Formatting Issues

How to Change Excel Date Format to DD/MM/YYYY on Android

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to change the default date format in Excel for Android from MM/DD/YYYY to DD/MM/YYYY.

Product: Excel for Android
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Formatting dates in a spreadsheet on a mobile device where the application defaults to US date layouts.
Observed behavior: Excel displays dates as MM/DD/YYYY because the mobile app inherits the Android device's default regional and language settings.

Before you start

Ensure your Excel app is updated to the latest version and save your current workbooks before adjusting your Android system settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Change Android System Regional Settings

Excel for Android relies on your device's system language and regional settings to determine default date formats. Changing this setting will apply the DD/MM/YYYY format globally.

Because the mobile version of Excel has fewer advanced formatting options than the desktop version, it automatically pulls default date and time layouts from your Android system.

Open Device Settings

Go to your Android device's home screen and open the 'Settings' app.

Navigate to Language Settings

Scroll down and tap on 'System' or 'General Management', then select 'Language and region' or 'Language and input' (the exact wording varies by Android version).

Change the Region

Add or select a language/region combination that uses the DD/MM/YYYY format, such as English (United Kingdom) or English (Australia), and set it as the primary device language.

Restart Excel

Close the Excel app completely, then reopen it and load your workbook to see the dates automatically updated to the DD/MM/YYYY format.

Impact on Other Apps: Changing your device's region will also update the default date, time, and currency formats in other apps that rely on your system settings.

Solution 2

Use the Number Format Tool in Excel

If you prefer not to change your entire device's region, you can try manually formatting specific cells within the Excel app.

Format Dates Easily on Mobile

Use WPS Office for Android to Manage Spreadsheet Formatting

WPS Office for Android provides an intuitive and feature-rich interface for formatting dates directly within your spreadsheets. It allows you to precisely control cell formats without needing to change your entire device's regional settings.

1. Open Your File in WPS Office: Launch the WPS Office app on your Android device and open your spreadsheet.
2. Select Date Cells: Tap and highlight the specific cells where you want to change the date format.
3. Access Formatting Tools: Tap the 'Tools' icon (four squares) at the bottom left, then switch to the 'Cell' tab.
4. Format Cells: Scroll down and select 'Format Cells', then navigate to the 'Number' section.
5. Apply Date Layout: Choose 'Date', select the DD/MM/YYYY layout from the list, and tap 'OK' to save your changes.

Easily apply custom date formats like DD/MM/YYYY directly to cellsFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx and .xls) file formatsLightweight app optimized for smooth performance on Android devicesFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate mobile interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Excel for Android have a custom date format option?

The mobile version of Excel is streamlined for speed and simplicity. Instead of offering full custom formatting dialogs like the desktop version, it automatically pulls default layouts from your device's built-in regional settings.

Will changing my device region affect the currency format in Excel?

Yes. When you change your Android system region to a location like the United Kingdom, Excel will likely default to the British Pound (£) instead of the US Dollar ($) for new currency formatting.

How do I fix the date format without changing my Android system language?

You can manually select the specific cells in the Excel app, open the Number Format menu, and choose a specific date layout from the list. Alternatively, using an app like WPS Office for Android provides more direct cell formatting options without altering system settings.

Document & File Issues