Fix Excel for iPad Sign-In Screen Frozen Issue
Question details
The user is unable to type their password or interact with the Microsoft sign-in screen when launching Excel on an iPad, as the screen becomes completely unresponsive.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign in to the Excel app on an iPad right after downloading it from the App Store.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft sign-in screen appears displaying the user's email, but no text entry is allowed. The app freezes entirely, requiring a hard restart of the iPad to exit.
Ensure your iPad is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and verify that you remember your correct Microsoft account credentials before resetting the app settings.
Reset Excel Login Credentials via iPad Settings
Clearing the cached login credentials directly from the iPad settings often resolves frozen sign-in screens.
When the Excel app gets stuck on the sign-in screen without showing an error message, it is usually due to a corrupted credential cache. Using the built-in iPadOS settings to reset the app can force a clean sign-in prompt.
Navigate to your iPad's home screen and open the Settings app.
Scroll down the left navigation pane until you find the list of installed apps, then select 'Excel'.
Under the 'Reset' section on the right pane, tap on 'Reset Excel'.
Toggle the switch next to 'Delete Login Credentials' so that it turns green (enabled).
Return to your home screen, open the Excel app again, and attempt to sign in with your Microsoft account.
Update iPadOS, Update Excel, and Reinstall
If resetting credentials fails, a software glitch or outdated OS might be causing the freeze. Updating and reinstalling provides a clean slate.
Try WPS Office for iPad as a Seamless Alternative
If Microsoft Excel continues to freeze on your iPad, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free, and highly compatible alternative that lets you view, edit, and create spreadsheets without the hassle of complex sign-in loops.
- 1. Download from App Store: Open the App Store on your iPad and search for 'WPS Office'.
- 2. Install the App: Tap 'Get' to download and install the application for free.
- 3. Start Editing: Launch WPS Office and immediately start opening or creating your spreadsheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Excel app freeze on my iPad when signing in?
This usually happens due to corrupted login credential caches, an outdated version of iPadOS, or a temporary glitch in the app's communication with Microsoft's authentication servers.
Will resetting Excel on my iPad delete my spreadsheets?
No, using the 'Reset Excel' and 'Delete Login Credentials' options in the iPad settings only clears cached app data and sign-in info. Your actual spreadsheet files saved on iCloud, OneDrive, or the device will remain safe.
How do I force close a frozen Excel app on my iPad without restarting?
Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and pause in the middle to open the App Switcher. Swipe right or left to find the frozen Excel app, then swipe up on its preview window to force close it.
