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Fix Word and Excel Editing Issues on Samsung Galaxy S9+
Question details
User is unable to use certain editing features, such as text selection and equations, in Word and Excel on their mobile device.
- Product
- Microsoft Word and Excel (Mobile)
- Device & OS
- Samsung Galaxy S9+ (Android)
- Scenario
- Trying to complete school assignments by selecting text and editing equations on a mobile phone.
- Observed behavior
- Advanced editing features like equation formatting fail to work as expected, and text selection may be unresponsive or restricted in the mobile app.
Ensure your Microsoft Office app is updated to the latest version from the Google Play Store, and verify that you are logged in with an active Microsoft 365 student account with editing permissions.
Verify Account Permissions and Mobile App Limitations
Check if your account has the right permissions to edit documents and understand which features are supported on Android.
Many mobile editing issues stem from being signed out, using an expired school account, or running into intentional limitations of the mobile app versions of Word and Excel.
Open the Word or Excel app on your Samsung Galaxy S9+, tap on your profile icon in the top left or right corner, and verify you are signed in with a valid school account.
Create a new blank document and type a few words. Long-press on a word to select it. If this works, your account has editing permissions, and the issue is likely specific to the previous document's formatting or read-only status.
Note that mobile apps have very limited support for inserting and modifying equations. While basic linear equations might display, you cannot use the full Equation Builder feature on Android devices.
Switch to a PC or Mac for Complex Document Editing
For advanced school assignments requiring detailed equations, switching to a desktop application is necessary.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Mobile and Desktop Editing
If Microsoft Office mobile apps are limiting your schoolwork, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible environment for your Word and Excel files, making it easy to review and edit documents across your Android phone and PC for free without complex restrictions.
- 1. Download the WPS Office app: Install WPS Office from the Google Play Store on your Samsung Galaxy S9+ or download the desktop version on your PC.
- 2. Open your school documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word or Excel files directly. The format remains perfectly intact.
- 3. Edit across devices: Use WPS Cloud to seamlessly continue editing your complex documents and equations on your PC when mobile screens are too restrictive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I edit equations in Word on my Android phone?
The Microsoft Word mobile app has limited support for the Equation Editor. While you can view and sometimes edit basic linear equations, complex math formatting requires the full desktop version of Word or a robust alternative like WPS Office on a PC.
How do I fix text selection not working in Excel mobile?
This usually happens if your file is in 'Read-Only' mode or if you are not signed in with an active Microsoft 365 account. Tap your profile icon to check your account status, and ensure the file is saved locally or on your authorized cloud drive.
Are there features in desktop Word that aren't on Android?
Yes, several advanced features like full macro support, complex equation building, advanced page layout tools, and certain review features are limited or completely unavailable on the Android mobile version of Microsoft Word.
