How to Insert the Current Date or Time in Excel for Android
Question details
The user wants to insert the current date and time into an Excel spreadsheet on an Android device using traditional keyboard shortcuts.
- Product
- Excel for Android
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Entering time-sensitive data on a mobile device, using either the touchscreen or a connected Bluetooth keyboard.
- Observed behavior
- Desktop keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+; for the date and Ctrl+Shift+; for the time do not work in the Excel Android app.
Keep in mind that Excel for Android has limited support for desktop keyboard shortcuts, so you will need to use built-in functions as an alternative to insert dates and times.
Use TODAY and NOW Formulas
Since static shortcut keys are not supported on Excel for Android, you can use built-in formulas to display the current date and time.
While Excel for Windows allows static date entry via shortcuts, the Android application requires using dynamic formulas. Be aware that these formulas will recalculate and update whenever the worksheet changes or is reopened.
Tap on the specific cell in your worksheet where you want the date or time to appear.
Open the formula bar and type =TODAY() to insert the current date. If you need both the date and time, type =NOW() instead.
Tap the green checkmark icon or press Enter on your keyboard to execute the formula and display the result.
Submit Feature Feedback to Microsoft
If the lack of keyboard shortcuts disrupts your workflow, you can request this feature directly from the developers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Ctrl+; on a Bluetooth keyboard with Excel for Android?
No, the Android version of Excel does not currently support the Ctrl+; or Ctrl+Shift+; keyboard shortcuts for inserting dates and times, even when an external Bluetooth keyboard is connected.
How do I stop the TODAY function from updating the date tomorrow?
To keep the date from updating, you must convert the formula into a static value. Tap to copy the cell containing the TODAY() formula, tap the cell again, and use the 'Paste Special' menu to select 'Values'.
Is there any add-in for Excel Android to insert static dates?
Excel for Android does not support third-party COM add-ins or macros that could traditionally automate inserting static dates. You must rely on native formulas or manual entry.
