It is easy to view and edit Microsoft Word (DOCX) files on an Android phone using either the official Microsoft Word app or Google Docs. Both applications are powerful tools that allow you to access and modify your documents from anywhere.
Before you start: You will need to have either the Microsoft Word app or the Google Docs app installed on your Android device from the Google Play Store.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for opening your documents using two of the most popular applications available for your Android phone or tablet.
Method 1: Using the Microsoft Word app involves several straightforward steps. First, open the Microsoft Word app on your Android device. Tap the folder icon labeled Open. If prompted, you may need to tap Allow to grant the app permission to access your files.
Select the location of your file, choosing from options like This device, OneDrive – Personal, or Shared with me. Navigate through your folders to find the document you need. Tap the file to open it. The document will now be ready for viewing and editing within the Microsoft Word app.
Method 2: Using the Google Docs app is another viable option. Open the Google Docs app on your device. Tap the folder icon to begin opening a file. A small window will appear. In the pop-up, select Device Storage to access files saved directly on your Android phone.
A list of recent files will appear. Tap the DOCX file you want to open, and it will load directly in the Google Docs editor. While Google Docs can’t save a DOCX file directly to your phone’s local storage, you can use the “Share & export” option to save the document as a PDF, which can then be saved to your device for easy access.
Being able to access and edit documents on your phone transforms it into a powerful mobile workstation. Whether you need to make last-minute changes to a report before a meeting, review a contract while commuting, or collaborate on a school project, mobile access removes the dependency on a traditional computer.
This flexibility ensures you are always productive, no matter where you are. Furthermore, this capability creates a seamless workflow between your devices. You can start writing a document on your desktop, make edits on your phone, and finish it on a tablet without any compatibility issues.
Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs excel at syncing your work across platforms, ensuring that you always have the most up-to-date version of your file at your fingertips.
