Free up app storage

Free up Microsoft Excel storage

Excel workbooks live in OneDrive, SharePoint, or on this phone. Recents downloads and AutoSave cache can grow on the device. Clearing cache does not delete OneDrive files. Deleting a local workbook that was never uploaded does.

See how much space Excel is using

iPhone

1. Open the iPhone Settings app.
2. Tap General > iPhone Storage.
3. Tap Excel.

Android

1. Open your phone Settings > Apps.
2. Tap Excel.
3. Tap Storage or Storage and cache.

Offline files and Recents

1. Open Excel > Open / Recents.
2. Check which workbooks are On this device versus OneDrive.
3. Keep offline only the files you still need without a network.

Cloud workbooks stay in OneDrive. Device-only .xlsx files are user files. Copy them before you delete.

Autosave cache

AutoSave writes to OneDrive while you work. Recovered workbooks are unsynced user work, not cache. Open them and Save before you clear app data. If Excel still shows Saving, wait.

Copies in Files or Downloads

Email attachments and Save a Copy leave workbooks outside Excel. Delete those copies if the OneDrive original exists. That does not remove the cloud file.

Clear Excel cache on Android

1. Open your phone Settings > Apps > Excel.
2. Tap Storage or Storage and cache.
3. Tap Clear cache.

Do not tap Clear storage / Clear data unless you mean to reset Excel. Local unsynced workbooks can be lost.

Reinstall the app if storage is still high

If you already cleaned media and Microsoft Excel still looks huge, a fresh install can clear leftover cache and temp files that are hard to reach by hand.

1. OneDrive and SharePoint workbooks stay. Save any file that lives only on this phone, including recovered AutoSave copies.
2. Delete the app from your phone.
3. Restart your phone.
4. Install Microsoft Excel again from the App Store or Google Play.
5. Sign in and restore from backup if the app offers it.

This often frees a lot of space. You may need to download some media again after restore.

What to do next

After Microsoft Excel is lighter, check your photo library for duplicates and similar shots. That is what Dedupo is for.

More app guides: Free up app storage.