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How to Fix Excel Error Code 105 on iPad During Sign-In
Question details
User is unable to sign in to the Microsoft Excel app on an iPad due to an immediate Error 105.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign in to Excel on an iPad by selecting 'Existing User'.
- Observed behavior
- The application displays error code 105 and fails to reach the Microsoft account sign-in screen, even though the same account successfully signs in on a laptop.
Ensure your iPad is connected to a stable and unrestricted Wi-Fi or cellular network, and that you have your Microsoft account credentials ready before troubleshooting.
Perform Basic Device and Network Troubleshooting
Since Error 105 often indicates a temporary network or authentication disruption, restarting your device and switching networks can quickly resolve the issue.
Network restrictions on a home or public Wi-Fi network can sometimes block the specific authentication servers Microsoft uses for mobile apps. Refreshing the connection and the app state is the most effective first step.
Press and hold the power button and volume button until the slide to power off slider appears. Turn off the iPad, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on.
Go to iPad Settings > Wi-Fi. Disconnect from your current network and connect to a different Wi-Fi network, or use a mobile hotspot from your phone.
Open the App Store, search for Microsoft Excel, and tap 'Update' if available. Also, check Settings > General > Software Update to ensure your iPadOS is up to date.
Verify Microsoft Subscription and Account Status
Confirm that the Microsoft account being used has an active subscription and is not temporarily locked out.
Test Cross-App Sign-in and Contact Support
Isolating the issue to just Excel or all Office apps helps determine if the problem requires direct intervention from Microsoft Support.
Use WPS Office for iPad as a Seamless Alternative
If Microsoft Excel keeps blocking your access with persistent sign-in errors, try switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, completely free alternative that allows you to easily view, edit, and create spreadsheets on your iPad without dealing with complex Microsoft account verifications.
- 1. Download from the App Store: Open the App Store on your iPad, search for WPS Office, and tap Get to download the application for free.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and navigate to your Files app or cloud storage to open your existing Excel documents instantly.
- 3. Edit Without Hassle: Start editing your data, applying formulas, and formatting cells using an interface you are already familiar with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does Error Code 105 mean in Excel for iPad?
Error Code 105 generally indicates a network connectivity problem, an authentication server timeout, or a temporary disruption with Microsoft's mobile sign-in services. It prevents the app from successfully communicating with the login servers.
Why can I sign into Excel on my laptop but not on my iPad?
Mobile apps use different authentication protocols than desktop applications or web browsers. A specific network restriction on your iPad, corrupted cached app data, or an outdated iOS/iPadOS version can block mobile sign-ins specifically.
Will deleting and reinstalling the Excel app fix the sign-in error?
Yes, in many cases, uninstalling and reinstalling Microsoft Excel clears out old, corrupted application caches and resets the authentication tokens, which can effectively bypass persistent login errors like Error 105.
