Cannot remove a previously shared Excel file

Question

Cannot remove a previously shared Excel file

Ivan 0

About a year ago, I opened an Excel file that was shared with me. I assume the owner has since revoked my permissions, as I now get an error every time I try to open it. I want to remove, delete, or hide this file from my view, but I am unable to do so.

I read in the documentation that this can be managed via the OneDrive website, but the file does not appear in my "Shared with me" list there. It is also missing from the Excel web version. However, the file remains visible in the Excel apps on my Mac and iPhone.

I also found a suggestion to delete the original email containing the file link. Since my Microsoft account is linked to my Gmail address and I do not have any emails related to this file, that workaround does not apply to my situation.

How can I force the Mac and iOS apps to clear this file from the list?

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Answer 1

Diana Mariz 10,900 Independent Advisor

Hi Ivan,

Did you see the file from the Recent List and want it to remove from there? If yes, you can right click the file and there should be an option to delete it.

In the meantime, for the iOS app, you click on the 3 dots > there is also an option to delete it.
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Ivan 0 Reputation points

2026-08-31T14:48:36.4133333+00:00

Thanks for replay.

I can delete the file from Recent this way, but it is still visible in the "Shared with me" category. And there is no delete button.
Diana Mariz 10,900 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-31T15:03:35.8833333+00:00

Have you tried to sign out and sign in back to the Excel application? and also clear Excel cached list by going to Preferences > General > Clear Most Recently Used List.

If issue still persist, you may remove Excel plist.

First, completely close Excel application, then go to Hidden Library by going to "GO" menubar > press and hold "option" key to show Library. Then go to containers > look for microsoft Excel folder and delete it.
Ivan 0 Reputation points

2026-08-31T15:28:58.9533333+00:00

Thanks again for the reply.

Yes, I tried this. I don't think it's a local problem on my Mac, because I also see this file on my iPhone.
Diana Mariz 10,900 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-31T15:40:48.4633333+00:00
Thanks for letting me know, on this case I highly suggest to get in touch with live Microsoft agent to further check with this. Kindly note that this community is composed of fellow Microsoft users, as we are not Microsoft employees and do not have access to tools or systems for advanced troubleshooting.

Go to this link: https://support.microsoft.com/contactus and sign in your Microsoft account

On the "Tell us your problem so we can get you the right help and support" - just type "Microsoft Office 365 issue" then search

You will see Recommended Solution, just scroll down until you can see "Contact support"

Under "Tell us a little more about your problem", select "Microsoft 365 and Office"

For Category select > Technical support > then confirm

Select Chat with a support agent in your web browser

Confirm your account and you should be routed to Microsoft support representative who have the appropriate tools and resources to assist you further with your concern.
Ivan 0 Reputation points

2026-08-31T15:58:58.42+00:00

Ok, I'll try. And thanks again for the answers
Diana Mariz 10,900 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-31T15:59:41.3933333+00:00

You are most welcome.