How-to
How to open and edit a DOCX file on an Android phone
The short answer
Tap the attachment in Gmail or Files to preview it. To edit it, open Chrome, go to Wrdio, press Choose a .docx and pick the file, then press Edit. Tap File, then Share as DOCX or Share as PDF to save a copy to your Downloads.
Android phones handle documents well, because there are several routes to the same result. Choose the one that matches whether you want to read, edit, or keep the file private.
Reading a DOCX on Android
Tap the attachment in Gmail, or the file in the Files app. Android will offer an app that can show it, such as Google Docs or a viewer that came with the phone. For reading, this is quick. For editing, read on.
Editing in Chrome with Wrdio
- Download the file. In Gmail, tap the attachment, then the download icon.
- Open Chrome and go to the Wrdio home page.
- Press Choose a .docx. Pick the file from Downloads.
- Press Edit. The editor downloads about 9 MB the first time, so Wi-Fi is kinder to your data.
- Edit. Tap the page and type. Drag one finger to scroll. Press and hold to select a word.
- Save a copy. Tap File, then Share as DOCX or Share as PDF. The file lands in Downloads.
Which approach for which job
| You want to | Best route |
|---|---|
| Read it quickly | Tap the attachment |
| Edit once, no account | Wrdio in Chrome |
| Share and co-edit | Google Docs |
| Work on long documents | A computer |
If something goes wrong
- The file does not show in the picker. Check the file name ends in .docx and that you chose the right folder.
- The editor loads slowly. It is a big program the first time. After that Chrome keeps it.
- It stops at a white screen. Update Chrome, close other tabs, and try again. If it still fails, the page offers a compatibility mode.
- Keyboard covers the page. Scroll the page up, or turn the phone sideways.
More tips, including how the phone layout works, are in how to edit a Word document on your phone.
Questions people ask
How do I open a DOCX on Android?
Tap it in Gmail or the Files app for a preview, or open it in an app such as Google Docs. To edit without an app, use Wrdio in Chrome.
Can I edit a Word document on Android for free?
Yes. Google Docs and Wrdio both work for free. Wrdio needs no account and keeps the file on your device.
Where does the saved file go?
Chrome saves it to the Downloads folder, which you can open from the Files app.
Why will my file not open?
Check that it ends in .docx, download it again if it came by email, and avoid password-protected files.