Sign-in & Login Problems

Fix Microsoft 365 Android App Read-Only and Black Sign-in Screen

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing a read-only mode and a black screen when attempting to sign into Microsoft 365 Android apps, despite having an active Business Standard subscription that works properly on a PC.

Product: Microsoft 365 / Office for Android
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Attempting to sign into Microsoft 365 or Office apps on an Android device to edit documents.
Observed behavior: The app remains locked in read-only mode and displays a black screen when the user is prompted to enter their password.

Before you start

Ensure you know your Microsoft 365 account credentials and verify that your Android operating system is updated to the latest version before modifying application settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Office App Cache and Storage

Resetting the app's cache and storage resolves temporary glitches and corrupted authentication tokens causing the black screen.

Often, temporary files stored by the app can become corrupted, leading to display issues during the sign-in process. Clearing these files resets the app to its default state without affecting your personal documents.

Open Android Settings

Navigate to your device's home screen or app drawer and open the 'Settings' app, then tap on 'Apps' or 'Apps & notifications'.

Locate the Affected App

Scroll through the list of installed applications and select the specific Microsoft 365 or Office app that is experiencing the issue.

Access Storage Settings

Tap on 'Storage & cache' or 'Storage' depending on your Android version.

Clear Cache and Data

Tap 'Clear cache' first, then tap 'Clear storage' or 'Clear data' to remove all temporary app configurations.

Restart and Sign In

Restart your Android phone, launch the app again, and enter your credentials to see if the black screen is resolved.

Local Documents Are Safe: Clearing the app storage will reset the app configuration but does not delete documents saved locally on your Android device.

Solution 2

Reinstall Microsoft 365 and Update Android

If clearing the cache fails, reinstalling the application and updating the system ensures no corrupted installation files are blocking the login process.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Android to Edit Documents Without Login Issues

If Microsoft 365 continues to freeze on a black screen or lock you in read-only mode, switch to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, fully compatible alternative that allows you to view, edit, and create Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files on Android effortlessly, often without requiring complex sign-ins.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office directly from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Open Your Files: Launch the app, tap 'Open', and navigate to the folder where your Microsoft Office documents are saved.
3. Start Editing Instantly: Tap on any document to open it and begin editing immediately with full formatting tools available.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.Edit documents offline directly on your Android device without forcing a cloud login.Lightweight app size saves storage space and ensures smooth performance on mobile devices.All-in-one suite combining Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Microsoft 365 app stuck in read-only mode on Android?

This usually happens if the app cannot verify your subscription due to a sign-in glitch, an expired subscription, or a corrupted app cache blocking the authentication process.

Will clearing Microsoft Office app data delete my files?

No, clearing the app's cache and storage from Android settings only resets the application configuration and removes temporary files. Your locally saved documents and cloud files remain safe.

Can I edit Microsoft documents on Android without a subscription?

Microsoft 365 requires a subscription like Business Standard for advanced editing on mobile devices with larger screens. Alternatively, you can use a free office suite like WPS Office to edit DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX files for free on Android.

Login & Account Issues