How to Remove a Drop-Down List in Excel for Android with WPS Office
Question details
The user needs to remove a drop-down list from a cell in an Excel workbook on Android by deleting the underlying data validation rule rather than only clearing the cell contents.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Android
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- The user opened an Excel workbook on an Android device and wants to remove the drop-down arrow from a cell.
- Observed behavior
- Clearing the cell contents leaves the drop-down arrow in place because the data validation rule has not been removed.
Identify the cell or range that contains the drop-down list and make sure the workbook is saved before changing validation. Clearing the cell text alone will not remove the underlying data validation rule that creates the drop-down arrow.
Remove the validation rule in WPS Office on Android
Use this method to remove the drop-down directly on the Android device without switching to a computer.
WPS Office on Android includes spreadsheet data tools, so you can delete the data validation rule directly from your phone or tablet. Use this method when the drop-down is active and you do not want to use a desktop computer.
Launch WPS Office on your Android device, locate the Excel file, and tap it to open the workbook.
Tap the cell that shows the drop-down arrow. To clear several cells, drag the selection handles to highlight the full range that contains the validation rule.
Tap the Data tab in the lower toolbar, then choose Data Validation from the list of data tools.
In the Data Validation dialog, tap Clear All or remove the current list entry, then tap OK to confirm.
Tap the Save icon to write the change, so the drop-down arrow no longer appears when the cell is selected.
Remove the rule in Microsoft Excel for the web
Use this fallback when the Android app does not show the Data Validation command or when you prefer a browser-based dialog.
Remove a Drop-Down Rule in WPS Office Android
Open the Excel workbook in WPS Office on Android, delete the data validation rule from the cell, and save the workbook so the drop-down list no longer appears.
- 1. Install or open WPS Office: Download WPS Office from Google Play or launch the app, then open the targeted Excel workbook.
- 2. Select the validated cell or range: Tap the cell showing the drop-down arrow, or select the range you want to clean.
- 3. Open Data Validation: Tap Data > Data Validation in the spreadsheet toolbar.
- 4. Clear and save: Tap Clear All or remove the list rule, tap OK, and save the workbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the drop-down arrow still appear after I clear the cell contents in Excel for Android?
Because the arrow is created by a data validation rule on the cell. Clearing the text or value does not delete the rule. You must open Data Validation and choose Clear All or remove the list rule.
Can I remove a data validation drop-down directly on Android without a computer?
Yes, if your spreadsheet app exposes the Data Validation command. In WPS Office on Android, select the cell, tap Data > Data Validation, and clear the rule. If the option is unavailable, open the same workbook in Excel for the web in a mobile browser.
Will removing the drop-down list delete the existing cell value?
No. Removing the validation rule only removes the drop-down arrow and list restriction; the current cell value remains unless you also clear the cell.
Does WPS Office preserve Excel data validation rules when saving .xlsx files?
Yes, WPS Office opens and saves .xlsx workbooks with Excel-compatible formatting and data validation, so you can remove or edit the rule and reopen the file in Microsoft Excel without losing compatibility.
