Fix Getting Excel Microsoft 365 in Microsoft 365 on iPhone

If your workflow is blocked, confirm the account and app context, then follow the ordered fixes below.

Problem Description: Getting Excel Microsoft 365

For the record, I use Microsoft 365 on an iPhone 16 Pro Max that runs iOS 26.0.1. I'm rather careful to keep iOS and all my software up to date. Now for my problem— I use Excel to record regular glucometer and blood pressure readings. I built the spreadsheet myself, and I've been using it for years. For a long time, I kept the Excel app icon on my Home Screen. Then Microsoft 365 Copilot came along a couple of years ago, and I chose to add that app to my home screen. I use it now in place of the Excel app. Since the arrival of Copilot, I've had to deal with a really annoying process to get to my spreadsheet. The first page wants me to "chat" with Copilot. I have no need to chat with a robot. All I want is to open my spreadsheet, but to get to Excel I have to search. Okay—I tap Search, and typically I find my spreadsheet at the top of the list of recent files. Where it really gets frustrating is when I try to return to the spreadsheet after I've left it open at some earlier time. In App Switcher mode, I see the spreadsheet open and ready to use. I tap on it, but M365 shuts it down and reverts to the M365 Home Screen, where it invites me once again to chat with the robot. The people who designed this software must think this is a friendly and effective approach, but to this user it's madness. To get to my spreadsheet, I often have to click four times: (1) the M365 icon on the Home Screen; (2) the menu icon to get out of chatting with the robot; (3) the Search icon; (4) the filename in the list of recents. Yes, I do have other M365 items that I use (Excel and Word), although not as often as I use this particular spreadsheet. I'm simply looking for a way to streamline the process of getting to this one file. Perhaps someone here can suggest a more satisfactory setup.

Quick Answer for Microsoft 365 Setup on New Device

To resolve the issue of the Microsoft 365 app opening to the Copilot/chat home screen instead of Excel on iPhone, reinstall the Excel app by deleting and reinstalling it from the App Store, then sign in again and open your spreadsheet, adding it to Favorites and Pinned for quick access.

Likely Causes Behind Office Apps Not Opening Root Factors

• The Microsoft account or license context may not match the purchase or device.

• Cached credentials, outdated builds, or damaged local components can trigger office apps not opening.

• A file-specific corruption or add-in conflict can mimic a broader application failure.

Recommended Solution: Installing Microsoft 365 on a New PC

When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.

1. Place the Excel app back on your Home Screen for one-tap access.

2. Alternatively, if your spreadsheet is stored in OneDrive, open the OneDrive app, mark the file as Offline or Favorite, and open it directly in Excel from OneDrive without going through Copilot.

Alternative Solutions for Secondary Office Fixes

1. Retry the Microsoft-side steps after restarting the app and device.

2. Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.

3. Run Quick Repair, then Online Repair from Programs and Features if the app still fails.

4. Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.

Working with WPS Office: WPS as a Local Alternative

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.

1. Download and install WPS Office from the official website.

2. Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.

3. Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.

4. 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 Keeping Microsoft 365 Stable Long Term

• 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 Microsoft 365 Support Questions

Can WPS Office fix this office apps not opening 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 Microsoft 365 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.