How to open an XLSX file on a Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Why? XLSX-Files do not open on Xiaomi by default?

XLSX is a modern spreadsheet standard from Microsoft Excel, which is widely used in business, study and personal settlements. However, Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11 models) do not have built-in support for this format out of the box. When you try to open such a file through a standard File Manager or Google Drive, users often encounter an error “It is impossible to open a file” or an offer to download additional software.

The reason is because of Android policy: Google doesn't include proprietary Microsoft Office formats in its basic firmware to avoid paying royalties. Smartphone manufacturers like Xiaomi follow this rule. But the good news is that you can solve the problem in 2-3 minutes using both built-in MIUI tools and third-party apps. Next, we'll look at all the current ways, from the simplest to the most advanced.

⚠️ Important: If the file XLSX - came by mail or messenger (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp), first save it in the memory of the phone.Attempting to open directly from the cloud may cause errors due to temporary file restrictions in MIUI.

Method 1: Built-in MIUI Viewer (without installing applications)

Modern versions MIUI 13/14 (starting with Android 11) have a hidden preview function XLSX-This is a method that allows you to quickly view data without editing:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the folder where your file is saved (for example, Downloads or Telegram).
3. Tap the file with the.xlsx extension and hold for 2 seconds.
4. In the menu that appears, select Open with the help of → File Viewer.

📌 Limitations of method:

• 🔍 Only the first 100 lines of the table are displayed.
• 🚫 It is impossible to edit data or save changes.
• 📊 Complex formulas and diagrams may not be displayed correctly.

💡

If the Open with menu does not have the option "File Viewer", update the Files app via Google Play. MIUI function is missing.

Method 2: Google Tables – Free Cloud-Saving Solution

Google Tables is the best option for most Xiaomi users. The app is free, supports all XLSX features (including formulas and macros), and automatically syncs files to Google Drive.

1. Install Google Tables from the Play Market.
2. Launch the application and click + → Import.
3. Select the source: Device Files (for local files) or Google Drive (for cloud files).
4. Find your.xlsx file and confirm the import.

✅ Pros of the method:

• 📱 Full support of formulas (AUM, IDP, IF, etc.).
• ☁️ Automatic save to the cloud (don’t lose data when you reset your phone).
• 🤝 Shared access for real-time editing.

⚠️ Note: At the first import XLSX Google Tables Some Complex Macros (VBA) If the file contains scripts, use method 4 (Microsoft Excel for Android).

Method 3: WPS Office – an alternative with advanced features

WPS Office is a powerful office suite that is often pre-installed on Xiaomi smartphones for the Chinese market.If it's not on your device, install it from the Play Market. XLSX, DOCX and PPTX, and also has a built-in PDF-converter.

Instructions for opening:

1. Start WPS Office and allow access to files.
2. On the main screen, click Files. → Local.
3. Find your.xlsx file and tap it.
4. Select Opening Mode: View or Edit only.

💡 Council: B WPS Office can be enabled Night mode for comfortable work in the dark. Go to Settings → Topics → Dark.

Download the file to your phone (do not open it directly from the cloud)

Check the space available (XLSX weighs 2-3 times more than CSV)

Close other applications (WPS requires ~500MB of RAM for large files)

Turn off battery savings for WPS customized MIUI-->

Method 4: Official Microsoft Excel for full compatibility

If you want 100% compatibility with the original Excel files (including macros and complex formulas), use the official Microsoft Excel app.It is free for devices with screens up to 10.1 inches (all Xiaomi smartphones fit this restriction).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Microsoft Excel from the Play Market.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account (you can create it for free).
3. Click Open → This phone and select your.xlsx file.
4. To edit, touch any cell – a virtual keyboard with formula support will appear.

⚠️ Note: Excel may request permissions to access Contacts and Calendar when it first starts, this is for Data Analysis (you can turn off the application settings).

🔹 Advantages over analogues:

• 📊 Accurate display of diagrams and summary tables.
• 🤖 Support for voice input formulas (click on the microphone in the formula line).
• 🔄 Automatic synchronization with OneDrive.

Method 5: Convert XLSX to CSV for Opening in Any Application

If you only need to view the data without saving the formatting, you can convert XLSX to CSV, a universal text format, and it is supported by standard Xiaomi applications such as Notes or Calendar.

How to convert:

1. Send the.xlsx file to your Gmail or upload it to Google Drive.
2. Open the file through Google Tables (see Method 2).
3. Click File → Download → Comma-separated values (.csv).
4. The downloaded.csv file will open in any text editor.

📌 When the method is not suitable:

• 🎨 The file contains complex formatting (united cells, colors).
• 📈 There are charts or graphs.
• 🔢 Formulas are used (B) CSV Only the results of the calculations will remain).

💡

Convert to CSV is the only way to open XLSX on Xiaomi without installing additional apps, but is only suitable for simple tables without formatting.

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even after installing special applications, Xiaomi users may encounter errors when opening XLSX. Let’s consider typical situations and ways to solve them:

1. The error "File corrupted" or "Cannot be opened"

• 🔄 Try saving the file on your computer in Excel format 97-2003 (.xls - it's more compatible.
• 📥 Download the file again (it may not have fully loaded).
• 🛠️ Use it. 7-Zip on a PC to extract the contents of.xlsx (this is the ZIP-archive and verify the integrity of files xl/worksheets/sheet1.xml.

2.The application freezes when opening a large file

• 🗃️ Break the file into smaller ones (for example, 10,000 lines).
• 📵 Close the background applications through Settings → Annexes → Clean up.
• 🔋 Connect your phone to charge — MIUI Limits performance with low battery charge.

3. Cyrillic symbols (kracochers) are not displayed

• 🔤 Set the encoding. UTF-8 in the application settings (in WPS Office: Settings → Language and coding).
• 📄 Save the file on the PC in format CSV (UTF-8) And open it on your phone.

💬 Expert advice: If a file is critical (e.g. financial statements), back up your phone before opening it on your PC. In 5% of cases, file conversions lose data in hidden columns.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions