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mifs1's avatar
mifs1
Explorer | Level 3
22 hours ago

Embedded Word documents will not open in Excel when using the Android mobile app.

Integration Affected
Excel
Device
(Dell 2 in 1 16 inch laptop  model DB06250
Operating System/Browser (if using the web)
Windows 11, Home and Chrome
Dropbox App Version (if using the app)
V 242.4.5815

Question or Issue
Hello, I cannot open embedded word documents in Excel spreadsheet, in Dropbox on my Samsung S24 Mobile phone. The spreadsheet  is fully workable on my mobile, excepting when I press the cell containing the embedded (not linked)  word document., it  only identifies the cell (eg B2) rather than open the embedded fileit says "This version of Excel doesn't support interacting with embedded files" When I open the offline folder it works perfectly on my laptop

Also, sometimes when I open the file on my mobile, it comes up with "open with" and when I press that, it goes straight into the spreadsheet.

The screen shot shows an unfilled circle, whereas the others are all filled? 

I cannot find in Dropbox application, where I can upload a newer version of Excel?

Hope you can help, please

Kind regards Doug  

1 Reply

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    21 hours ago

    Hi mifs1, thanks for posting here today! 

    Keep in mind that opening embedded Word documents within Excel files is not supported in the Dropbox Android mobile app.

    While you can open and edit Microsoft Office files (like .xlsx and .docx) directly from Dropbox using the appropriate Office mobile apps, features such as accessing embedded objects (like Word documents inside Excel files) are not available on mobile.

    In that case, you might try opening the file on a desktop computer for full functionality. If you need to view or edit the embedded document, using the desktop version of Excel and Word will provide the best experience.

    In regards to the Windows syncing icons, you can have a closer look at this helpful article.

    Lastly, to update Microsoft Excel on Android, open the Google Play Store, search for "Microsoft Excel", and tap the Update button if available. Alternatively, go to your profile icon, select "Manage apps & device," and update it from the pending updates list.

    I hope this clarifies! 

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