In files on the iPad Air 13, we open Excel to update data and information, but after opening in seconds it freezes the entire screen and we are prevented from editing them. Before, we used Excel normally, editing and updating information without problems.

Elaina 0 Reputation points
2026-08-21T09:50:05.6666667+00:00

In files on the iPad Air 13, we open Excel to update data and information, but after opening it in seconds it freezes the entire screen and we are prevented from editing them. Before, we used Excel normally, editing and updating information without problems.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For education | iOS

2 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-08-21T09:50:23.37+00:00

    For Excel freezing on an iPad Air shortly after opening a file, use this troubleshooting path:

    1. Force close Excel and reopen it. If Excel is stuck, close it from the recent apps view, then launch it again.
    2. Restart the iPad. This can clear temporary app or system state that causes Excel to freeze.
    3. Test with Wi-Fi off or Airplane mode on. A reported workaround for iOS/iPadOS freezing is to temporarily turn off Wi-Fi or enable Airplane mode when Excel freezes. After access is restored, reconnect and test again.
    4. Reset Excel cloud settings. On the iPad, go to Settings > Excel > Reset > Reset Cloud Settings, then restart Excel.
    5. If the issue continues, reinstall Excel. Uninstall Excel, restart the iPad, then install Excel again.
    6. Check for iPadOS and Excel app updates. Recent platform or app updates can affect Excel behavior on iOS/iPadOS. Keeping both updated is recommended.
    7. If only certain files freeze, test whether the problem is file-specific. Excel can hang because of workbook contents such as:
      • formulas referencing entire columns
      • uneven array formula references
      • many hidden or zero-sized objects
      • excessive styles from repeated copy/paste
      • excessive or invalid defined names
      • very large numbers of shapes or complex objects
    8. If the affected workbook came from another app or service, test a new workbook directly in Excel. Files generated by third-party applications may be created incorrectly and some Excel features may not work properly.
    9. If the file is locked instead of frozen, check whether it is open elsewhere. Make sure the file is closed on all devices, then wait a few minutes for the server to release the lock.

    If the freeze happens with every workbook, the issue is more likely app or device related. If it happens only with specific workbooks, the file contents are the more likely cause.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. Killian N 3,820 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-21T10:31:46.1566667+00:00

    Hi,

    Please update both iPadOS and Microsoft Excel, restart the iPad, and then test a new blank workbook in Excel.

    Next, copy one affected file to Files > On My iPad and open the local copy.

    If the local copy works, the problem may be related to the original cloud-storage location or synchronization. If a blank workbook also freezes, the issue is more likely related to the Excel app or iPadOS.

    In the Files app, press and hold the affected file and select Get Info. Please confirm whether the file extension is.xlsx, .xls, .xlsm, .xlsb, .csv, or another format. I recommend testing the workbook in.xlsx format because some file types have limited editing support on the iPad. VBA macros in .xlsm files do not run on the iPad.

    Please also confirm that Excel is signed in with the Microsoft account that has your active Microsoft 365 subscription, as editing on a 13-inch iPad requires a qualifying subscription.

    Before deleting or reinstalling Excel, please make sure all important files are safely backed up.

    For more information, please refer to the following link:

    I hope this information is useful. Thank you again for your time and for raising this important usability concern. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

    I look forward to your thoughts on this. 

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".      

    Note: Please follow the steps in forum documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.  

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.