How to Fix Read-Only SharePoint Lookup Columns on iOS and Android Apps
Question details
Users need to find a way to edit SharePoint lookup columns using their mobile devices because the native apps restrict editing.
- Product
- SharePoint Online / Microsoft Lists
- Device & OS
- iOS and Android
- Scenario
- Attempting to edit SharePoint list items that contain lookup columns while working remotely on a mobile device.
- Observed behavior
- Lookup columns appear strictly as read-only within the SharePoint and Microsoft Lists mobile applications, preventing users from making necessary data updates.
Ensure you have your Microsoft 365 login credentials handy and a stable internet connection, as you will need to access the web version of SharePoint to bypass this limitation.
Use a Mobile Web Browser in Desktop Mode
Since the dedicated mobile applications lock lookup columns as read-only, logging into your SharePoint site via a mobile browser configured for desktop viewing restores full editing capabilities.
This workaround leverages the standard web interface of SharePoint Online, circumventing the UI restrictions currently hardcoded into the iOS and Android apps.
Launch Safari on your iOS device or Google Chrome on your Android device.
Enter the URL of your SharePoint Online site or Microsoft Lists environment and log in with your Microsoft 365 credentials.
Tap the browser menu (the 'aA' icon in Safari's address bar or the three-dot menu in Chrome) and select 'Request Desktop Website'.
Navigate to your specific list, select the item you wish to modify, and click 'Edit'. The lookup column will now be editable just as it is on a computer.
Edit the List Item on a Desktop Computer
If navigating a desktop site on a mobile device is too cumbersome, the fastest and most reliable method is to switch to a PC or Mac.
Submit Feedback for Native Mobile Support
Microsoft prioritizes feature updates based on user demand. Submitting feedback directly from the app helps highlight the need for mobile lookup column editing.
Looking for a Better Way to Manage Documents on Mobile?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my SharePoint lookup columns read-only on the mobile app?
Currently, the SharePoint and Microsoft Lists mobile applications for iOS and Android do not natively support editing lookup columns. This is a known architectural limitation by Microsoft, forcing those specific fields to display as read-only.
Can I edit other types of SharePoint columns on the mobile app?
Yes. Standard column types such as text, number, date, and basic choice columns can usually be edited directly within the SharePoint and Microsoft Lists mobile apps without any issues.
Will Microsoft add the ability to edit lookup columns on mobile?
This feature has been requested by many users in the Microsoft Feedback Portal. While there is no official release timeline, voting for the feature or submitting feedback through the app settings helps encourage Microsoft to prioritize its development.
Does forcing desktop mode on a mobile browser always work for SharePoint?
In most cases, requesting the desktop site on Safari or Chrome allows you to bypass mobile app restrictions successfully. However, the interface is optimized for mouse clicks rather than touch screens, which can make navigation slightly difficult on smaller devices.
