File Cannot Open

Fix Excel Files Not Opening on Samsung Note 9 (Permission Error)

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to open specific Excel (XLSX) files on a Samsung Note 9 because the device repeatedly prompts for "all files access" despite permissions already being granted. Other Excel files open without any issues.

Product: Excel Viewer / Office Application
Device & OS: Android (Samsung Note 9)
Scenario: Attempting to open specific local or downloaded XLSX files on a mobile device.
Observed behavior: An error message appears requiring access to all files, blocking the file from opening, even though Android system permissions appear fully allowed.

Before you start

Ensure your device firmware and your document viewer application are updated to their latest versions, as outdated software can trigger permission cache glitches on Android devices.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset App Permissions and Clear Cache

Toggling permissions and clearing the app cache can resolve out-of-sync Android permission bugs.

Android permission caches can sometimes glitch, causing an app to think it lacks access even when the settings menu shows otherwise. Forcing a refresh of these permissions often restores file access.

Open Device Settings

Go to your Samsung Note 9's Settings, scroll down, and tap on 'Apps'.

Locate Your Office App

Find and select the application you are using to open the Excel files (e.g., WPS Office, Microsoft Excel).

Toggle Permissions

Tap on 'Permissions', select 'Files and media' or 'Storage', change it to 'Deny', and then immediately change it back to 'Allow management of all files'.

Clear App Cache

Go back to the app's info page, tap on 'Storage', and tap 'Clear cache' at the bottom. Try opening the failing Excel file again.

Solution 2

Check File Origin and Format Integrity

Determine if the issue stems from where the file was downloaded or how it was created.

Solution 3

Contact Device Manufacturer Support

Seek assistance for deeper firmware or system-level permission bugs specific to the Samsung Note 9.

Open Excel Files Seamlessly

Use WPS Office to Open Excel Files on Android

If your current application is struggling with Android file permissions on your Samsung Note 9, WPS Office offers a highly stable, user-friendly environment to open, edit, and manage all your XLSX and XLS files seamlessly without permission glitches.

1. Install the App: Download and install WPS Office from the Google Play Store on your Samsung Note 9.
2. Grant Permissions Once: Open the WPS Office app and grant the requested file access permissions during the initial setup.
3. Open Your Excel File: Navigate to the 'Files' tab within WPS Office, locate your XLSX file in your local storage, and tap to open it instantly.

100% compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xls, .xlsx, .csv)Optimized for Android devices, including the Samsung Galaxy seriesBuilt-in file manager easily bypasses standard Android scoped storage glitchesFree, lightweight, and requires minimal system resources

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Android phone keep asking for file access even though I granted it?

This is a known issue on certain Android versions where the permission cache becomes desynchronized. Toggling the storage permission off and back on in your device's Settings > Apps menu usually resolves the discrepancy.

Could the Excel file itself be causing the permission error?

Yes. While rare, if an Excel file is corrupted, encrypted by a third-party software, or severely restricted by Android's scoped storage (such as direct email attachments), the document viewer might misinterpret the read failure as a system permission error.

How do I correctly open restricted XLSX files received in my email on Android?

To avoid cross-app permission restrictions, save the email attachment directly to your device's local storage (like the 'Downloads' folder) first. Then, open your Office app and browse to that saved file, rather than opening it directly from within the email client.

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