How to upload photos to SharePoint libraries from mobile device???

Good day Meghan, and I appreciate the clear explanation of your concern.   

I completely understand the challenge, especially for field teams who need to upload a large number of construction photos quickly from their iPhones while on site. I also respect your decision to prioritize a simple experience for your subcontractors rather than requiring them to adopt another application. 

Here are a couple of approaches that may help: 

Note: The screenshots below were taken from the SharePoint app on Android. However, this workaround should also be available in the SharePoint app for iOS. If the experience on your device looks different or you are unable to locate these options, please feel free to share screenshots from your iPhone, and I’ll be happy to provide more specific guidance.

Option 1: Upload photos directly through the SharePoint mobile app

While the mobile experience is not always as intuitive as OneDrive for bulk photo uploads, users can still upload photos to a SharePoint document library from the SharePoint app. 

1/ Access the library from a page 

You can add a Document Library web part to a SharePoint page.  

For example, if you add a Document Library web part to your Home page, field users can quickly navigate to that page and access the document library directly, making it easier to upload and manage files. 

Steps to add Document Library web part: 

Note: This step requires site owner or SharePoint administrator permissions.

• Navigate to the SharePoint page where you want to add the document library. 
• Select Edit > Go to Web parts section > Choose Document Library. 
• Select the document library that your field teams will use. 
• Click Publish changes to save and apply your changes. 

After that, you can guide the field teams with the following steps: 

• Open the SharePoint mobile app > Navigate to the SharePoint site.  
• Open the navigation menu and navigate to the SharePoint page containing the Document Library web part. 
• Locate the Document Library web part on the page. 
• Select the three dots next to the library name > Choose Upload > Select Files > Select the photos to upload. 

This can provide faster access for field users because they don't need to navigate through multiple site menus. 

2/ Access the library through Site contents 

If users can access Site Contents: 

• Open the SharePoint mobile app > Navigate to the SharePoint site. 
• Select navigation menu > Open Site Contents. 
• Select the appropriate document library. 
• Once the library opens, tap the + button > Choose Files upload > Select the photos from the device and upload them. 

This approach opens the library in a view that is similar to the browser experience, making it easier to work with files. 

Note: If Site contents page is currently hidden from users, you may consider providing access to it or adding direct links to commonly used libraries for quicker navigation.

Option 2: Use the OneDrive mobile app to upload directly to the SharePoint library

While I understand your preference to avoid introducing another application, I thought it might be helpful to mention this alternative, as it is often the most efficient and user-friendly option for uploading large photo collections from mobile devices. 

The files do not need to be stored in the users' personal OneDrive. The OneDrive mobile app can also access SharePoint document libraries that the user has permission to use. 

• Install the OneDrive app on the iPhone. 
• Sign in using the same work account that has access to the SharePoint site. 
• Open the OneDrive app > Go to Libraries or Shared Libraries > Open the relevant SharePoint site. 
• Select the appropriate document library and folder. 
• Tap the + button > Choose Upload > Select the photos and allow the upload to complete. 

Currently, I have reviewed the Microsoft Roadmap and haven't found any upcoming updates related to this functionality and I definitely see how these limitations in SharePoint mobile app can feel disruptive. It’s not just about aesthetics; these differences can genuinely affect how smoothly your users work and navigate throughout their day. 

I’m really sorry, I know this isn’t the outcome you were hoping for. As a forum moderator, I hope you understand that I don’t have the ability to modify or escalate product issues directly. However, I strongly recommend submitting your feedback through the SharePoint · Community. This is the most effective way to ensure your voice reaches the product team and can be considered for future improvements.  

Once you've submitted your feedback, feel free to share the link here in the comments. I’ll be happy to upvote it to help bring more visibility. If you prefer, I can also submit this great idea on your behalf. Just let me know, and I’ll post it for you and share the link once it’s published. I’m here to help ensure your feedback gets the attention it deserves. 

Additionally, as other users have raised similar concerns and may not be aware of where to share their feedback, I hope this response helps clarify the situation and suggests a potential next step. Highlighting this information can make it more visible to others in the community who may be facing the same issue, making it easier for them to find guidance and contribute their feedback as well. 

Thank you again for your time and for raising this important usability concern. 

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