Office Settings & Configuration

How to Rename or Delete OneNote Sections on Android

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to rename or delete sections and section groups in the OneNote Android app, but the required commands are missing from the interface.

How to Rename or Delete OneNote Sections on Android

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Managing and organizing notebook sections within the Android mobile application.
Observed behavior: The 'Rename' and 'Delete' commands do not appear for sections or section groups, even though official documentation indicates they should be available.

Before you start

Ensure your Android device is connected to the internet to properly sync any changes, and verify that you have edit permissions for the shared notebook you are trying to modify.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Long-Press Gesture to Access Context Menus

Access hidden management options by pressing and holding the section name within the app.

In many Android applications, secondary actions are hidden behind long-press gestures to keep the interface clean. This is the primary method for accessing section options in OneNote for Android.

Open your notebook

Launch the OneNote app on your Android device and navigate to the notebook containing the section you want to modify.

Long-press the section

Tap and hold your finger on the section name for about two seconds until the item is highlighted or a context menu appears.

Select Rename or Delete

Look for the 'Rename' or 'Delete' icons (sometimes represented by a trash can or pencil icon) in the top action bar or the pop-up menu, and tap your desired action.

Use the Long-Press Gesture to Access Context Menus

Feature Availability: If you are trying to modify a 'Section Group' rather than a standard section, these options may still not appear, as mobile support for section groups is limited.

Solution 2

Manage Sections Using OneNote Web or Desktop

Use the web or desktop version of OneNote as a reliable workaround if the Android app is missing the required features.

Solution 3

Update the OneNote Application

Install the latest version of the app to resolve bugs that might be hiding the rename and delete options.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Seamless Mobile Document Experience

Frustrated by missing features or syncing bugs in Microsoft Office apps on Android? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. Enjoy smooth document editing and note-taking in one reliable mobile application.

1. Download the app: Get WPS Office for free directly from the Google Play Store.
2. Open your files: Easily open your existing Microsoft Office documents and notes without needing any format conversion.
3. Edit seamlessly: Enjoy full editing, renaming, and organizing capabilities directly from your mobile device.

High compatibility with Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Lightweight application that runs fast and smoothly on all Android devicesAll-in-one app structure eliminates the need to download multiple separate appsFamiliar user interface ensures a quick and easy learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I not delete a section group on Android?

The OneNote Android app has limited support for managing Section Groups. While you can view them, structural changes like renaming or deleting often require logging into the web or desktop version of OneNote.

Can I recover a OneNote section after deleting it on mobile?

Yes, deleted sections are moved to the 'Deleted Notes' bin and kept for 60 days. However, the Android app does not have a feature to view this bin; you must use the desktop or web version of OneNote to access and restore deleted sections.

Will renaming a section break the links in my notebook?

No. OneNote automatically tracks internal links. When you rename a section, any existing links pointing to pages within that section will automatically update to reflect the new name.

Office App Problems