followed sites, and team sites in an easy-to-tap format. You can download files to your phone to view them offline, upload photos or documents directly from your device, and search for files across your organization. The app also sends you notifications when someone shares a file with you or when a document you're watching changes.

If you prefer not to download an app, you can also use SharePoint on your phone through your web browser — just type the SharePoint URL into Safari, Chrome, or your default browser. The browser version works, but the app is faster and easier to use on a small screen.

What to do if you can't sign in

If you enter your password and see an error message, first check that you're using the correct username format. Some organizations use your full email address, while others use just the part before the @ symbol. If you're still stuck, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then sign in again. Instructions for clearing cache vary by browser — search "clear cache [your browser name]" if you need help.

If you're still unable to sign in after clearing your cache, your account may not have been set up yet or your password may have expired. Contact your IT department or help desk with the exact error message you're seeing. They can check whether your account is active and reset your password if needed.

Saving your sign-in information for faster access

Most web browsers offer to save your password when you sign into SharePoint. If you're on a personal device, you can click "Yes" or "Save password" to avoid typing it every time. On a shared or public computer, do not save your password — always sign out when you're done, and clear your browser history before leaving.

If you use the same browser on multiple devices, your saved passwords may sync across them. Check your browser settings if you want to turn this off. In Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, go to Settings and look for "Passwords" or "Sync" to control what gets saved and where.

Accessing shared files and team sites

Once you're signed into SharePoint, you'll see a list of team sites your organization has created. Click on any site name to open it and see the files, folders, and documents stored there. If someone has shared a specific file or folder with you, you may also see it listed under "Shared with me" or "Recent" on your home page.

You can also search for files across all of SharePoint by using the search box at the top of the page. Type a filename or keyword, and SharePoint will show you every matching file you have permission to see. This is useful if you remember part of a filename but not which team site it's stored in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access SharePoint without an internet connection?

No, SharePoint requires an active internet connection to sign in and view files. However, you can download files to your device while online, and then view them offline. The SharePoint mobile app lets you download files for offline viewing — just open the app, find the file, and tap the download icon.

What's the difference between SharePoint and OneDrive?

SharePoint is for team collaboration and storing files that multiple people need to access and edit together. OneDrive is your personal cloud storage, similar to Google Drive or Dropbox. Many organizations provide both — OneDrive for your personal files and SharePoint for team projects. You sign into both with the same work account.

Why does SharePoint ask me to sign in every time I open it?

This usually happens if your browser is set to clear cookies when you close it, or if your organization requires you to sign in again after a certain amount of time for security reasons. Check your browser settings to see if "Clear cookies on exit" is turned on. If it is and you want to stay signed in longer, you can turn it off — but only on personal devices.

Can I access SharePoint on my work phone if I don't have the app installed?

Yes, you can use SharePoint through your phone's web browser by typing the SharePoint URL into Safari, Chrome, or whatever browser you use. The experience is slower and harder to navigate on a small screen than the app, but it works if you need quick access and can't download the app.

What should I do if I forgot my work password?

Look for a "Forgot password?" link on the SharePoint sign-in screen and click it. You'll usually be asked to verify your identity using a phone number or backup email address. If you don't see a "Forgot password?" option, or if the reset doesn't work, contact your IT department or help desk — they can reset your password for you.