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Fix SharePoint Android Links Not Opening in Word or Excel
Question details
The user is unable to open document links embedded within other files using the SharePoint Android app because Android does not prompt Word, Excel, or Adobe as available applications.
- Product
- SharePoint Android App
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Clicking on embedded document links within a file stored on a SharePoint team site via the mobile application.
- Observed behavior
- The linked documents fail to open correctly, and Android does not offer Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe as options to open the link, even though directly opening the files from the library works normally.
Ensure that your Android operating system, the SharePoint mobile app, and all Microsoft Office applications are updated to their latest versions to rule out any resolved compatibility bugs.
Open the Target File Directly from the SharePoint Library
Bypass the embedded link entirely by navigating to the file's original location in the SharePoint app, which allows Android to trigger the correct application.
The SharePoint Android app sometimes fails to recognize the correct file type when passing an embedded URL to the Android system. Accessing the file directly from the document library avoids this limitation.
Take note of the file name and the specific SharePoint team site library where the target document is stored.
Return to the main menu of the SharePoint Android app and browse through your team site to locate the target document library.
Tap on the file directly from the library list. Android will now recognize the file type and correctly prompt you to open it with Microsoft Word, Excel, or your preferred viewer.
Download the Document and Open Locally
Download the problematic file to your local Android storage and open it using your preferred office application.
Use WPS Office to Open and Manage Mobile Documents Seamlessly
If Microsoft Office apps are failing to trigger from Android links, WPS Office offers a lightweight, all-in-one alternative. It seamlessly handles Word, Excel, PDF, and PowerPoint formats on Android, ensuring you can open downloaded SharePoint files without application conflicts.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the Google Play Store.
- 2. Download the SharePoint file: Save the problematic document from the SharePoint app to your local Android storage.
- 3. Open with WPS: Tap the downloaded file and select 'WPS Office' from the Android 'Open with' menu to view and edit your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Android not show Word or Excel when clicking a SharePoint link?
The SharePoint Android app sometimes fails to pass the correct file MIME type or authentication token to the Android system when an embedded link is clicked. This prevents the OS from recognizing that installed apps like Word or Excel can handle the URL.
Can I fix the embedded links inside the SharePoint Android app?
Currently, this is a known behavior of the SharePoint mobile app. As a workaround, you must navigate to the file directly within the SharePoint document library rather than relying on embedded links inside other documents.
Does this link issue occur on the desktop version of SharePoint?
No, these embedded links generally work perfectly on desktop browsers. Desktop operating systems handle URL redirection and file associations differently than the isolated application sandbox environment on Android.
What should I do if the issue persists after updating all apps?
If updating SharePoint, Android, and your Office apps does not resolve the behavior, you should report the bug directly to Microsoft. Provide them with your Android version, app versions, and the specific SharePoint URL structure causing the issue.
