Cannot type on Excel

Carlos G 10 Reputation points
2026-07-23T22:11:24.5133333+00:00

Im unable to write or enter any text into any cell. I have already uninstalled everything and reinstall. I have a premium plan and i am logged in. I dont know what else to try. please help !

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | MacOS

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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 80,870 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-24T21:04:34.08+00:00

    Thank you. Since this also happens in a new blank workbook, the issue appears to be with Excel rather than the files.

    Microsoft currently lists an Office for Mac issue where apps open normally but editing is disabled, even with an active subscription.

    Before trying more steps, could you please check:

    1. Can you type and edit normally in Word or PowerPoint?
    2. Can you edit a workbook using Excel for the web?
    3. Does the keyboard work normally in TextEdit or Safari?

    This will tell us whether the issue affects Excel only, all Office apps, or the Mac’s keyboard input.

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    2 people found this answer helpful.
  2. John Jefferson Doyon 80,870 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-25T20:08:55.34+00:00

    Hi,

    Thank you. This confirms it is not a keyboard, file, or subscription issue. The problem is limited to the worksheet area in the Excel desktop app.

    First, please test Excel without its add-ins:

    • Open "Tools" > "Excel Add-ins."
    • Clear all selected add-ins.
    • Select "OK."
    • Quit Excel completely, reopen it, and test a blank workbook.

    Microsoft confirms Excel add-ins can be disabled from this menu.

    If the issue continues:

    • Quit Excel and all other Office apps.
    • Open Finder.
    • Hold the Option key while selecting "Go" > "Library."
    • Open the "Preferences" folder.
    • Move com.microsoft.Excel.plist to the desktop.
    • Reopen Excel and test again.

    This resets Excel’s preferences but does not delete your workbooks. Microsoft recommends this when Excel settings may be corrupted.

    Please let me know which step you tried and whether the cursor returned.

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    1 person found this answer helpful.
  3. Carlos G 10 Reputation points
    2026-07-24T20:54:05.3633333+00:00

    In any excel file including blank

    I dont see the cursor nor i can type in the formula bar.

    No. And im looged in, with a proper licence and the latest version

    Tahoe 26.5.2

    Versión 16.111.1 (26071913)

    Subscription premium

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  4. Carlos G 10 Reputation points
    2026-07-24T20:53:24.5966667+00:00

    In any excel file including blank

    I dont see the cursor nor i can type in the formula bar.

    No. And im looged in, with a proper licence and the latest version

    Tahoe 26.5.2

    Versión 16.111.1 (26071913)

    Subscription premium

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    0 comments
  5. John Jefferson Doyon 80,870 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-23T23:01:26.4633333+00:00

    Hi, @Carlos G

    Does this happen in every Excel file, including a new blank workbook?

    When you click a cell, can you see the cursor or type in the formula bar?

    Do you see any message such as “View Only,” “Activate Office,” or “License Required”?

    Also, what macOS version and Excel version are you using?

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