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Document Editing Problems

Fix Cannot Edit Office Files Online on Android Tablets

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to edit Microsoft Office files online using an Android tablet because documents are redirecting to Copilot instead of Word for the web, accompanied by a broken sign-in prompt.

Product
Microsoft 365 / Word for the web
Device & OS
Android tablet
Scenario
Attempting to open and edit OneDrive documents online via a web browser after a recent Copilot update.
Observed behavior
OneDrive files automatically open in Copilot instead of Word. A "Sign in - could not upload" error message is displayed, and the sign-in button is completely unavailable or unresponsive.
Before you start

Ensure your Android tablet is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and verify that you remember your Microsoft 365 account credentials before signing out of your current session.

Solution 1Recommended

Re-authenticate Your Microsoft 365 Account

Signing out and back into your account on a stable network can refresh your session and bypass the Copilot redirect glitch.

Authentication errors between OneDrive and Copilot can cause the web app to hang or display unresponsive sign-in buttons. Refreshing your login state often resolves this.

1
Sign out of your account

Tap on your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner of the Microsoft 365 or OneDrive web interface, and select 'Sign out' from the dropdown menu.

2
Verify your network connection

Check your Android tablet's network settings to ensure you are connected to a reliable Wi-Fi or cellular network.

3
Sign back in

Navigate back to the Microsoft 365 login page, enter your email and password, and click 'Sign in' to establish a fresh session.

Network stability: A fluctuating internet connection can cause web apps to fail to load dynamic elements like sign-in buttons.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Documents on Android Seamlessly with WPS Office

If Microsoft Office for the web continues to force Copilot redirects and block editing on your Android tablet, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly reliable alternative. You can easily open, edit, and save Word documents directly on your Android device without relying on glitchy web browsers.

  1. 1. Download the app: Search for WPS Office in the Google Play Store on your Android tablet and tap Install.
  2. 2. Open your document: Launch WPS Office, tap on 'Open', and select your Word document from your local storage or connected cloud drive.
  3. 3. Start editing: Tap on the document to open it and use the intuitive toolbar at the top to make edits, format text, and save your progress effortlessly.
Native, touch-optimized Android tablet app for seamless editing without browser redirects.Highly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.Free to use with a familiar, user-friendly interface that requires zero learning curve.Built-in cloud integration for easy access to your files from anywhere.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my OneDrive files opening in Copilot instead of Word for the web?

This is typically caused by a recent system update or a routing glitch within Microsoft 365, where the platform incorrectly assigns document handling to Copilot instead of the standard Word web application.

How can I edit Office files offline on my Android tablet?

To edit files without an internet connection, you need to download a standalone document editing app like WPS Office or the native Microsoft Word app from the Google Play Store, allowing you to save and edit files locally.

Does clearing my browser cache fix the unclickable sign-in button?

Yes, clearing your Android browser's cache and cookies can often resolve unresponsive web elements and redirect loops by removing corrupted session data that interferes with the login process.