I have lost functionality within Excel

Question

I have lost functionality within Excel

robert lapoint 15

I have lost functionality within Excel.

Using Excel with IOS 26.1. I have the same issues with IOS 18.7.2

I can no longer perform updates on cells within Excel. I can select rows and columns but can’t insert, delete, or make changes to the rows and columns.

The window that pops up for these changes does not pop up.

Issue started with today’s Excel update. Excel version 2.103 (25110712).

Im having the same issue when I try using the web version of excel.

Ive deleted & reinstalled excel, i’ve reset excel within the excel app settings, i’ve rebooted my iPad. My microsoft 365 account is active.

im not having this issue with Word, or any other apps.

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Answer 1

Francisco Montilla 30,625 Independent Advisor

Hi Robert,

Given everything you tried and the fact that Excel for the web shows the same behavior, the most likely cause is that the sheet or the workbook structure is protected. When protection is on, the insert, delete, and similar options are removed from the pop-up menu and ribbon, so it feels like nothing happens.

Please try this.

On iPad, open the workbook in Excel, go to the Review tab, tap Protection, then tap Pause Sheet Protection. If you see a lock icon on the sheet tab, you can also tap the tab and choose Protection there. If you are asked for a password, enter it. If several sheets are affected, repeat on each one. If Insert or Delete Sheet is missing when you long-press a sheet tab, also check Review > Protect Workbook and turn it off to remove workbook structure protection.

In Excel for the web, open the same file, switch to Editing if it opens in View, then go to Review and choose Unprotect Sheet. If structure protection is enabled, use Review > Protect Workbook to turn it off. Excel for the web can work with protected files but some password changes still require a full client, so if you are prompted for a password you must supply it.

After you unprotect, try inserting a row or column again. If the options return, protection was the blocker. If not, tell me whether it happens in a brand-new blank workbook stored in OneDrive and I will take the next step with you.

robert lapoint 15 Reputation points

2025-11-12T00:33:36.22+00:00

It’s not protected.

But I see a quirk.

If I create a spreadsheet, then save it to onedrive, sometimes I have functionality back when i reopen it. Very Intermittent.

If I save a spreadsheet to ICloud, I always lose functionality again.
Francisco Montilla 30,625 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-13T01:26:54.4366667+00:00

Thanks, Robert.

What you describe lines up with the workbook opening in View-only mode, which removes the cell popup and disables Insert and Delete.

Try this fix now:

Open one of the affected files from iCloud Drive inside Excel, look at the top right. If you see a pencil icon or a label that says Viewing, tap it and choose Edit. If Excel asks to save a copy to enable editing, accept and save the copy, then reopen it from the location you chose. Now try inserting a row or typing in a cell.

If that immediately restores the menu and editing, we have the answer. Tell me what you see at the top bar on files that still misbehave, and whether the Edit option appears there. If there is no Edit control at all, I will give you the next step.
Gary Miller 5 Reputation points

2025-11-15T04:13:11.5833333+00:00

I am having the same problem on all spreadsheets (even new ones) on both my iPhone 16 Pro and iPad Mini 6. Both are operating on IOS 18.7.2 iPadOS 18.7.2 and the latest update to Excel (2.103…..). My old iPhone 13 Pro does not have this problem running Excel 2.102. …. I can insert columns using the menu along the top, but cannot copy, cut, or paste a cell(s) as the context pop menu does not appear.
robert lapoint 15 Reputation points

2025-11-15T13:05:06.2066667+00:00

Since my previous posts, I’ve found the issue affects all my spreadsheets, stored on OneDrive, my IPad, & ICloud. Very intermittent, but it affects every spreadsheet the first time I open it.

My workaround: I’ll open the spreadsheet, and if context pop up menu won’t appear, I’ll close the spreadsheet, then reopen the same spreadsheet. That usually returns all functionality.
Gary Miller 5 Reputation points

2025-11-15T14:08:39.8333333+00:00

Robert, Thanks for post about opening the file twice. I was having the same”lack of pop up menu” problem intermittently and could not understand why. I still don’t understand, but at least that workaround lets me use the files!
Gary Miller 5 Reputation points

2025-11-17T19:22:43.8+00:00

It appears the most recent update to IOS Excel (Version 2.103.25111419) may have fixed the issue. Both my iPhone and iPad no longer seem to have problems accessing the context pop-up menu.

Answer 2

AI answer

It sounds like you're experiencing a significant issue with Excel on iOS, particularly after the recent update. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

Check for Updates: Ensure that both your iOS and Excel app are updated to the latest versions. Sometimes, subsequent updates can fix bugs introduced in previous versions.
Disable Add-ins: If you have any add-ins enabled, they might be causing conflicts. Try disabling them to see if that resolves the issue.
Clear Cache: If possible, clear the cache of the Excel app. This can sometimes help with performance issues.
Check Permissions: Make sure that Excel has the necessary permissions to make changes. You can check this in your device settings under Privacy.
Try a Different Device: If you have access to another device, try using Excel there to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is device-specific.
Contact Support: If none of the above solutions work, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance, as they may have more specific guidance for your situation.

Since you mentioned that the issue also occurs in the web version of Excel, it could be related to your Microsoft 365 account settings or a broader issue with the service itself.

References:

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I have lost functionality within Excel

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