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Copilot Tips and Features: Copilot for Excel on iPad-Tech Tip for April 23, 2024

Copilot for Microsoft 365 in the Microsoft Excel app on iPad/iOS offers some helpful features that are not unlike those available in the Windows desktop app. This is a great tool that can assist you right away with sample data, formula columns, highlighting, sorting, and filtering data, and more, on the go. Excel and Copilot for Excel is accessible from the Microsoft Excel standalone app for iPad/iOS. Let’s get started!

screenshot of Microsoft Excel app for iPad

Copilot for Excel on iPad/iOS

Search for “Microsoft Excel” and download the app in the Apple store to begin! If you have the Microsoft 365 Office app already installed, this will also prompt you to download the standalone Microsoft Excel app.

Get Started with Excel:

  • Launch the Excel app from the Apple Store. Login to work account if prompted.
  • First time use: select ‘Get Started’ button to begin.
    • Choose to ‘Turn On’ app notifications, or ‘Not Now’ to skip.
    • Select ‘Create and Edit Documents’ when prompted, to begin.

screenshot of blank document set up on Microsoft Excel app for iPad

Inside the Excel App:

  • Blank Document: select the ‘+’ sign or select ‘Blank document’ to create a new workbook.
    • Blank documents must be saved to the Cloud for Copilot access.
    • Share: Select the ‘Share’ button to rename and Save to the Cloud.
    • Save: Alternatively, select ‘…’ (ellipses) button to Save to the Cloud.
    • Use the wizard in both cases to complete the Save process.
    • Select ‘Copilot’ button to launch Copilot side panel in Excel app.

screenshot of iPad Excel app showing a blank worksheet and Copilot prompt boxes on the righthand side

    • Get help: Copilot will prompt with: “Start with an Excel table.”
    • Click ‘Try an example’ button, to allow Copilot to add sample data.
  • Existing Document:
    • Open an existing document that has been saved to the Cloud.
    • Select the ‘Copilot’ button to begin working with your data!

screenshot of Excel worksheet on iPad with Copilot options to Add formula columns, Highlight, Sort and filter, or Analyze

  • Add formula columns: select this option for help with adding new columns and for help with explaining data formulas.
  • Highlight: allow Copilot to assist with highlighting specific data for you. Select this button for more prompts related to highlighting data. Try this prompt: “Bold first column.”
  • Sort and filter: work with Copilot to sort and filter your data. Try this prompt: “Show items completed by ‘___’ date.” Don’t forget, you can always select ‘Undo’ to undo the data changes.
  • Analyze: receive help with analyzing your data within seconds. Try this prompt: “Show total budget by ‘date’ as a line chart.” Copilot button, ‘Add to new sheet,’ will appear. Click to add.
  • Choose from other sample prompts: click the ‘Refresh’ button to show new sample prompts. Click the ‘Sparkle’ button in the prompt area to ‘Ask a question.’

Be sure to follow along with us in our Copilot series to read more about Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 apps.

Reach Out to TechWise Group

Interested in learning more about Copilot? Reach out to TechWise Group. We’ll help you make the most of your Microsoft tools.

Important Microsoft Announcements:

  • If you have not already moved to NCE licensing for your organization or if you have any questions about upcoming renewals, please contact us at gettechwise@techwisegroup.com to understand your options.
  • MFA is the best way to prevent cyberthreats. If you have not enabled MFA in your organization, let us help you put a plan in place.
  • Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 Extended Support ended on October 10, 2023. If your organization is still running these operating systems, please contact us to discuss your options.
  • Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. The current version, 22H2, will be the final version of Windows 10, and all editions will remain in support with monthly security update releases through that date. Existing LTSC releases will continue to receive updates beyond that date based on their specific lifecycles. Please contact us to discuss your options.
  • Microsoft has expanded Copilot licensing for small-to-medium businesses (January 15, 2024). Reach out to TechWise Group to discuss your options.
  • Classic Teams client reaches end of availability. Microsoft extends time to July 01, 2024, for Admins to address any related issues.
  • April 1, 2024, Microsoft announced global changes to Teams licensing. Please reach out to TechWise Group with any questions.