Microsoft Excel - How to Turn Off Auto-Selection of Multiple Cells

Base on the information and observations you’ve shared, it might be possible that the issue was with the device itself. It might be possible that when you select a particular cell, the screen may be recognizing the tapping gesture that the customer performs to select multiple cells. However, we can’t conclude yes and we need to have the screen recording for us to replicate it on our end. For your guide on how to record your screen, you may use your device’s website through this link.

You can share the file by uploading it on OneDrive (check this link for steps on how to so). Then send us the link by replying to ourPrivate Message. To view this, click yourusername or account nameon the top right corner of this page. Then, click View private messages.  

We’ll keep an eye out for your update.

I have recoreded this same issue. Is this new issue due to an update?

I am an avid Excel user and a long time iPad owner. Yes Excel on an iPad has its issues like no Pivot Tables for example... but this random issue that the OP has listed is not good. 

I have tried saving the workbook locally on the iPad as well as on my One Drive account and it has the same issue. 

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0nyIkz5OxZodXylB161NldODg

Rich Chambers

I now know that tapping and dragging the selection handler is not causing this problem. I have done this, but clicking a different cell will stop the multiple selection function.

My problem will keep selecting new groupings of cells as I click around the cells..with no way of stopping it without closing my Excel and re-opening the document. Odd, right?

I can not find an built-in recorder on my iPad. I understand that there is a Voice Memos app, but I have found nothing in my iPad nor an explanation on Google about a built-in screen recorder.

This issue happens on more than one document.

It’s just happened right now. If it is just from clicking and dragging, how do I get it to stop? I don’t think this is what is causing the problem, but if it is, how would I stop it from selecting more cells as I click around the excel document?

Hello SebastianRJS,

We appreciate you reaching out to us again here in Microsoft Community.

Thanks for reaching out regarding your concern with the Excel for iPad multiple cell selection. Let’s work together to sort this out.

In Excel for iPad, tapping then dragging the selection handler will select multiple cells. Let’s identify what’s causing the issue so we can come up with an accurate recommendation. To get started, may we clarify if you’re experiencing the issue on a specific Excel file or the issue is also apparent when you’re working on a different Excel file?

To further isolate your concern, we'd like to request a video or screen recording of what's exactly happening on Excel This way, we can properly diagnose the issue you are getting. Identify the cause and be able to provide suitable resolution. You can record your screen using the built-in recorded of your iPad. 

You can share the file by uploading it on OneDrive (check this link for steps on how to so). Then send us the link by replying to ourPrivate Message. To view this, click yourusername or account nameon the top right corner of this page. Then, click View private messages.  

To notify us and have us get back to you, simply reply to this post.