Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Excel for iPad Not Following Dark Mode

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs Microsoft Excel for iPad to correctly apply the system-wide Dark Mode theme to the application interface and worksheet.

How to Fix Excel for iPad Not Following Dark Mode

Product: Microsoft Excel for iPad
Device & OS: iPadOS 17.5.1
Scenario: Switching the iPad system settings to Dark Mode to reduce eye strain and match device preferences.
Observed behavior: Excel for iPad remains in Light Mode after the device is switched to Dark Mode, and worksheet cell backgrounds do not automatically turn dark.

Before you start

Ensure your iPad is sufficiently charged and connected to a stable Wi-Fi network before attempting to download operating system updates or reinstalling applications.

Solution 1Recommended

Update iPadOS and the Excel Application

Updating your system and app ensures you have the latest bug fixes, which often resolves theme syncing issues between the OS and Microsoft 365 apps.

Software updates frequently patch integration issues between third-party applications and system-level features like Dark Mode. Ensuring both are up to date is the best first step.

Update iPadOS

Go to the iPad 'Settings' app, tap 'General', and select 'Software Update'. If an update is available beyond 17.5.1, tap 'Download and Install'.

Update Microsoft Excel

Open the 'App Store' on your iPad, tap your profile picture in the top right corner, scroll down to the 'Available Updates' section, and tap 'Update' next to Microsoft Excel.

Restart the iPad

Hold the power button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider, wait 30 seconds, and turn the iPad back on to refresh all system configurations.

Test Other Applications: Open other Microsoft 365 applications like Word or PowerPoint. If they respond correctly to Dark Mode, the issue is isolated to your Excel installation.

Solution 2

Manually Format Worksheet Cell Backgrounds

Use manual formatting to achieve a dark canvas, as Excel for iPad does not natively support automatically changing white worksheet cells to dark.

Solution 3

Report the Issue to the Excel Feedback Community

Submit a bug report directly to Microsoft so their development team can investigate the Dark Mode UI syncing failure in future releases.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Excel spreadsheet still white when my iPad is in Dark Mode?

Excel for iPad currently applies Dark Mode only to the application's menus, ribbons, and toolbars. The worksheet cells remain white by default to preserve the exact formatting that would appear when printing. If you want a dark background for the cells, you must change the fill color manually.

How do I force Dark Mode on Excel for iPad?

You cannot force the worksheet canvas into Dark Mode. To ensure the app interface is in Dark Mode, go to your iPad Settings > Display & Brightness, and select 'Dark'. Ensure both Excel and iPadOS are updated to the latest versions to prevent UI syncing glitches.

What is the difference between Office 365 and Microsoft 365 on Apple devices?

Microsoft 365 is the rebranded name for Office 365. Both terms refer to the same subscription service that provides premium features for Microsoft apps on Apple devices, along with cloud storage and consistent security updates.

Will reinstalling the Excel app fix the Dark Mode issue?

If the app's menus and toolbars are failing to sync with your iPad's Dark Mode, reinstalling the app might resolve the glitch. However, reinstalling will not make the spreadsheet cells automatically turn dark, as that feature is not natively supported by Microsoft.

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