File Cannot Open

How to Fix Shared Excel File Not Opening in OneDrive on iPad

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to open a shared Excel file using the OneDrive or Excel app on an iPad, receiving an error message instead.

Product: Microsoft Excel and OneDrive
Device & OS: iPad
Scenario: Attempting to access and open a shared Excel spreadsheet stored on OneDrive using an iPad.
Observed behavior: An error message appears stating the file is not found or an error occurred, even though the file is still visible in the OneDrive directory.

Before you start

Ensure your iPad is connected to a stable internet network and that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account associated with the shared file.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify File Integrity and Reshare via OneDrive Web

Check if the file itself is corrupted by having the file creator open it directly on a web browser.

Often, synchronization errors on the iPad app mask actual file corruption issues. By accessing the file through the web version of OneDrive, the file creator can verify whether the document is still intact or if the sharing permissions have expired.

Sign in to OneDrive Web

Have the file creator navigate to the OneDrive website on a browser and log in using their Microsoft account.

Test the File

Locate the shared Excel file under the 'My files' section and click to open it in Excel for the Web.

Recreate if Corrupted

If the file fails to open on the web, it is likely corrupted. The creator will need to manually recreate the spreadsheet and upload it again.

Generate a New Sharing Link

If the file opens successfully, click the 'Share' button at the top right, generate a new sharing link, and send it to the recipient's account.

Access Permissions: Ensure the recipient is logging into the OneDrive iPad app with the exact account that the new sharing link was sent to.

Solution 2

Re-authenticate Your Account on the iPad

Resolve account synchronization glitches by signing out and signing back into the OneDrive and Excel apps.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for iPad to View and Edit Spreadsheets Seamlessly

If you frequently encounter sync errors and file opening issues with Microsoft Office on your iPad, try WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight alternative that provides robust compatibility with Excel formats and seamless cloud storage integration.

1. Download WPS Office: Search for WPS Office in the Apple App Store on your iPad and tap 'Get' to install it.
2. Connect Cloud Storage: Open the app, go to the 'Open' tab, and add your preferred cloud storage service.
3. Open Your Spreadsheet: Navigate to your cloud directory within WPS Office and tap on your Excel file to open it instantly without sync interruptions.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel file formats, including .xlsx, .xls, and .csv.Lightweight app design optimized specifically for iPadOS, featuring a user-friendly interface.Built-in support for multiple cloud drives, allowing you to bypass OneDrive sync errors.Free to download with comprehensive spreadsheet editing, viewing, and sharing tools.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPad say a shared Excel file is not found when I can see it?

This usually happens due to caching issues on the iPad app, recently revoked sharing permissions by the owner, or poor internet connectivity preventing the app from retrieving the actual file data.

Can I open OneDrive shared files on my iPad without a Microsoft account?

If the creator shared the file using an 'Anyone with the link' setting, you can view it through a mobile web browser without an account. However, opening it directly in the Excel iPad app usually requires signing in.

How do I clear the cache for the Excel app on my iPad?

iPadOS does not feature a direct 'clear cache' button for apps. To clear the cache for Excel or OneDrive, you can either sign out and sign back in, or completely uninstall and reinstall the applications from the App Store.

Document & File Issues