Excel android bug saving files in a placed called "this device"

Question

Excel android bug saving files in a placed called "this device"

Anonymous

Sometimes Android Excel saves files in a location that says "this device". There is no path to this location, it can't be found by other apps. The other day I had been editing a file all day. Up until midday Excel autosaved the progress in the files normal location on my storage. Then it started saving the progress in 'this device', which I only found out after looking under 'recent'. This meant the files was not autosynced to my desktop as I do with my data since the progress was not saved in it's normal location and I thought I had lost hours of work.

Someone already mentioned this same problem here before but the topic was closed for some reason I do not understand:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/excel-on-android-how-to-find-location-of-the-file/44163dae-fa31-4ca3-9e4d-f263ba4f5810

This is a bug, it needs to be fixed.

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

4 answers

Answer 1

Hello,

I appreciate you posting this concern to Microsoft Community Forum.

As per your description, it sounds like Excel on Android is saving files in an inaccessible location, preventing proper syncing.

First, check where Excel is saving your files. When saving, tap File > Save As, then select a clear storage location like OneDrive or a specific folder on your device. Avoid saving to "This Device," as it may store files in a temporary location. You can find more details on saving files in Office on Android here, Saving files in Office on Android phones - Microsoft Support

To prevent this issue in the future, ensure AutoSave is enabled when working with cloud storage. If Excel continues saving files incorrectly, consider reinstalling the app or clearing its cache to reset its behavior.

Hope this information will help in resolving the issue.

Regards,

Matt | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 2

Please read what was written:

Excel saves it in 'This Device'. I do not know where 'This Device' is located. If I manually save a file it is in the location I choose. The problem is with the auto-save. Don't give me nonsensical details on saving files on Android. I am not some dumb clown.

There is a bug in Excel Android. I do not use a cloud, I already reinstalled the app several times. It makes no difference.

There is a bug, if you don't care to read what I wrote don't reply because you are wasting my time, your time and the time of everyone who reads your reply.

Answer 3

Please read what was written:

Excel saves it in 'This Device'. I do not know where 'This Device' is located. If I manually save a file it is in the location I choose. The problem is with the auto-save. Don't give me nonsensical details on saving files on Android. I am not some dumb clown.

There is a bug in Excel Android. I do not use a cloud, I already reinstalled the app several times. It makes no difference.

There is a bug, if you don't care to read what I wrote don't reply because you are wasting my time, your time and the time of everyone who reads your reply.

Answer 4

I understand your frustration, and I appreciate you bringing this issue to attention. Based on available information, Microsoft has not officially acknowledged this specific auto-save bug in Excel for Android. However, I strongly encourage you to provide feedback directly to Microsoft so that the issue can be investigated and addressed.

Here's how to Report the Issue to Microsoft by submitting Feedback via Excel App

Open Excel on Android
Tap Menu (☰) > Help & Feedback > Send Feedback
Describe the issue in detail and submit it to Microsoft

I understand how disruptive this bug is, and I assure you that Microsoft values user feedback to improve its products.

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Excel android bug saving files in a placed called "this device"

4 answers