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How to Fix Error AADSTS50020 in Microsoft Excel on iPad
Question details
The user needs to clear a stubborn AADSTS50020 sign-in error on the iPad Excel app caused by residual login data from a previous organization.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for iPad
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign in to Microsoft Excel on an iPad with a new account after an organization change or account separation.
- Observed behavior
- The Excel app displays error AADSTS50020 and continues to use the former organization's email domain and branding, even after deleting and reinstalling the application.
Make sure you have the correct login credentials for your current organization and ensure any locally stored documents are backed up to a safe location before resetting the application data.
Reset Excel Data via iPad Settings
Use the iOS Settings app to perform a deep reset of Microsoft Excel, which clears the cached organizational credentials that survive a standard reinstallation.
Simply uninstalling and reinstalling the Microsoft Office apps on an iPad does not always clear the iOS keychain or hidden cached data. To fully remove the old organization's branding and resolve the AADSTS50020 error, you must use the built-in reset feature found within the iPad's system settings.
Navigate to the home screen of your iPad and tap the 'Settings' icon.
Scroll down the left-hand menu until you find the list of installed applications. Select 'Apps', then tap on 'Excel'.
Under the Excel settings, tap on 'Reset Excel'. Toggle on all available options, specifically 'Clear Account Settings' or 'Delete Sign-In Credentials'.
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to view open apps and force close Excel if it is running. Reopen the Excel app and sign in using your current organization's email address and password.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Mobile Experience
If organizational sign-in errors like AADSTS50020 are preventing you from accessing your spreadsheets, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a seamless, login-free way to edit local files on your iPad while remaining completely compatible with your existing documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does reinstalling the Excel app not fix the AADSTS50020 error?
Apple's iOS retains certain app data, such as keychain credentials and login tokens, in the background even when you delete the app. Reinstalling simply reconnects to these saved tokens. You must explicitly reset the app data from the iPad Settings to clear them.
Will resetting Excel from the iPad settings delete my saved spreadsheets?
Resetting the app clears your login credentials and preferences, but it generally does not delete files saved locally to your device. However, to prevent accidental data loss, it is always recommended to back up your local files to iCloud or another drive before proceeding.
Do I need to reset Word and PowerPoint separately?
Usually, no. Because Microsoft Office apps on iPad share a unified sign-in component, resetting Excel and successfully signing in with the correct account will typically refresh the credentials for Word, PowerPoint, and other connected Office apps.
