Where Is Custom Sort in Excel Mobile? Troubleshooting Guide
Question details
The user is trying to locate the Custom Sort feature to apply multiple sorting levels and custom column criteria in the Excel Mobile app.

- Product
- Microsoft Excel Mobile
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to organize and sort spreadsheet data across multiple levels or columns while working on a mobile device.
- Observed behavior
- The Excel Mobile app only displays basic ascending and descending sort options, entirely omitting the advanced Custom Sort functionality.
Before proceeding, ensure your current workbook changes are saved and synced to your cloud storage (such as OneDrive or Google Drive) so you can seamlessly access the file on a desktop device.
Use the Desktop Version of Excel for Custom Sort
Since Excel Mobile currently lacks custom multi-level sorting, opening your workbook on a desktop computer is the official workaround to apply complex sorts.
Excel Mobile is optimized for quick, on-the-go edits and currently only supports basic ascending (A-Z) and descending (Z-A) sorting. For advanced data management, including custom lists and multiple sorting levels, you must transition your workflow to the desktop application.
In the Excel Mobile app, tap the save icon or ensure AutoSave is turned on to sync your document to your connected cloud storage.
Launch Microsoft Excel on your Windows or Mac computer and open the same synchronized workbook.
Highlight the range of cells or the specific table you want to organize.
Navigate to the 'Data' tab on the top ribbon and click the 'Sort' button to open the Custom Sort dialog box.
Click 'Add Level' in the dialog box to specify multiple columns and criteria, then click 'OK' to apply the sort.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Will Custom Sort ever be added to Excel Mobile?
Microsoft regularly updates its mobile applications based on user feedback. While Custom Sort is not currently available, submitting a feature request through the Microsoft Feedback portal can help prioritize its development in future updates.
How do I perform a basic sort in the Excel Mobile app?
To perform a simple basic sort, tap the column header you wish to organize, select 'Sort & Filter' from the context menu, and choose either 'Sort Ascending' or 'Sort Descending'.
Can I sort by cell color in Excel Mobile?
No. Just like the custom multi-level sort, sorting data by cell color or font color is an advanced feature that is currently restricted to the desktop versions of Microsoft Excel.




