By default, Mac opens Excel files in Numbers unless you’ve changed your settings. Here are 2 easy ways to open Excel files without changing your default app:
First option:
1. Open Excel.
2. Go to File > Open.
3. Browse to the location of the file and select it.
OR:
Second option - using your mouse or trackpad:
1. Right-click with your mouse or Control+click using the trackpad on the file.
2. Select "Open With".
4. Microsoft Excel will open after selecting the application.How to permanently update the app defaults for all files of a particular type
1. On your Mac, click on the File Finder in the Dock to open a Finder Window.
2. Select a file, then choose File > Get Info.
You can also Control-click the file, then choose Get Info.
3. In the Info Window, click > next to "Open With".
4. From the drop-down option, select the application you wish to open Excel files.
Note: Don't click Change All if you only want the specific file you selected to open with that app.
If you can't open a file with a specific app, the file may be damaged or may not be recognized by that app. Try opening it with a different app.