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How to Select Nonadjacent Rows in Excel on an iPad

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs a way to select multiple, non-continuous rows in the Excel app on an iPad.

How to Select Nonadjacent Rows in Excel on an iPad

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Attempting to select nonadjacent rows for batch editing or formatting on a mobile device.
Observed behavior: The Excel iOS touch interface does not natively support selecting nonadjacent rows using multi-touch gestures, requiring alternative input methods.

Before you start

Ensure your iPad's Bluetooth is turned on if you plan to connect an external keyboard, and verify that your Excel app is updated to the latest version in the App Store.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse

Overcome the touch interface limitations by connecting external hardware to your iPad, allowing you to use standard desktop selection modifiers.

The Excel app on iPadOS supports standard keyboard shortcuts and mouse inputs, effectively bridging the gap between mobile and desktop functionality.

Connect your hardware

Open your iPad Settings, go to Bluetooth, and pair a compatible Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

Open the spreadsheet

Launch the Excel app and open the workbook you want to edit.

Select nonadjacent rows

Hold down the Command key (on Apple keyboards) or Ctrl key (on standard keyboards) and click the row headers on the left side of the screen to select multiple, non-continuous rows.

Hardware Compatibility: Depending on your specific iPad model and iOS version, third-party keyboards may handle modifier keys differently. If Command does not work, try holding the Control or Option key.

Solution 2

Select and Edit Rows Individually

If you do not have external hardware available, you must apply edits to nonadjacent rows one at a time using touch.

Solution 3

Edit the File on a Desktop Computer

For complex spreadsheets requiring heavy nonadjacent data manipulation, moving the file to a desktop computer is the most efficient workflow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multi-touch gestures to select multiple non-continuous cells on an iPad?

No, the native touch interface in Excel for iPad does not support selecting nonadjacent cells or rows using only finger gestures. You must use an external keyboard or edit them individually.

Which modifier key works for multi-selection on an iPad keyboard?

When using an external Apple keyboard, you typically use the Command key. If you are using a standard Windows-style Bluetooth keyboard, the Ctrl key usually performs this function.

Can I select multiple continuous rows using just the touch screen?

Yes. You can select adjacent rows by tapping the first row's header, grabbing the circular selection handle on the edge of the highlight, and dragging it up or down to cover neighboring rows.

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