I am receiving the error message: Decryption failed(null) when attempting to open a password protected Excel document on iPhone and iPad after update to ios 14.2
iPhone 11, iOS 14
Interim Success
Ok, I've found an interim solution though I still believe Apple has an issue since I have read that 14.1 does not have this problem but at least this works for now.. .. and don't believe that the issue lies with Dropbox, Synology DS File, Microsoft, etc, the issue is with Apple and they need to fix what they broke.
I took the Excel password protected file that I could not open directly from with the Apple Mail app on my iPhone 12 running iOS 14.2 (the same exact file worked fine in 13.6) and instead of opening it, I long pressed it in Mail until I got a pop up menu with choices. I like choices :-) I chose to Save that file in the Apple "Files" app on my phone. The File app comes standard with iOS. I then opened the Files app and tapped the password protected Excel file I just put there, it prompted for a password, I entered it and it opened just fine.
However, in order to get success, you first have to go to the Apple App store and download the free "Microsoft Office app for iOS", (see pic). Once downloaded to your phone you do not need to sign in to it or even have it open, just the fact that its on the same device as the file you want to open does the trick. The Excel file opened it in Excel.
I will assume this same procedure will work for Word and Powerpoint but haven't tried it yet.
So until Apple fixes the issue, there is another way to open a password protected Microsoft Office file on an iOS device running iOS 14.2
This is unacceptable, people do not password protect a file for a laugh, typically they protect these files because then hold important or sensitive information, information they need access to. To be locked out of these files is a failure on the part of Apples software developers. Do they not test the effect their coding has on the operating system software. I hope Apple fixes this ASAP.
Anyone a solution; i ‘ve en urgent need for my excel sheet
Yes, makes me wonder too! Seems like the new updates always seem to cause other problems!
This "Decryption failed" problem occurs with password protected MS word and MS powerpoint attached files as well.
Same issue, with a password protected word document. Refreshed iCloud, all looks well.. same error.
Help!!
Great advice, thanks!
Thank you for the help. I hope Apple gets this fixed soon!
Thanks for the reply! I’ve found out all of the things you mentioned are right on the spot! Hopefully Apple will get it resolved soon.
Agreed! Thank you!
It’s happening for both excel and word documents.
Yes, unfortunately.
Happily, it's working for me too! Glad it's been worked out!
It's working for me now too! I agree with everything you've said!
As of today, it looks like the problem is gone. I can now open a password protected Excel document on my iPhone.
Good to know. Knowledge is power as they say. Thanks for your input and useful information. Keep the faith that a real solution is coming.
Error message: Decryption failed(null) when attempting to open an Excel document on iPad
