Office Settings & Configuration

How to Manage or Disable Recent Files in Microsoft Office for Android

Amos Gikunda Oct 7, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent last viewed documents from appearing on the Recent files screen in the Microsoft 365 mobile app.

Can You Disable Recent Files in Microsoft Office for Android?

Product: Microsoft Office for Android
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Attempting to hide document history to improve privacy on the app's main screen.
Observed behavior: The application automatically displays the last viewed documents on the Recent files screen, and there is no visible setting to turn this feature off.

Before you start

Before proceeding, note that Microsoft 365 syncs your recent file history directly via your Microsoft account, meaning changes made here may affect your document history across other synced devices.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Remove Individual Files from the Recent List

Since there is no native option to completely disable the Recent files section, you must remove specific sensitive documents individually.

Microsoft Office for Android does not currently provide an option to disable the Recent files section on the main screen entirely. However, you can maintain your privacy by manually clearing specific files from the history.

Open the Microsoft 365 App

Launch the Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 application on your Android device and navigate to the Home or Recent tab.

Locate the Document

Scroll through the Recent files section to find the specific document you wish to hide from your history.

Remove from List

Tap the three-dot menu icon located next to the file's name, then select 'Remove from list' to delete its shortcut from the main screen.

Manually Remove Individual Files from the Recent List

Cloud Sync Note: Removing a file from the Recent list does not delete the actual file from your device or OneDrive storage; it only hides the shortcut.

Solution 2

Clear App Data to Reset the File History

Wipe the application data to temporarily clear all locally stored recent file entries.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Better Mobile Document Control

If the lack of interface customization and privacy controls in Microsoft Office for Android doesn't meet your needs, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly customizable, lightweight alternative that gives you full control over your files while maintaining complete format compatibility.

1. Download WPS Office: Search for WPS Office in the Google Play Store and download it for free.
2. Open Your Files: Launch the app and open your existing Microsoft Office files with zero formatting loss.
3. Manage Your Privacy: Use WPS Office's built-in file manager to securely store, organize, and manage your document history.

100% free and lightweight mobile office suiteFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsFamiliar, intuitive user interface for seamless migrationAdvanced file management and privacy settings for local documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I permanently disable the Recent files tab in Microsoft Office for Android?

No, Microsoft Office for Android does not currently offer a setting to completely turn off or hide the Recent files section on the main screen.

Does removing a file from the Recent list delete the actual document?

No. When you tap 'Remove from list', it only deletes the quick-access shortcut from your history. The original file remains safely in your local storage or OneDrive.

Why do my files reappear in the Recent list after clearing them?

Because Microsoft 365 relies heavily on cloud synchronization, opening the file on another device linked to your Microsoft account will push it back to the Recent files list on your Android app.

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