Files with the extension .xls are tables Microsoft Excel old format (until 2007), which are still actively used in accounting, education and business. If you have been sent such a file to your smartphone, but standard applications do not open it, do not rush to look for a computer. There are dozens of free solutions on Android here, but most of them either show ads every 30 seconds or require a subscription to edit. We tested 15 popular apps and selected only those that are completely free, support the Russian language and work without registration.

In this article you will find not only a list of applications, but also step-by-step guide for setting up each of thema comparative table with pros and cons, as well as answers to frequently asked questions (for example, why some files open crookedly or how convert XLS to modern XLSX directly on your phone). If you urgently need to view or edit the table, read on.

Why don't standard Android applications open XLS?

Most smartphones on Android do not support the format by default .xls, because:

  • 📱 Google Sheets (pre-installed application) works only with modern formats: .xlsx, .csv, .ods. Old .xls it opens with formatting errors.
  • 🔍 File manager (for example, Files by Google) recognizes XLS as an "unknown file" and offers to download additional software.
  • 💰 Smartphone manufacturers (for example Samsung or Xiaomi) often install trial versions of paid office suites that block functions after 7 days.

Another reason is difference in encodings. XLS files created in older versions (for example, 2003) may use outdated fonts or macros that modern applications do not support. If, after opening, you see hieroglyphs or "crazy words" - this is precisely the problem. Excel (for example, 2003) may use outdated fonts or macros that modern applications do not support. If after opening you see hieroglyphs or “krakozyabry” - this is the problem.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications from Google Play masquerade as free, but after installation they require payment for saving files or editing. All apps from this article have been tested for the absence of hidden fees.

Top 5 free applications for opening XLS on Android

We selected applications according to the following criteria:

  • 🆓 Completely free (without subscriptions and restrictions on functions).
  • 🇷🇺 Support Russian language (including menus and tips).
  • ⚡ Quickly open files up to 50 MB (tested on Redmi Note 12 i Samsung Galaxy A54).
  • 📱 Compatible with Android 8.0 and newer.

All apps from the list below allow you not only to view, but also edit tables (adding rows, changing formulas, saving changes). data-i="71">edit WPS Office or OnlyOffice.

📊 What application do you use to work with tables?
Google Sheets
WPS Office
OnlyOffice
Other
I don’t work with tables on my phone
Application Editing Support macros Export to PDF Advertising
WPS Office ✅ Full ❌ No ✅ Yes ⚠️ Yes (non-interfering)
OnlyOffice ✅ Full ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ❌ No
Excel (Microsoft) ✅ Full ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ❌ No
AndrOpen Office ✅ Basic ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No
OfficeSuite ✅ Full ❌ No ✅ Yes ⚠️ Yes (banners)

Step-by-step guide: how to open XLS on Android

Let's look at the process using the example of WPS Office the most popular free solution. The instructions are also suitable for other applications from the table (the only differences are in the names of the buttons).

  1. Download and install WPS Office from Google Play:

    • 🔍 Enter "WPS Office" in the search.
    • 📌 Select the application from developer Kingsoft Office Software Corporation Limited (rating 4.5+).
    • 📥 Click "Install" and wait for the download to complete.

  2. Open the XLS file:

    • 📁 Run WPS Office and tap on the "Files" icon at the bottom of the screen.
    • 🔍 Find your file .xls in your phone memory or in the cloud (for example, Google Drive).
    • 📄 Tap on the file - it will open in view mode.

  3. Edit and save:

    • ✏️ To change data, click on any cell and enter text.
    • 💾 To save, click on the floppy disk icon in the top menu.
    • 📤 To export to PDF, click "File" → "Export" → "PDF".

The file is not damaged (send it to your email and download again if there are errors)

The phone has enough memory (at least 100 MB free)

The application has access to the files (permissions in Android settings)

The file is not password protected (WPS Office does not open protected XLS)

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If the file does not open or is displayed incorrectly:

  • 🔄 Try convert it to XLSX (instructions in the next section).
  • 📲 Install another application from our list (for example, OnlyOffice works better with complex formulas).
  • 💬 Write to the sender of the file to save it in a modern format.
⚠️ Attention: If the table uses macros (scripts for automation), they will only be supported by Microsoft Excel or OnlyOffice. In other applications, macros will be ignored.

