I'm unable to edit formulae in cells when using Excel

Question

I'm currently using macOS Tahoe 26.3.1(a) with excel version 16.107.1 and I'm unable to edit formulae from inside a cell. I've tried unchecking and checking the 'Edit directly in cell' option, but without success.

Previously, I was able to make these in cell changes.

Answer 1

Have you tried using Tab rather than return?

There are newer releases of both macOS & Office... Tahoe is at 26.4 & 16.107.3 is current for Office. Update the OS first then update Office. Updating may not resolve the issue but it's usually pointless to troubleshoot a system which isn't fully updated, especially with relatively new incarnations of the OS.

Answer 2

Hi,

Does this happen in every workbook or only one file?

This usually points to an app issue, not the formula. Update Excel to the latest version, then fully quit Excel and restart your Mac to reset the app state.

If the issue still shows in all files, reinstall Excel to restore normal in-cell editing.

Answer 3

I'm able to access the cell I want to update.

"Edit' appears in the bottom left hand corner.

The 'Edit directly in cell' option is checked.

When in the cell I want to edit, there is no way of getting out. The only way out of that cell is to exit excel.

excel is not showing that the formula is broken, and that is because the formula isn't broken.