How to Edit Google Sheets on Mobile (Android and iPhone)

You can view and edit Google Sheets on your phone with the free Google Sheets app for Android and iPhone. It handles typing data, formulas, formatting, sorting, filtering, adding rows, sharing, and even offline editing, although some advanced features need a computer. This guide covers the essentials step by step, with tips that make editing on a small screen easier.

Quick Answer

Install the Google Sheets app from Google Play or the App Store, open your spreadsheet, and double-tap a cell to edit it (or tap the cell, then tap the formula bar). Type, then tap the check mark to save. Tap the Format button (A with lines) to change text, cell color, and alignment.

Step 1: Get the App and Open a Sheet

1. Install Google Sheets from Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iPhone and iPad).
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Tap a spreadsheet to open it, or tap + to create a new one. You can also open Sheets files from the Google Drive app.

Step 2: Edit Cells

• Edit a cell: double-tap it, or tap it and then tap the formula bar at the top.
• Save: tap the check mark, or tap another cell.
• Select a range: tap a cell, then drag the blue handles.
• Copy, cut, paste, or clear: tap and hold a cell to see the menu.
• Fill down: select the range, then drag the handle, or use Autofill in the menu (varies by version).

Step 3: Enter Formulas

1. Double-tap the cell and type =.
2. Type the function, such as SUM(, then tap the cells you want or type the range, such as B2:B10.
3. Tap the check mark.

Tap fx (on Android) to browse functions. Sums and averages of a selected range also appear at the bottom of the screen.

Step 4: Format Your Data

Select cells and tap Format (A with lines):

• Text tab: bold, italic, font size, text color.
• Cell tab: fill color, borders, alignment, wrap text, number formats (currency, date, percent).
• Conditional formatting: tap ⋮ > Conditional formatting on Android (options vary on iPhone).

Step 5: Work With Rows, Columns, and Sheets

Task	How
Insert or delete rows or columns	Tap a row number or column letter, then tap the arrow or ⋮ for Insert or Delete
Resize	Tap a header and drag its edge
Freeze a header row	Tap the row number > ⋮ > Freeze
Sort or filter	Tap a column header > Sort A-Z or Create a filter
Add a sheet tab	Tap + at the bottom

Step 6: Share and Collaborate

• Tap the Share icon (person with +) to invite people as viewers, commenters, or editors.
• Tap and hold a cell and choose Comment to leave notes.
• Edits save automatically.

Edit Offline

1. In the Sheets app, tap ⋮ next to the file.
2. Turn on Available offline (or Make available offline).
3. Edit without a connection. Changes sync when you’re back online.

What’s Easier on a Computer

Pivot tables, charts editing, Apps Script, add-ons, data validation rules, and complex conditional formatting are limited or missing in the mobile apps. On a phone, you can also open the full desktop site in a browser by requesting the desktop version, but it’s cramped.

You can also make a graph in Google Sheets from your data.

Related: How to Format Cells in Google Sheets on Android.

Troubleshooting

The file opens read-only

You have view or comment access. Ask the owner for edit access. Excel files may open in compatibility mode, so tap ⋮ > Save as Google Sheets for full editing.

Edits don’t appear on the computer

Check your connection and make sure you’re signed in to the same account. Pull down to refresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Sheets app free?

Yes. It’s free with a Google account.

Can I edit Excel files on my phone with Google Sheets?

Yes. The app opens .xlsx files and can edit them directly or convert them to Google Sheets.

Summary

1. Install the Google Sheets app and open your spreadsheet.
2. Double-tap a cell to edit, and tap the check mark to save.
3. Use Format for text and cell styling, and headers for rows, columns, sorting, and filters.
4. Share from the app, and turn on offline access for editing without a connection.