VBA & Macro Problems

Can Excel VBA Macros Run on Android with Microsoft 365?

Maira Mehtab Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if it is possible to execute Excel VBA macros on an Android smartphone or tablet using a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Can Excel VBA Macros Run on Android with Microsoft 365?

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Opening and attempting to run a macro-enabled Excel workbook (.xlsm or .xlsb) on a mobile device.
Observed behavior: Excel VBA macros cannot be run or edited on the Android version of the Excel app, as the mobile environment lacks support for Visual Basic for Applications.

Before you start

Verify whether your Excel workbook strictly relies on VBA macros to function, as you will need to switch to a supported desktop environment or use cloud-based automation alternatives to achieve the desired results.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Desktop Excel on Windows or Mac

Since Android cannot process VBA code, you must transfer your file to a desktop computer to run the macros.

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) requires a specific execution environment that is only built into the Windows and macOS versions of Microsoft Office. Upgrading to a paid Microsoft 365 subscription on an Android device does not bypass this operating system limitation.

Save the file to a cloud service

On your Android device, upload your macro-enabled workbook (.xlsm) to OneDrive, Google Drive, or another accessible cloud storage provider.

Open the file on a desktop computer

Access your cloud storage on a Windows PC or Mac, and open the file using the desktop version of Microsoft Excel.

Enable and run macros

Click 'Enable Content' in the yellow security warning bar at the top of the Excel window to allow your VBA macros to execute properly.

Platform Limitation: Mobile platforms like Android and iOS natively lack the underlying framework required to compile and run legacy VBA code.

Solution 2

Use Office Scripts as a Mobile Alternative

If you need cross-platform automation that works on Android, consider rewriting your macros using Office Scripts.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Open and Run VBA Macros Smoothly on Your Desktop

While Android devices cannot run VBA macros, you can seamlessly open, edit, and execute your macro-enabled Excel workbooks (.xlsm) on your computer using WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, feature-rich, and free alternative to Microsoft Office for all your spreadsheet tasks.

1. Install WPS Office on Desktop: Download and install the free version of WPS Office for your Windows PC.
2. Open your macro workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your .xlsm or .xlsb file transferred from your Android device.
3. Run your macros: Enable macro execution when prompted to continue running your VBA scripts flawlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats, including .xlsx, .xlsm, and .xlsb.Robust built-in VBA macro support for Windows desktop users.Lightweight installation with a familiar, easy-to-use tabbed interface.Free to download, making it seamless to migrate your existing macro projects.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run Excel VBA macros on an iPad or iPhone?

No. Similar to the Android platform, the iOS and iPadOS versions of Microsoft Excel do not support VBA macros. You will need to use a Windows or macOS computer to run them.

Will purchasing a Microsoft 365 subscription unlock VBA on Android?

No. While a Microsoft 365 subscription unlocks premium editing features in mobile Office apps, VBA macro execution remains restricted entirely to the desktop versions of Excel due to mobile OS limitations.

Are there any automation alternatives that work on Excel for Android?

Yes, you can use Microsoft's newer automation tools like Office Scripts and Power Automate. These cloud-based services are supported across the web and can often be executed via the Excel mobile app.

Excel & Data Problems