I only get “email files” when I want to attach a file to send in an email in outlook. I get on other options like I used too.

Hi C, this is Kimberly. I'm glad to assist you today.

You're using Outlook on an iPad mini (5th gen) running iPadOS 18.6, which means the issue is related to how the Outlook iOS/iPadOS app handles file attachments, not Word or your files themselves.

On the Outlook iPad app, when you tap Attach File, it often defaults to showing:

Recent "email files" only (like previous attachments)

No obvious way to browse full folders unless you use Files app integration

This behavior is common on iOS/iPadOS Outlook, especially after recent updates that simplified or limited the attachment picker.

Steps to Attach Any File (Including Word Docs) on iPad:

Method 1: Use the "Browse" Option in the Attachment Picker

Start a new email in the Outlook app.

Tap the paperclip icon to attach a file.

When it shows "Email Files", look for a "Browse" or folder icon (usually top-left or top-right).

Tap it — this should take you into the iPad’s Files app.

From there, you can navigate to:

On My iPad

iCloud Drive

OneDrive, Google Drive, or other file providers (if connected)

Locate your Word files in "Documents" or another folder.

If you don’t see the “Browse” option, try tapping "See More" or "Locations" (in small text), or swipe down to reveal it.

Method 2: Attach via Files App (Share to Outlook)

Open the Files app on your iPad.

Navigate to the folder with your Word document.

Long-press the Word file → choose Share.

From the Share Sheet, select Outlook.

This will open a new Outlook message with the file already attached.

This is a reliable workaround if Outlook’s in-app attachment menu is acting weird.

Should you have more questions, please let me know.

Best regards,

Kimberly