Answer

The data validation drop-down list is not showing in Office 365 because specific worksheet, cell, or application settings prevent Excel from displaying the in-cell arrow.

The Data Validation Arrow Is Hidden by Design

Excel hides the drop-down arrow until the cell is selected.

Excel displays the arrow only when the validated cell is active. Clicking outside the cell removes the arrow. This behavior is intentional and consistent across versions.

In-Cell Dropdown Option Is Disabled

The drop-down list does not appear because the In-cell dropdown option is unchecked.

To enable it:

1. Select the affected cell.

2. Open Data → Data Validation.

3. Select Data Validation again.

4. Check In-cell dropdown.

5. Select OK.

The arrow becomes visible when the cell is selected.

The Worksheet Is Protected

The drop-down list does not show because worksheet protection blocks interaction.

Protected sheets restrict data validation controls unless explicitly allowed.

To confirm:

1. Open the Review tab.

2. Check whether Unprotect Sheet is visible.

3. Remove protection.

4. Test the drop-down list.

Reapply protection after validation if required.

The Cell Uses a Formula That Overrides Validation

The drop-down list does not display because the cell contains a formula.

Data validation lists require direct user input. Formula-driven cells suppress the arrow.

Resolution:

1. Remove the formula.

2. Apply data validation.

3. Recalculate values using helper cells.

Merged Cells Prevent Drop-Down Display

The drop-down list does not show because the cell is merged.

Excel disables data validation arrows in merged ranges.

To fix:

1. Select the merged cell.

2. Open Home → Merge & Center.

3. Select Unmerge Cells.

4. Reapply data validation.

The Source Range Is Invalid or Dynamic Without a Proper Reference

The drop-down list does not appear because the source range is invalid.

Invalid references include deleted ranges, incorrect named ranges, or unsupported dynamic arrays.

Best practices:

1. Use a fixed range.

2. Use a properly defined named range.

3. Avoid volatile references.

Table Formatting Interferes With Validation

The drop-down list does not show because the cell belongs to a structured table column.

Certain table behaviors suppress visual indicators.

Solution:

1. Convert the table to a normal range.

2. Apply data validation.

3. Convert back to a table if required.

Excel Application Display Settings Are Corrupted

The drop-down list does not display because the application settings are corrupted.

Temporary profile or cache issues affect UI elements.

Corrective steps:

1. Close Excel.

2. Restart the application.

3. Update Office 365 to the latest build.

4. Restart the system.

Differences Between Windows and Mac

The drop-down arrow behavior differs slightly across platforms.

• Windows shows the arrow only on cell selection.

• Mac requires precise cell focus and hides the arrow more aggressively.

Functionality remains the same despite UI differences.

How to Confirm Data Validation Is Still Working

The drop-down list works even when the arrow is hidden.

Typing invalid data triggers an error message. Selecting values using keyboard navigation confirms validation integrity.

Key Technical Facts

• Data validation arrows display only during cell focus.

• Merged cells block validation UI.

• Protected sheets restrict interaction.

• Formula cells disable in-cell lists.

• Application UI issues suppress visual elements without affecting logic.

Excel follows consistent validation rules defined by Microsoft’s official documentation and support guidance.

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