How to convert XLS to XLSX directly on your phone

If the file opens with errors, the best solution is to convert it to a modern format .xlsx. This can be done for free without a computer:

  1. Open the file in WPS Office (or another application from our list).

  2. Click "File" → "Save As".

  3. Select the format "Excel 2007-2019 (.xlsx)" and save.

If the conversion does not help (for example, the file is damaged), try:

  • 🌐 Upload it to Google Drive and open via Google Sheets (automatically converted to a compatible format).
  • 📧 Send file by email Outlook or Mail.ru —some email services can preview XLS.
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If formulas or charts have disappeared after conversion, try opening the original XLS in OnlyOffice —this application is better than others at preserving complex formatting.

Frequent problems and how to solve them

Even with the best applications, sometimes they arise errors. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem Cause Solution
File cannot be opened Damaged or password protected Ask the sender to resend the file or remove the protection
Hieroglyphs instead of text Incorrect encoding Open the file in OnlyOffice and select encoding "Windows-1251"
The table is displayed crookedly Outdated fonts or formulas Convert to XLSX or open on PC
The application crashes Not enough memory Close other apps and try again

If none of the methods helped:

  • 💻 Try opening the file on your computer and saving it in a different format (for example, .csv).
  • 📊 Use online converters (for example, Zamzar or CloudConvert), but remember data privacy —do not upload files with personal information.
Why are some cells displayed as "#####"?

This means the column width is too small for the content. Stretch the column with your fingers or double-tap on its right border (in most applications).

Alternative methods: without installing applications

If you don't want to download additional apps, there are two ways to open XLS directly in the browser:

  1. Google Sheets (limited support):

    • 📁 Upload the file to Google Drive.
    • 📄 Right-click on the file → "Open with" → "Google Sheets".
    • ⚠️ Formatting may break, but the data will available.

  2. Excel Online (from Microsoft):

    • 🌐 Go to the website office.com in the browser.
    • 📥 Upload the file through the "Open" → "Download file" menu.
    • 🆓 Free, but requires an account Microsoft.

Disadvantages of these methods:

  • ❌ No offline access (requires internet).
  • ❌ Limited editing capabilities.
  • ❌ Risk of data leakage when uploading to third-party services.
⚠️ Attention: If the file contains confidential information (for example, financial reports or personal data), do not use online services. Install one of the applications from our list and work offline.

Comparison with paid analogues: is it worth overpaying?

Free applications cover 90% of the tasks of the average user, but sometimes it is worth considering paid versions. Here's when it's justified:

  • 📊 You need working with macros (only Microsoft Excel supports them fully).
  • 🔒 Required password protection or file encryption.
  • 📈 You work with very large tables (more than 100 MB).
  • 🤝 Need collaboration in real time (as in Google Sheets, but with advanced functions).

If although if one of the points is about you - try Microsoft 365 (from 300 ₽/month) or OfficeSuite Premium (one-time purchase ~1000 ₽). For most users, free analogues will be quite powerful.

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For 95% of home and educational tasks, the free applications from our list will be enough. Paid versions are needed only for professional work with complex data.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to open XLS on Android without the Internet?

Yes, all applications from our list (WPS Office, OnlyOffice etc.) work offline. The Internet is only needed to download files from the cloud or update apps.

Why are hieroglyphs displayed in the table instead of Russian text?

This is a problem with the encoding. W OnlyOffice when opening the file, select the encoding "Windows-1251" or "KOI8-R". If this does not help, ask the sender to save the file in the format .xlsx.

How to open password-protected XLS on your phone?

Free applications for Android do not support opening protected files. You need to:

  1. Find out the password from the sender.
  2. Open the file on your computer, remove the protection and save without a password.
  3. Use paid versions Microsoft Excel or OfficeSuite (they can work with protected files).
Is it possible to edit XLS on Android as conveniently as on a computer?

On small screens, working with tables is less convenient, but modern applications are adapted for touch input:

  • 📱 Use Freeze rows/columns mode (yes in WPS Office) so as not to lose headings when scrolling.
  • ⌨️ Connect Bluetooth keyboard for convenient data entry.
  • 🔍 Zoom in with two fingers, to accurately edit small cells.

For complex formulas or large tables, it is better to use a computer.

Which application is the lightest (it weighs little and does not slow down)?

From our list:

  • AndrOpen Office - weighs ~50 MB, but with minimal functionality.
  • OfficeSuite —~100 MB, but works faster WPS Office on weak smartphones.

If your phone has little memory, delete the application cache after work (in settings Android → "Applications" → select the app → "Clear cache").