'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Delete Comments from a Shared Document on Android
Question details
The user needs to delete comments from a shared document on an Android device, but the delete option is currently missing or unavailable.
- Product
- Microsoft Word / Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Reviewing and editing a shared document on a mobile device.
- Observed behavior
- The option to delete comments is not visible or cannot be selected within the mobile application.
Verify that your Android device has a stable internet connection so the shared document can fully synchronize, and confirm you have full editing permissions for the file.
Open the Document on a PC to Verify Permissions
Accessing the document on a desktop computer helps isolate whether the missing option is due to Android app limitations or file permission restrictions.
In some cases, specific file protections, complex formatting, or sharing restrictions prevent mobile apps from deleting comments. Checking the file on a PC ensures you actually have the right to remove these elements.
Launch Microsoft Word or Microsoft 365 on your PC and open the shared document from your cloud storage or shared link.
Navigate to the 'Review' tab, locate the comment in the margin, right-click it, and select 'Delete Comment'.
Take note of whether you are using the standalone Word app or the Microsoft 365 suite, as different versions handle shared permissions differently.
Ensure Synchronization and Test Other Files
Pending background synchronizations can temporarily lock certain editing functions to prevent data conflicts.
Update or Reinstall the Mobile App
Outdated applications or corrupted app cache can cause UI elements like the 'Delete' button to disappear.
Use WPS Office to Delete Document Comments on Android
If your current app is restricting comment management, WPS Office provides a highly compatible and intuitive mobile interface, making it easy to review, add, and delete comments in Word documents directly from your Android device.
- 1. Open your document in WPS Office: Launch the WPS Office app on your Android device and open the shared document.
- 2. Access the Review tools: Tap the 'Tools' icon at the bottom of the screen and switch to the 'Review' tab.
- 3. Delete the target comment: Tap on the comment you wish to remove, then select the 'Delete' option from the floating menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I only reply to a comment but not delete it?
You might only have 'Commenter' permissions rather than full 'Editor' rights. Additionally, some apps restrict you from deleting comments created by other users unless you are the document owner.
Can I delete all comments at once on my Android phone?
Mobile word processing applications generally require you to delete comments individually. To delete all comments simultaneously using the 'Delete All Comments in Document' feature, you usually need to open the file on a desktop application.
Will deleting a comment notify the person who originally wrote it?
No, deleting a comment does not typically send a direct notification or email to the original author. However, the comment will simply disappear for everyone viewing the document once the changes synchronize.
