How do I use Excel on iPhone 6s/ios 9.2?

Question

Level 1

13 points

How do I use Excel on iPhone 6s/ios 9.2?

I need some basic help for a newbie who’s never used the “cloud” before, in any version.

I use Excel to update a simple database stored on my desktop while I’m home. I’d like to store the latest version of that file in some cloud, and then use Excel from my iphone while I’m on vacation, to keep it updated while I’m away from home. Then, when I’m back home, I want to replace the now-outdated version on my desktop with the version that I kept up-to-date while I was on the road. How do I do all that?

I have an iphone 6s. I’m using ios 9.2. So I have an icloud account. I have Excel 2013 at home on the desktop. I’ve heard of OneDrive, which is made by Microsoft, not Apple, I think. It sounds as if OneDrive and iCloud are the same kind of “cloud” storage. Right? If so, should I use iCloud or OneDrive, or doesn’t it matter?

Once I download the Excel app, then what? Just open it and proceed normally like I do using the desktop? How do I find the file I want to work on, once I’ve put it either in iCloud or OneDrive? Will it be apparent once I use the Excel app where to find it?

Finally, once I’m home again, how do I put the file from the cloud back on to my desktop hard drive in place of the now-outdated version I left behind?

Sorry for all the dumb questions, but it shows you what you’re dealing with if you try to help me! And thanks, in advance, if you do!

Tom

iPhone 6s, iOS 9.2

Posted on Jan 20, 2016 11:46 AM

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Answer 1

gtomseeley Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 20, 2016 12:30 PM in response to Phil0124

...hmmmm...

This helps.

So, since Excel is a MS app, even when I use it on my Apple iPhone, MS won't let Excel save files to Apple's iCloud; it only lets me save files to its own OneDrive. Okaaaaay...[he said, in a tone of voice suggesting that he knew there was a walrus on his front lawn; he just didn't understand why!]

At least this helps me understand which part of the cloud to use!

My problem now--and it's totally personal and borderline irrational--is that I have a serious, irreversible objection to opening a Microsoft account for anything! Reasons are irrelevant to the current thread, so don't ask! 👿

I'm beginning to conclude that being able to fiddle with my Excel file while I'm on the road for 2 weeks is more trouble than it's worth!

Thank you very much for clarifying the matter for me, and helping me decide what to do or not to do!

Tom

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Answer 2

Jan 20, 2016 12:30 PM in response to gtomseeley

Use Microsoft's own One Drive to store your file from your Desktop, and then use the iOS version of Excel to access it on your One Drive account.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-excel/id586683407?mt=8

https://onedrive.live.com/about/en-us/

Excel on iOS can only use files stored within it, or in Microsoft's One Drive.

Once you download Excel, you will be prompted to log into your One Drive account, and all your files stored there will be available from within Excel for iOS.

One Drive and iCloud are quite different in their functionality.

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Answer 3

Jan 20, 2016 3:43 PM in response to gtomseeley

I understand. I too refuse to pay for a 365 subscription just to be able to occasionally use MS Excel or Word for iOS.

Pages and numbers, free from apple with new devices, can edit those files but sometimes with complex formatting or formulas and such, the back and forth from Apple's programs and MS Office programs is not seamless.

THere are also other apps that may work for you, like DocsToGo Pro.

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Answer 4

FoxFifth

Level 10

475,873 points

Jan 20, 2016 5:02 PM in response to gtomseeley

The current version of Excel for iOS will save files to iCloud Drive and will open files saved to iCloud Drive from another device. I have tested it myself and it is also noted in the following: http://www.macrumors.com/2015/02/17/office-ios-icloud/

You can also save to OneDrive which comes with 5GB free storage without an Office 365 subscription.

Using Excel or Word on iOS no longer requires and Office 365 subscription to save and edit files on an iOS device other than an iPad Pro. An Office 365 subscription is required if you want to create or edit files on an iPad Pro (viewing on an iPad Pro does not require a subscription). A subscription is also required to save files from an iOS device to Sharepoint or to OneDrive For Business.

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Answer 5

Jan 20, 2016 5:23 PM in response to FoxFifth

Thanks for the update FoxFifth. I did not know of the changes as I deleted and removed MS Office apps for iOS as soon as I initially realized they were useless to me without the 365 subscription. It's good to know they've made changes, but they'll still be on my ignore list as they've needlessly complicated things by excluding the iPad Pro. My iPad Pro with Logitech create keyboard has become my main mobile work device, but I'll just VPN to my desktop work machine and use office from there on those few times I need to natively edit an MS Office doc while on the move.

Once again MS has pointlessly complicated use of their mobile apps and licensing as far as I'm concerned. What works for one iPad should work for all, or dont bother.

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Answer 6

Jan 20, 2016 11:54 AM in response to gtomseeley

To actually use MS Excel for iOS to edit files an save the results, you will need an Office 365 account subscription. Without one, MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint for iOS are useless.

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Answer 7

gtomseeley Author

Level 1

13 points

Jan 20, 2016 12:31 PM in response to Michael Black

Thank you very much for this explanation. Please see my reply to the post above. It applies completely and totally to your fine explanation also.

Thanks.

Tom

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