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Why TEXTSPLIT Works Online but Not in Excel Desktop App
Question details
The user is trying to use the TEXTSPLIT function but finds it only works in Excel online and returns an error or is unavailable in their Excel desktop application.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening a workbook containing the TEXTSPLIT formula or trying to type the formula into the Excel desktop application.
- Observed behavior
- Excel reports that the TEXTSPLIT function is unsupported or unrecognized in the desktop environment, despite working perfectly in Excel for the Web.
Check your current Microsoft Office version to determine whether you are using a perpetual license (like Office 2016, 2019, or 2021) or an active Microsoft 365 subscription.
Update to Microsoft 365 Version 2208 or Later
Upgrading your Microsoft 365 subscription to the latest version ensures access to the newest dynamic array functions, including TEXTSPLIT.
The TEXTSPLIT function is exclusively available to Microsoft 365 subscribers running desktop version 2208 or newer. Perpetual license versions like Office 2016, 2019, and 2021 do not receive these feature updates and therefore do not support this function.
Launch the Excel desktop app, click on the 'File' menu in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' from the bottom left pane.
Under 'Product Information', verify that your software is listed as 'Subscription Product: Microsoft 365'.
Click on the 'Update Options' button next to Office Updates and select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu to install version 2208 or newer.
Use the Text to Columns Feature as a Workaround
If you cannot upgrade to Microsoft 365, you can use built-in tools to split text using delimiters without needing the TEXTSPLIT formula.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management
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- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your .xlsx files to edit and manage your data with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get TEXTSPLIT in Excel 2019 or Excel 2021?
No. The TEXTSPLIT function is not available in perpetual versions of Office like 2016, 2019, or 2021. It is exclusive to Microsoft 365 subscriptions and Excel for the Web.
Why does my Excel workbook show #NAME? where TEXTSPLIT was used?
The #NAME? error occurs when a workbook containing the TEXTSPLIT function is opened in an older, unsupported version of the Excel desktop app. The application does not recognize the modern function name.
Is there a formula workaround for splitting text without upgrading my Office version?
Yes, you can combine traditional formulas like LEFT, MID, RIGHT, and FIND/SEARCH to separate text based on delimiters, though it requires more complex formula nesting compared to TEXTSPLIT.
Does TEXTSPLIT work on Excel for Mac?
Yes, TEXTSPLIT is supported in Excel for Mac provided you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription and have updated the app to version 16.64 (Build 22081401) or later.
