Formatting Issues

How to Remove an Underline or Mark from Excel Cells on iPad

Muhammad Talha Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are seeing an unexpected underline or border mark around cells in Excel for iPad and want to know how to remove it.

How to Remove an Underline or Mark from Excel Cells on iPad

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Selecting, typing, or editing a cell in Excel on an iPad.
Observed behavior: A persistent underline or border-like selection mark appears around the active cell, which cannot be removed using standard formatting tools.

Before you start

Check if the underline moves when you tap a different cell. If it follows your taps, it is likely an iPadOS system indicator rather than actual cell formatting.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify and Handle iPadOS Selection Indicators

Determine if the persistent mark is a system-level editing indicator rather than a document format.

On iPadOS, Microsoft Excel often displays a specific underline or border to indicate the currently active cell or text editing area. This is a system design feature meant to help you track your cursor, not a formatting error in your document.

Test cell selection

Tap a completely different cell in your spreadsheet. If the underline or mark moves to the new cell, it is the iPadOS selection indicator and not a permanent format.

Check standard formatting

If the mark does not move when you tap away, select the affected cell, navigate to the Home tab, and verify that the Underline (U) or Border tools are not actively highlighted.

Submit feedback

Since this UI behavior cannot be disabled in Excel settings, you can report it by going to the Settings menu within the app, selecting Help & Feedback, and submitting a suggestion to the Microsoft development team.

Verify and Handle iPadOS Selection Indicators

System Feature: The line is tied to the iPadOS dictation and text selection framework. It will not appear when you print the document or view it on a desktop computer.

Solution 2

Clear Applied Cell Formats

Use the clear formats tool to quickly remove any accidental borders or underlines applied to the cell.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Enjoy a Cleaner Mobile Spreadsheet UI with WPS Office

If Microsoft Excel's iPadOS design features and persistent selection marks are visually distracting, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and user-friendly alternative. It provides a familiar, clutter-free interface while maintaining perfect compatibility with your existing spreadsheets.

1. Install the app: Download WPS Office for free from the Apple App Store on your iPad.
2. Open your spreadsheet: Locate your saved Excel file and open it directly within WPS Office.
3. Edit distraction-free: Enjoy editing your cells and data with a streamlined, mobile-friendly interface.

Clean, intuitive interface without distracting system-level selection marksSeamless compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx and .xls) formatsFree and lightweight app optimized for iPadOS performanceFamiliar UI that requires zero learning curve to migrate

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a persistent line under my text while typing in Excel for iPad?

This is an iPadOS system indicator for text selection or dictation. It highlights the active editing area and will typically disappear once you finish typing and select another cell.

Can I turn off the active cell border in Microsoft Excel on iPad?

No, the colored border that highlights your currently selected cell is a built-in UI feature designed to help you visually track your location in the spreadsheet. It cannot be completely disabled.

How do I remove a standard border from an Excel cell on an iPad?

Select the cell, tap the Home tab on the top ribbon, choose the Borders icon, and select 'No Border' to clear any standard border formatting applied to that cell.

How do I remove a hyperlink underline in Excel for iPad?

To remove a hyperlink's underline without deleting the link, select the cell, go to the Home tab, and deselect the Underline (U) formatting button.

Document & File Issues