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Fix Missing Microsoft 365 Templates in Excel and Word for Android
Question details
The user is unable to find default templates for documents like invoices and budgets in the Microsoft 365 apps on their Android smartphone.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Apps
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Attempting to create a new document using default built-in templates from the mobile app interface.
- Observed behavior
- Built-in templates have disappeared from the 'New' document screen in Microsoft Word and Excel for Android.
Ensure your Android device has a stable internet connection, as Microsoft 365 requires internet access to fetch and display the library of online templates.
Update the App and Verify Your Microsoft Account
Outdated application versions or account synchronization issues are the most common reasons for missing templates.
Microsoft frequently updates its template library and app features. Running an older version of the app or being signed out can prevent the template gallery from loading properly.
Open the Google Play Store on your Android device, search for 'Microsoft 365', and tap the 'Update' button if a new version is available.
Open the Microsoft 365 app, tap your profile icon in the top left corner, and ensure you are signed in with the correct and active Microsoft account.
Close the app completely from your Android recent apps menu, then reopen it and tap the '+' icon to see if the templates have returned.
Check Region and Language Settings
Template availability varies depending on the region and language settings configured on your device.
Use OneDrive as a Custom Template Workaround
If the built-in templates remain unavailable, you can manually store templates in the cloud and access them via the mobile app.
Use WPS Office for Android to Access Thousands of Free Templates
If you continue experiencing issues with missing templates in Microsoft 365, switch to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, free alternative that offers an extensive library of high-quality templates for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint directly on your Android device.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- 2. Open the Template Gallery: Launch the app, tap the '+' icon, and select 'Templates' to browse categories like business, education, and personal finance.
- 3. Create your document: Select a template, tap 'Use Now', and easily edit it using WPS Office's powerful mobile tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my built-in templates suddenly disappear in Word for Android?
Templates usually disappear due to recent app updates, account sign-out issues, or changes in regional settings. Re-syncing your account or updating the application from the Play Store often restores them.
Can I add custom templates directly to the Microsoft 365 Android app menu?
No, the Android app does not currently support pinning custom templates to the default 'New Document' menu. You must save them to cloud storage like OneDrive and open them manually.
Are templates available offline in Microsoft 365 for mobile?
Most built-in templates require an active internet connection to browse and download for the first time. Once you have used a template, it may remain temporarily cached, but internet access is generally required to view the full library.
Will uninstalling and reinstalling the app delete my saved documents?
No, as long as your documents are saved to OneDrive, SharePoint, or your local device storage, they will remain safe. Reinstalling the Microsoft 365 app will not delete files stored outside the app's cache.
