.docx file not opening on iPhone

[firoze]

Hello. I am using an iPhone 13. Previously .docx files used to open properly when received thru WhatsApp, iMessage, and email. Then suddenly a several weeks ago this file type stopped opening, for no apparent reason, and just showed an ‘data’ file icon. However, .doc files still continued to open properly. At that time the phone was on iOS 17.6.1. Since I could not find a solution, I updated the phone to iOS 17.7, and when that did not work, I have now updated it to iOS 18. iOS 18 is working fine, except that .docx files still do not open. However if I save the file to the Files app, then rename the file extension from .docx to .doc, the file does open properly. Do any of you have a solution to this, or any thoughts as to why this file type is not opening?

Another strange thing happening is that the Pages app and the Word app do not show up in the Share sheet when I try to share a file or document. I have of course tried pressing the ‘more’ button, and the ‘edit’ button within the Share sheet window, but these apps do not appear there either. Again, any thoughts or solution to this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[User #07242024]

Is it the same file that cannot be opened?
Can other apps open that file? Try downloading Documents by Readdle.

 

[firoze]

Is it the same file that cannot be opened?
Can other apps open that file? Try downloading Documents by Readdle.

It’s not just one particular file. All .docx files cannot be opened with either Pages or MS Word app. They used to open until a few weeks ago, and then suddenly stopped opening. I don’t remember doing anything on the phone that would cause them not to open.

 

[User #07242024]

Can you view .docx in Files using Quick Look? Need to long tap the file

Are Pages and MS Word the only apps you use to open .docx? Perhaps you need to update or reinstall. But before that, restart your phone first.

Do you have other apps? Try Documents by Readdle or any other apps like Open Office, Hancom Office

 

[firoze]

Hi thanks for trying to assist. I’m an experienced Apple user, so yes, I have tried restarting, and hard-restarting too. The only thing I haven’t yet done is a full erase and restore which I am loath to do. Quick Look by long pressing does not work. I will install Readdle and try. But if Microsoft’s own native Word app doesn’t open these files, then I have little hope. Still, I will try. Thanks.

 

[kiv]

Try this.

 

[firoze]

Try this.

Thanks, I will try that.

 

[Mmac1]

That worked! Deleted the Whereby app and now I can open xlsx and docx files again. Thank you!