Unfortunately, it is not possible to select any folder from 3rd party providers. I wanted to do the same and had grayed out file providers. I reported a bug 2 weeks ago and apple answered: "Works by design". I agree with you that the documentation says something else. Also, when you select a file from the picker, the secure-scoped url only gives you permission to modify the file. You don't get any permissions to the folder which contains the file. Our workaround is to export the file with UIActivityViewController. Then, you can open the file with the picker. Another solution involves creating your own UI and use the file providers own sdks.