[Solved!] Flash Fill Not Working in Excel (5 Reasons with Solutions)

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In this article, we’re going to show you the top 5 reasons along with solutions for Flash Fill not working in Excel. To describe our methods to you, we’ve selected a dataset with 2 columns: “First Name”, and “Last Name”.

flash fill not working in excel


[Solved!] Flash Fill Not Working in Excel: 5 Solutions

1. Flash Fill Not Working in Excel If It Is Turned Off

Firstly, if Automatically Flash Fill is turned off then the Flash Fill feature will not work in Excel. We’ve added a column named “Full Name” to our dataset. We’re gonna use the Flash Fill to join columns B & C in that new column D.

If the feature is turned on, we could’ve seen the Flash Fill prompt. However, there is nothing shown on the screen.

flash fill not working in excel

Now, we’re going to turn on Automatic Flash Fill. To do that –

Steps:

  • Firstly, press ALT + F, then T to bring up the Excel Options window.
  • Secondly, go to the Advanced tab.

  • Thirdly, put a tick mark on “Automatically Flash Fill”.
  • Finally, press OK.

flash fill not working in excel

This time, when we type the second name we’ll see the Flash Fill prompt.

  • Then, press ENTER.

Thus, we can make the Flash Fill work in Excel.

flash fill not working in excel

Read More: How to Turn Off Flash Fill in Excel


2. Flash Fill Not Working When Dataset in Horizontal Orientation

There are a few limitations of the Flash Fill feature. This feature only works for datasets arranged in the vertical orientation. Hence, we need to change our dataset orientation if it is not vertical.

We can see Flash Fill is not working here.

flash fill not working in excel

Now, we’re gonna change this horizontal dataset into a vertical dataset.

Steps:

  • Firstly, remove the values from cells C6 and D6.
  • Secondly, select the cell range B4:F6 and copy it.
  • Thirdly, Right Click on cell B8 to bring up the Context Menu.
  • Finally, from the Paste Options >>> select Transpose.

Thus, we’ll prepare our dataset to use Flash Fill.

flash fill not working in excel

  • Then, we can type the first one and half of the data and the Flash Fill will work.
  • Finally, press ENTER.

In conclusion, we’ve shown you the second reason for Flash Fill not working and the solution to that.

flash fill not working in excel


3. If Spelling Error Occurs Flash Fill Will Not Work in Excel

If we type wrong, then the Flash Fill will not be working in Excel. Notice, that we’ve added an extra “e” on the first name, therefore, the Flash Fill is not working.

To fix that –

Steps:

  • Firstly, correct the spelling mistake by removing the extra “e”.
  • Secondly, start typing on cell D6.
  • Finally, press ENTER when the Flash Fill feature kicks in.

flash fill not working in excel

In conclusion, we’ve shown you yet another method of solving our problem.


4. Flash Fill Not Working in Excel When There Is a Hidden Column

When there is a column between our columns we’ll not be able to use the Flash Fill feature. Notice, that column D is hidden in our case.

flash fill not working in excel

Now, we’ll unhide column D.

Steps:

  • Firstly, select columns C, D, and E.
  • Secondly, Right-Click to bring up the Context Menu.
  • Thirdly, select Unhide.

This will show column D. Then, we’ll delete the extra column.

  • Then, delete column D.

flash fill not working in excel

  • After that, we can start typing and Flash Fill will start working.
  • Finally, press ENTER.

Therefore, this is another reason and solution for Flash Fill not working.

flash fill not working in excel


5. Existing Value in Row Will Prevent Flash Fill From Working

If there is existing value in any of the cells then Flash Fill may not work. We need to remove it to solve our problem.

Steps:

  • Firstly, remove the value from cell D8.
  • Secondly, start typing the pattern, and the Flash Fill will work.

flash fill not working in excel

  • Finally, press ENTER.

In conclusion, our Flash Fill will start working in Excel.


Things to Remember

  • This feature was introduced in Excel 2013. If you have an older version, you’ll not be able to use it.

Practice Section

We’ve added practice datasets in the Excel file, hence you can follow along with our methods easily.

flash fill not working in excel


Download Practice Workbook


Conclusion

We’ve shown you the top 5 reasons for Flash Fill not working in Excel and solutions to that problem. If you have any problems regarding these, feel free to comment below. Thanks for reading, keep excelling!


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Rafiul Haq
Rafiul Haq

Rafiul Haq worked as an Excel and VBA Content Developer in Exceldemy for over two years and published almost 200 articles for the website. He is passionate about exploring new aspects of Excel and VBA. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Production Engineering (MPE) from the Islamic University of Technology. Rafiul furthered his education by obtaining an MBA in Finance from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) at the University of Dhaka. Apart from creating... Read Full Bio

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