Edit Microsoft Office files and documents from the Dropbox mobile app

Updated Jan 02, 2025

The information in this article applies to all Dropbox users.

Learn how to edit files in Dropbox. You can open and edit Microsoft Office files directly from the Dropbox mobile app. As long as a file is saved in Dropbox, you can open it from the Dropbox app directly into the Microsoft Office app. You can edit documents, workbooks, and presentations, all within your Dropbox account.

Edit files in Dropbox

To open and edit a Microsoft Office file:

Open the Dropbox mobile app.
Navigate to the file.
Tap to open the file.
Tap the edit button (a pencil and paper icon). The file opens in the appropriate Microsoft Office app.
Edit the file in the Microsoft Office app, then save the file in Dropbox.

Installing Microsoft Office apps for the first time

You need the latest versions of the Dropbox and Office apps installed on your mobile device to use this feature. Follow the steps below to get started.

Open an Office file stored in your Dropbox and tap the Edit icon. Alternatively, from the Files tab you can tap the menu button next to a specific file to open it with another app. Note: Currently, editing is available on files saved in Office 2007 or later (.docx; .xlsx; .pptx). Older Office files will be read-only.
- Note: Currently, editing is available on files saved in Office 2007 or later (.docx; .xlsx; .pptx). Older Office files will be read-only.
You'll be prompted to install the Office Mobile app that's appropriate for your device. Then, you'll be taken directly to the Google Play Store.
Select Install and allow the app to download.
Once installed, go back to your Dropbox app and either tap Next on the screen which indicates the install has completed or, if you don't see that screen, simply tap the Edit button again. You'll then be prompted to authorize the Microsoft Office app to access to your Dropbox.
- Note: Editing files within a Dropbox Business accounts requires one of the following Office 365 accounts: Business, Business Premium, ProPlus, E3, or E4. For Android tablets with screens larger than 10.1", an Office 365 subscription is also required to edit Office files stored in Dropbox Basic, Plus, and Professional accounts.
- Note: You may be asked to sign in to a Microsoft account in order to edit your files (this can be any Microsoft account you already have, e.g. a Hotmail or Outlook.com account).
Your file will open in the Office Mobile app, and you'll be ready to start editing.
When finished with your edits, tap the back arrow to save. You'll be returned to your Dropbox to see the updated file.

Open an Office file stored in your Dropbox.
Tap the Edit icon. You'll be prompted to install the appropriate Office app (Word, Excel, or PowerPoint), and be taken directly to the App Store.
Select Install and allow the app to download.
Once installed, go back to your Dropbox app and either tap Next on the screen which indicates the install has completed or, if you don't see that screen, simply tap the Edit button again. You'll be taken into the Office app and asked to sign in to a Microsoft account in order to edit your files (this can be any Microsoft account you already have, e.g. a Hotmail or Outlook.com account).
- Note: Editing files within a Dropbox Business account requires one of the following Office 365 accounts: Business, Business Premium, ProPlus, E3, or E4.
Once signed in, you'll be prompted to authorize the Microsoft Office app access to your Dropbox.
Your file will open in the appropriate Office app, and you'll be ready to start editing.
When finished with your edits, tap the back arrow to save. You'll be returned to your Dropbox to see the updated file.