File Cannot Open

Fix OneNote Cannot Open Word or Excel Files on Android

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to open saved Word and Excel file attachments directly from within the OneNote app on an Android mobile device.

Product: Microsoft OneNote, Word, Excel
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Attempting to access and open embedded Word or Excel documents stored inside a OneNote notebook on an Android smartphone.
Observed behavior: Selecting the file does not open Word or Excel. Instead, it opens a File Share page stating that devices are not connected.

Before you start

Ensure that your OneNote, Word, and Excel apps are fully updated via the Google Play Store, as this issue may be related to specific version glitches on Android devices.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Print to OneNote Workaround

Since OneNote is failing to properly route the attachment to the Word or Excel app, you can bypass this by opening the file independently and sending it back to OneNote.

This is a known workaround for Android devices (particularly Samsung phones) experiencing file sharing conflicts between Microsoft applications.

Open the original file

Launch Microsoft Word, Excel, or another compatible word processor and open the original document you want to store in your notebook.

Access the Print menu

Tap on the application's main menu or the 'Share & Export' options, and select 'Print'.

Choose Print to OneNote

In the printer selection dropdown at the top of the screen, select 'Print to OneNote'.

Send the file

Tap the print icon and select 'Send to OneNote' to successfully insert the document contents into your desired notebook.

Device-Specific Issue: This behavior heavily affects Samsung Android phones. If the problem persists, providing your specific phone model in Microsoft Community discussions can aid in further investigation.

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Open Word and Excel Files Seamlessly with WPS Office

If you are tired of connectivity errors and file sharing glitches between different Microsoft apps on your Android device, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides an all-in-one suite to seamlessly view and manage your documents.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Locate your files: Open the WPS Office app, tap on 'Open', and browse your device's internal storage or cloud drive for your documents.
3. Open without errors: Tap on any Word or Excel file to open, view, and edit it instantly without encountering 'devices not connected' errors.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.All-in-one application: handles Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files in a single app.Free, lightweight, and highly optimized for all Android devices.Familiar user interface makes migrating from other office apps incredibly easy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneNote say 'devices are not connected' when opening a file?

This error typically occurs due to a glitch in the Android intent system or a file-sharing permission conflict between OneNote and the target app (like Word or Excel). It frequently affects Samsung Android devices handling external intents.

Can I recover the files embedded in my OneNote app?

Yes. If the files are synced to your Microsoft account, you can access your OneNote notebook on a desktop computer (Windows or Mac) or via OneNote on the web. The desktop versions usually open attachments without this connection error.

Will reinstalling OneNote fix the attachment issue?

Clearing the app cache or reinstalling OneNote can sometimes resolve temporary app glitches. However, if this is a known bug with your specific Android version, you may need to rely on the 'Print to OneNote' workaround until an official app update fixes the routing issue.

Document & File Issues