Microsoft 365 Help Edit Office documents on a mobile device
Open cloud documents on your phone, with the right editor for the task.
Before you start
- The Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint app you need is already available on your mobile device.
- You have permission to edit the document.
- Your device and Microsoft 365 licence support the mobile editor you need.
- Stay connected while editing and saving. On mobile devices where OneDrive’s offline files open read-only, an offline edit can be saved as a new copy. Reopen the cloud original after reconnecting to check which file was updated.
Choose the option that matches your screen or the task you want to do.
Recommended: open the document in its mobile editor
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Sign in to the editor
Open the app once and sign in with your Initech work email. Complete the security prompt and any company-managed app setup.
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Find the cloud original in OneDrive
Return to OneDrive, choose the work account, then find the document in Files/My files. Avoid opening an old attachment or a copy in Downloads.
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Open the file
Tap its name. OneDrive may show a preview; select the edit/pencil or Open in app option if shown. Choose the matching Office app when your device prompts you.
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Make a small change
Tap the edit control if the document opens in reading view. Make your update in the document, cell or slide. If edit controls are missing, check permission and licence with the office.
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Check saving
Use the app’s save status and confirm the file is still saved to the work OneDrive location. Allow sync to finish before closing, losing reception or making another copy.
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Verify the cloud version
Return to OneDrive and reopen the document. Check your change is present. If a new copy was created, tell the owner rather than assuming the shared original changed.
If you specifically want a web browser
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Open your work OneDrive in a browser
On the phone, open the company OneDrive shortcut if configured, or sign in at Microsoft 365 and choose OneDrive from Apps.
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Select the document
Tap the Word, Excel or PowerPoint file. A phone browser may offer a reading view or redirect you to the installed editor.
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Use a supported editing route
If browser editing is not offered, use the mobile-app steps above. For the full web-editor experience, open the same OneDrive file in Edge or Chrome on a computer. Requesting Desktop site is not a guaranteed fix.
You have finished when…
- The updated document is visible when reopened from the work OneDrive account.
Helpful tips
- Mobile editors have fewer features than the desktop apps. Ask for help with complicated spreadsheets, macros or advanced layouts.
- If the app asks you to buy a subscription, ask the office to check your existing work licence before purchasing anything.
Something looks different?
The phone only shows a preview.
Use the edit or Open in app control to open the matching Microsoft editor. A mobile browser may only allow viewing.
Changes were saved as a second file.
Check the original’s permissions and the saved location. Send the owner the correct copy for review; do not delete or overwrite the original casually.
Microsoft help & further guidance
Menu names can change as Microsoft updates the apps. These official pages include further instructions.