If your workflow is blocked, confirm the account and app context, then follow the ordered fixes below.
Problem Description: Select Visible Cells Only
On a PC it is very easy to select only visible cells which is really convenient for quickly seeing the sum of visible cells or copying and pasting visible cells. For the life of me I cannot figure out how to select only visible cells on my ipad and it is incredibly frustrating. I need to copy columns A, B, D, F, and G into another spreadsheet but I really don’t want to delete the data in C and E in order to do that. Does anyone know how to “select visible cells only” in excel on ipad?
Quick Answer for Function Problems Quick Fix
The Excel app on iPad does not have a built-in feature to select only visible cells like the desktop version.
Likely Causes Behind Excel Failure Patterns
The Microsoft account or license context may not match the purchase or device.
Cached credentials, outdated builds, or damaged local components can trigger function problems.
A file-specific corruption or add-in conflict can mimic a broader application failure.
Recommended Solution: Restoring Excel After Errors
When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.
To copy data from specific columns while avoiding hidden cells, manually select the cells: tap and hold on the first cell in column A to select it, then drag to select the cells in columns B, D, F, and G that you want to copy.
Once selected, tap the copy option and paste the data into another spreadsheet as needed.
This manual method is the current workaround available on the iPad version of Excel.
Alternative Solutions for Fallback Options for Function Problems
Retry the Microsoft-side steps after restarting the app and device.
Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.
Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.
Working with WPS Office: Editing Files in WPS During Function Problems

WPS Office cannot replace Microsoft account, activation, or cloud fixes for this scenario. It remains one of the best free Microsoft Office-compatible alternatives for opening and editing local files.
Download and install WPS Office from the official website.
Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.
Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.
Return to Microsoft Office after the primary fix succeeds.
If you need a practical local workspace in the meantime, try WPS Office.
Prevention Tips for Smooth Excel Device Transfers
Keep one primary Microsoft account for subscriptions and Office sign-in.
Install updates for Office and Windows before retrying failed workflows.
Back up important files before repair, reset, or reinstall actions.
Document exact error messages before the next troubleshooting attempt.
FAQs About Function Problems Help Topics
Can WPS Office fix this function problems issue directly? Only when the WPS steps match the formatting or file task. Account, activation, and cloud issues stay on the Microsoft side.
Should I reinstall Excel before trying these steps? Not first. Confirm account, license, and the exact error before reinstalling.
What should I send to Microsoft Support? The affected account email, device type, Office version, exact error text, and screenshots with personal data hidden.




