Ipad or i phone excel

Dayami Espinosa 0 Reputation points
2026-05-23T20:33:15.9333333+00:00

Microsoft on my ipad is not working properly i cant do most of the thing not even a drop down list

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | iOS
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  1. AI answer

    2026-05-23T20:33:38.2233333+00:00

    On iPad or iPhone, Excel has some limitations compared to the desktop version, and some features either do not work or only work in a reduced way depending on file type and app state.

    To troubleshoot when Excel “is not working properly” and features like drop-down lists (data validation) stop working, try these steps:

    1. Confirm the file type is supported for editing on iOS
      • Excel for iOS can fully open and edit only certain formats. For others, it opens read-only or with limited functionality.
      • On iOS, Excel workbooks (.xlsx) and macro-enabled workbooks (.xlsm) can be opened and edited. Older formats like .xls and some others are read-only.
      • If the workbook is in an older or unsupported format (for example .xls, .xltx, .csv, .xlsb, .ods), save it as .xlsx on a desktop version of Excel, then reopen it on the iPad/iPhone and test the drop-down list again.
    2. Check whether the workbook is opening read-only
      • If the file is read-only (for example due to location, permissions, or format), editing actions like using drop-down lists may not be available.
      • Move or save the file to a location where full editing is allowed (for example OneDrive or local storage) and ensure it opens as an editable .xlsx.
    3. Verify Excel and iOS are up to date
      • Install the latest Excel (or Microsoft 365) app updates from the App Store.
      • Make sure iOS/iPadOS is updated, as some issues are resolved by newer app or OS versions.
    4. Reset the Excel app on iPad
      • If Excel shows errors like “No subscription found” or behaves incorrectly, resetting the app can clear corrupted settings:
        1. Open iPad Settings.
        2. Scroll down and select Excel.
        3. Under RESET, tap “Reset Excel”.
        4. Enable “Delete Login Credentials”.
        5. Close Excel completely (App Switcher → swipe Excel up), then reopen and sign in again.
    5. Reinstall Excel if issues started around a subscription change or update
      • If Excel previously worked and stopped after a subscription renewal or update, uninstalling and reinstalling the app can restore full functionality.
      • After reinstalling, sign in with the same Microsoft account or work/school account that has the Microsoft 365 subscription.
    6. Confirm subscription and sign-in
      • Ensure the account used to sign in to Excel on the iPad/iPhone has an active Microsoft 365 subscription that includes mobile app editing.
      • If sign-in problems occur, verify the username and password in a browser and confirm the device meets system requirements.

    If, after these steps, drop-down lists still do not work, check the file on a desktop version of Excel to confirm the data validation is correctly configured and not using features unsupported on mobile.

    References:

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  2. Kai-H 26,135 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-05-24T07:39:03.24+00:00

    Hi, Dayami Espinosa

    On iPad/iPhone, Excel is not the same as the full desktop Excel. One important catch is that creating new data-validation drop-down lists directly in Excel for iPad is not supported, although existing drop-downs made on PC/Mac may still work.

    Besides the solutions provided by the Q&A Assist, here are some suggestions you can try:

    If the user is trying to create a new drop-down list on the iPad, the practical workaround is to open the workbook in Excel for the web instead. Go to https://www.office.com, open the file there, then check the Data tab for Data Validation. This has been recommended as a workaround when the iPad app does not show the drop-down/data validation option.

    If the drop-down already exists but will not select properly, avoid typing into the cell first. Tap the cell once, then tap the drop-down arrow and choose the item directly. There is a known-style issue where iPad Excel may show the list but only keep the typed letters, especially with entries that mix letters and numbers, such as “M20” or “A10”.

    It is also suggested that the workbook owner simplify the list values if possible, for example avoid mixed letter/number codes in the validation list, or split them into clearer choices. If the file has protected sheets, make sure the cells with drop-downs are unlocked before protection is applied, otherwise Excel can behave oddly with validation lists.

    One more simple thing to test: if they use an external keyboard or third-party keyboard app, disconnect it or switch back to the normal Apple on-screen keyboard, then try the drop-down again. Keyboard/extensions can interfere with Excel behavior on iPadOS.

    Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

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