Flash Fill Not Working in Excel: 5 Solutions

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

Steps:

• Press ALT + F, then T to bring up the Excel Options window.
• Go to the Advanced tab.

• Put a tick mark on “Automatically Flash Fill”.
• Press OK.

Type the second name we’ll see the Flash Fill prompt.

• Press ENTER.

Make the Flash Fill work in Excel.

Method 2 – Flash Fill Not Working When Dataset in Horizontal Orientation

Steps:

• Remove the values from cells C6 and D6.
• Select the cell range B4:F6 and copy it.
• Right Click on cell B8 to bring up the Context Menu.
• From the Paste Options >>> select Transpose.

Prepare the dataset to use Flash Fill.

• Type the first one and half of the data and the Flash Fill will work.
• Press ENTER.

We showed you the second reason for Flash Fill not working and the solution.

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

Steps:

• Correct the spelling mistake by removing the extra “e”.
• Start typing on cell D6.
• Press ENTER when the Flash Fill feature kicks in.

We showed you another method of solving our problem.

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

Steps:

• Select columns C, D, and E.
• Right-Click to bring up the Context Menu.
• Select Unhide.

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

• Delete column D.

• You can start typing and Flash Fill will start working.
• Press ENTER.

This is another reason and solution for Flash Fill not working.

Method 5 – Existing Value in Row Will Prevent Flash Fill From Working

Steps:

• Remove the value from cell D8.
• Start typing the pattern, and the Flash Fill will work.

• Press ENTER.

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

Things to Remember

• This feature was introduced in Excel 2013. It cannot be used with an older version.

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