SharePoint Document Issues

How to Make SharePoint Open Files in the Correct Office App on Android

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to configure the SharePoint mobile app to open documents in native Microsoft Office apps rather than a browser or unrelated application.

How to Make SharePoint Open Files in the Correct Office App on Android

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Opening Microsoft Office documents directly from the SharePoint mobile application.
Observed behavior: The SharePoint app opens Office files in an unrelated application, a browser, or displays an error stating that no compatible app is installed, despite Office apps being present on the device.

Before you start

Ensure that you have the latest versions of the SharePoint app and your preferred Office document viewer installed on your Android device before adjusting settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Android Default App Preferences

Resetting the default app settings forces Android to prompt you to choose the correct Office application the next time you open a document from SharePoint.

When you open a file for the first time, Android often asks which app should handle it. If you accidentally select the wrong app or a web browser and choose 'Always', all future files of that type will open incorrectly.

Open Device Settings

Navigate to your Android device's main Settings menu and tap on 'Apps' or 'App Management'.

Locate the Incorrect App

Find and tap on the application that is currently opening your SharePoint files (such as a web browser or an unrelated reader app).

Clear Defaults

Tap on 'Open by default' and select 'Clear default preferences' to remove the association.

Set the Correct App

Return to the SharePoint app and open a document. When prompted, select your preferred Office application and tap 'Always'.

Settings Applied: Future documents of this type will now automatically open in the chosen Office application.

Solution 2

Test via OneDrive and Reinstall SharePoint

Testing your files in OneDrive isolates whether the issue is systemic or limited to SharePoint, which can often be resolved with a clean installation.

Solution 3

Escalate to Your Microsoft 365 Administrator

If the issue persists despite local troubleshooting, it may be caused by organizational policies or complex environment configurations that require administrative support.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Open SharePoint Files Seamlessly with WPS Office on Android

If your current Office apps are failing to launch or constantly conflicting on Android, switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, all-in-one experience with exceptional format compatibility, ensuring your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files open correctly every time.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office from the Google Play Store.
2. Clear Old App Defaults: Clear the default opening preferences for the app currently handling your documents in Android settings.
3. Set WPS as Default: Open a document in SharePoint, select WPS Office from the prompt, and tap 'Always'.

All-in-one suite handles Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files in a single appPerfect compatibility with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)Lightweight architecture reduces storage strain on your Android deviceFamiliar user interface allows for a quick and seamless migrationFree to use without requiring complex subscription sign-ins to view files

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint open my documents in a web browser on Android?

This happens when your Android device is configured to handle specific file types or links using a web browser by default. Clearing the browser's default preferences in your device settings will trigger the prompt to select an Office application instead.

What should I do if SharePoint says no compatible app is installed?

First, verify that your Office viewer applications are fully updated in the Google Play Store. If they are up to date, try testing the files in the OneDrive app. If OneDrive opens them correctly, uninstalling and reinstalling the SharePoint app usually resolves the false error.

Can I change the default app used to open files in SharePoint later?

Yes. You can reset your choice at any time by navigating to your Android Settings > Apps, selecting the current default application, and tapping 'Clear default preferences'. The next time you open a file, Android will ask you to choose an app again.

Document & File Issues