How to Edit Text Files in the OneDrive Android App
Question details
A user wants to edit plain text files stored in OneDrive directly from the OneDrive Android app, but the app does not provide a built-in text editor.
- Product
- OneDrive for Android
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- The user opens a text file in the OneDrive Android app and needs to make quick edits that stay synchronized to OneDrive.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive opens text files as read-only without an edit option, and editing the file in another app may leave the updated copy only on the device unless it is uploaded back to OneDrive.
Before you start, make sure the OneDrive Android app is up to date and that a text editor such as WPS Office is installed on your Android device. Confirm that the file you want to change is a plain text file, such as .txt, because Word or Excel files use different editing flows.
Edit a OneDrive text file with WPS Office on Android and upload it back
Use this solution when you need to edit .txt files from OneDrive on Android, since the OneDrive app does not include a built-in plain-text editor.
OneDrive for Android currently opens plain text files in read-only mode. WPS Office can edit the downloaded file on the device, and then you can replace the original in OneDrive to keep it synchronized.
In the OneDrive Android app, open the text file, tap the three-dot More menu, and select Download or Save to device.
Open WPS Office on your Android phone, tap the file/folder icon or Browse, go to Downloads, and select the downloaded .txt file.
Make your changes in WPS Office, then tap the save icon or choose Save/Save As to keep the edited .txt file on the device.
Return to OneDrive, open the same folder, tap Upload, select the edited file, and choose Replace or Overwrite when prompted.
Submit a feature request for built-in text editing in OneDrive
Use this if you also want Microsoft to add native text editing in OneDrive for Android instead of requiring a separate editor.
Edit OneDrive Text Files with WPS Office on Android
WPS Office for Android lets you open and edit plain text files locally, then upload the updated file back to OneDrive so your notes and .txt files stay in sync.
- 1. Install WPS Office on your Android device: Open Google Play, search for WPS Office, and tap Install.
- 2. Download the text file from OneDrive: In OneDrive for Android, open the file, tap the three-dot menu, and choose Download or Save.
- 3. Open the file in WPS Office: Open WPS Office, tap Browse or the file icon, then open the file from Downloads.
- 4. Edit and save your text: Make changes and tap Save to keep the updated .txt file.
- 5. Upload the updated file to OneDrive: Go back to OneDrive, tap Upload, choose the edited file, and confirm replace to sync it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit a .txt file directly in the OneDrive Android app?
No, OneDrive for Android currently opens plain text files as read-only and does not provide a built-in text editor. Download the file, edit it with WPS Office or another editor, and upload it back to OneDrive.
Does WPS Office on Android support editing plain text files from OneDrive?
Yes. Download the text file from OneDrive, open it in WPS Office on Android, make your changes, save the file, and upload the updated copy back to OneDrive.
Why do my changes not appear in OneDrive after editing on Android?
Many Android editors save changes only to the local device. You must upload or replace the file in OneDrive after editing so the updated version can sync to the cloud.
Which file types can WPS Office edit on Android?
WPS Office on Android can work with plain text files and common Microsoft Office formats such as .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx, depending on the version and file type.
Is there a way to request text editing in OneDrive for Android?
Yes. You can submit or vote for a feature request through the OneDrive UserVoice page for OneDrive on Android.
