You copy some cells in Excel. You paste them somewhere else. Instead of your data, you get this message: “Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again.”
It feels annoying. Your work stops. Many people see this in Excel Online, especially when they copy from the web version and paste into the desktop app, another program, or even another tab.
The good news? You can fix it in most cases with a few easy steps. Some fixes take seconds. Others stop the problem for good. I’ll show you all of them in clear order, from quickest to best long-term solutions.
What Does This Error Really Mean?
This message appears when Excel cannot grab the data you just copied right away. The web version of Excel stores your copied data in a special cloud clipboard. It needs time to sync with your browser and OneDrive.
If the sync is slow, you see the error instead of your numbers or text. It happens more with big selections, slow internet, many open tabs, or shared files.
You are not alone. This issue shows up often in Excel for the web, SharePoint, and Microsoft Teams.
Why the Error Keeps Coming Back
Here are the main reasons:
- Slow or unstable internet connection
- Browser cache holding old data
- AutoSave and OneDrive sync fighting with your copy action
- Large amounts of data (many rows or columns)
- Switching tabs or apps too fast after copying
- Using Internet Explorer or an old browser
Knowing these helps you pick the right fix.
Quick Fixes You Can Try Right Now
Start with these. They fix the problem for many people in under a minute.
- Deselect and copy again Click any empty cell to deselect your data. Wait 5 to 10 seconds. Select your data again and press Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac). Now paste it. This resets the clipboard and often works right away.
- Wait longer and try once more Sometimes Excel just needs a bit more time. Wait 15–30 seconds after copying before you paste.
- Copy smaller chunks Instead of copying 500 rows at once, copy 100 rows. Paste them. Then copy the next part. This avoids overload.
- Close and reopen the file Save your work. Close the browser tab. Open the file again. Then try copying.
Best Permanent Fix: Use Excel on Your Computer
The most reliable way is to stop using the web version for heavy copy-paste work.
- Go to File > Save As > Download a Copy (or Download as Excel).
- Open the file in the desktop Excel app.
- Copy and paste normally. No more error.
This works because the desktop version does not use the cloud clipboard the same way. Do this once and save the file locally for future work.
More Helpful Fixes When the Quick Ones Are Not Enough
Clear your browser cache Old saved data can cause problems.
- In Chrome or Edge: Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
- Choose “Cached images and files.”
- Clear it and restart the browser.
Switch to a different browser Chrome and Edge usually work best. Firefox is good too. Avoid Internet Explorer.
Turn off AutoSave for a moment
- In Excel Online, click the AutoSave toggle at the top to turn it off.
- Copy your data.
- Turn AutoSave back on when you finish.
Save and reopen the workbook Click Save. Close the file completely. Open it fresh. This clears temporary glitches.
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How to Stop This Error From Happening Again
Prevention is better than fixing it every time.
- Work in the desktop Excel app when you copy and paste a lot.
- Keep your internet connection strong and steady. Use wired if you can.
- Avoid opening too many browser tabs while using Excel Online.
- Copy smaller groups of data instead of huge selections.
- Update your browser and Excel regularly.
- Save your file often and download a local copy for important projects.
Special Cases: SharePoint, Teams, and Big Files
In SharePoint or Teams Open the file from SharePoint. Click “Open in Desktop App” from the top menu. This takes you straight to the desktop version.
With very large data Break your data into smaller parts. Or download the file first. For huge tables, consider using filters or Power Query to pull only what you need.
On Mac computers The same steps work. Just use Command key instead of Control for copy-paste.
Easy Alternatives to Copy Data
If Excel Online keeps giving you trouble, try these:
- Paste into Google Sheets first, then copy from there to your final spot.
- Export your data as CSV, open it in desktop Excel, and work from there.
- Use the desktop app side-by-side with the web version (open both and copy between them).
- For repeated tasks, learn a simple keyboard trick: copy in desktop Excel, then use it as your main workspace.
Comparison of All Fixes
| Fix | How Easy (1-5) | How Permanent | Best For | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deselect and copy again | 5 | Low | Quick one-time issues | High |
| Copy smaller chunks | 4 | Medium | Large data sets | Good |
| Clear browser cache | 3 | Medium | Cache problems | Good |
| Switch browser | 4 | Medium | Browser-specific issues | Good |
| Download to desktop Excel | 3 | Very High | Regular copy-paste work | Excellent |
| Turn off AutoSave | 4 | Medium | Sync conflicts | Good |
| Save and reopen file | 4 | Medium | Session glitches | Good |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this error only happen in Excel Online? Yes, it mostly affects the web version. The desktop app rarely shows it.
Will this error damage my data? No. Your data stays safe in the file. The message just blocks the paste.
Why does waiting not always work? Sometimes the sync fails completely. You need to reset the clipboard or switch to desktop.
Can I fix it without downloading the file? Yes, the quick fixes and browser changes often work. But desktop is best for long-term use.
Does this happen more with big files? Yes. Large ranges take longer to sync, so the error appears more often.
Is there a difference between Windows and Mac? The fixes are almost the same. Just use the right keyboard shortcuts.
What if none of these fixes work? Try a different device or contact Microsoft Support. It could be a rare account or network issue.
Can I use this in Microsoft 365? Yes, these steps work in the latest Microsoft 365 and Excel for the web.
Will updating Excel help? Yes. Newer versions fix many sync bugs. Always keep everything updated.
Is there a way to automate this? For advanced users, Office Scripts or Power Automate can help move data without manual copy-paste.
Final Thoughts
The “Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again” error is frustrating but easy to beat. Start with the quick deselect method. For work you do often, download the file and use desktop Excel. That one change saves the most time.
Try the steps in order. Most people fix it within the first two or three tries. Once you use the desktop version more, this error almost disappears.
