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Unable to move cursor inside a cell value in Excel for iOS

Alvaro 10 Reputation points
2026-03-05T09:18:10.1466667+00:00

It has been a while (several weeks) that I am no longer able to move the cursor inside a cell value in Excel for iOS. I am running Excel 2.106.3 on iOS 26.3.

I experience the issue with any Excel file I open, and even in a blank new Excel.

Neither of the two iOS cursor moving methods work:

  • Holding and dragging my finger to activate the magnifying glass and moving the cursor
  • Holding and dragging the space bar symbol to move the cursor

The cursor moving feature works anywhere else in my iOS device, such as the notes app, or Word (2.106.3)

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | iOS
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  1. Katerina-N 8,905 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-06T00:31:30.19+00:00

    Hello Alvaro,

    Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum!

    I realize that you've encountered a problem with Excel in IOS. I truly understand your confusion. Let me assist you further.

    For me to provide the most accurate solution, would you please let me know few information about the situation you're experiencing:

    1. Which device + input methods? (iPhone or iPad model) and are you using Apple Pencil, Bluetooth mouse/trackpad, or only touch?
    2. Does cursor repositioning work in the formula bar? (Tap the formula bar to edit—can you place/move the insertion point there, or is it also stuck?)
    3. If you connect an external keyboard, can you move within the cell text using the arrow keys while editing?
    4. Any iOS accessibility/touch features enabled when the issue happens? (VoiceOver, Zoom, AssistiveTouch, Switch Control, Full Keyboard Access, or a third‑party keyboard app)
    5. When did it start and what changed right before it? (after an Excel update, an iOS update, or installing/removing a keyboard/mouse/screen protector) — and are you on App Store Excel or TestFlight/Insider build?
    6. “If possible, please share a screenshot (or short screen recording) showing the issue. Specifically: (1) Excel version screen, and (2) a quick recording of you entering a cell to edit and trying to move the insertion point (magnifier press/drag and space-bar trackpad). Also include whether tapping in the formula bar allows cursor placement.

    I am looking forward for your respond. Have a nice day!

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