How to open .DOTX files on Android
To open .DOTX files on Android, open the .DOTX file in the Microsoft Word app; if it fails, open it on a desktop OOXML-compatible word processor and save it as .DOCX for easier mobile viewing.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open the .DOTX file in the Microsoft Word app; if it fails, open it on a desktop OOXML-compatible word processor and save it as .DOCX for easier mobile viewing.
Common issues
The .DOTX file opens as a template instead of a normal document
.DOTX is meant to be a template, so some apps will prompt you to create a new file based on it rather than editing it as a finished document.
- Use the app’s option to create a new document from the template (or open it and immediately Save As).
- Save the result as .DOCX so it behaves like a normal Word document.
“Can’t open file” or “File is corrupted”
OOXML files are ZIP-based packages; partial downloads, email gateways, or storage errors can break the internal ZIP structure and prevent opening.
- Re-download or request the file again (avoid copy/paste transfers that may truncate attachments).
- Try opening the file in a different OOXML-compatible word processor to confirm whether it’s truly damaged.
Formatting looks different after opening
Templates often rely on specific fonts and style definitions; differences in available fonts and OOXML support across apps can change layout and spacing.
- Open the .DOTX in Microsoft Word to compare the intended appearance.
- Install missing fonts or replace them with common fonts, then re-save the template or export a .DOCX/PDF for sharing.
The file type association is wrong (opens in the wrong app)
Your system may be set to open .DOTX files with an app that doesn’t fully support Word templates.
- Change the default app for .DOTX to Microsoft Word (or a known OOXML-compatible word processor).
- After changing the association, reopen the file and Save As .DOCX if you need a standard document.
Still can’t open your .DOTX file?
Recover a deleted or lost .DOTX file
If the file was deleted by mistake or the drive was formatted, data recovery software may be able to get it back. Stop writing to that drive right away, because new data can overwrite what you want to recover.
Windows software that recovers deleted or lost files from PCs and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and memory cards, after deletion, formatting or a crash.
Wondershare RecoveritWindows and Mac software that recovers deleted or lost files from computers and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and SD cards.
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Security note
.DOTX is the non-macro-enabled Word template format; if a template needs macros, it should be .DOTM. Treat unexpected .DOTM files with extra caution.