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Why can’t I edit my word documents on android or iOS app

Anonymous
2023-10-31T10:21:41+00:00

Hello

I can’t seem to edit any of my word documents through the word app (or office 365) on either my android tablet or iOS phone. I can still edit and change them on a desktop though. I often need to edit and send on the move, which is my problem.

All files are saved in my OneDrive account.

I contacted Microsoft support and they said it’s a formatting issue between desktop version and mobile version, so opens the word files in read only mode.

Anyone got any ideas how to get these files working properly between the desktop and mobile devices?

Regards Matt

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | Other | Android

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-03-07T20:38:30+00:00

    The fact that Microsoft has been splitting hair more and more by dividing things according to screen sizes, and file location (to give full Edit access) is making Microsoft more a hassle and less and less relevant in the business world.

    A Word file should not require an IT degree (I am exagerating a bit but you get the idea) to be opened properly and edited.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-09-12T20:47:46+00:00

    Is this a new update? I've been editing files on my Samsung Galaxy S21 up until this past week -- about 3 years. Very inconvenient and defeats the purpose of my having this account.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2023-10-31T16:03:44+00:00

    Hi Anna

    Than you for the reply!

    I’ve already subscribed to the 365 office plan last week for the main reason of being able to edit and send on the move :) my tablet is 14 inch and the phone is 6inches… on both devices the files open in read only mode(even after I’ve unchecked read only on my pc for the files)

    I’ve done a bit of messing around with it since I posted with my problems. It’s not sorted but I may be onto something. it seems to not like opening the word docs from OneDrive??

    Because what I did was, I saved the file from OneDrive to the internal hard drive of the tablet and hey presto, I can now edit and send the file.

    Ideally I would like to do it all from OneDrive because it’s easier and less of a faff. But Tbh I can do it like that if needs be.

    Do you have any idea why it’s not liking OneDrive?

    If not don’t worry and thanks for helping me out

    Regards Matt

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-08-04T19:37:26+00:00

    Having tablet and using Microsoft products is just a funny joke. They limit ability based on the screen size which is so poor and pathetic that I can't describe even in words how desperate microsoft are for your money. Better convert to some other formats. if you using Samsung, Samsung notes are amazingly powerful tools to convert your word to that. For rest models I believe they all have some sort of notes editing which are powerful enough to meet your needs. on IOS you have amazing PAGES which you can use.

    What are pros? THEY ALL ARE FREE NO MATTER WHAT SCREEN SIZE YOU USE hahaha....

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-10-31T12:29:55+00:00

    Hi Matt

    I'm AnnaThomas and I'd happily help you with your question. In this Forum, we are Microsoft consumers just like yourself no one here is a Microsoft employee.

    One reason is that your device screen size is larger than 10.1 inches, which means you need a qualifying Microsoft 365 plan with access to the desktop apps to edit files. If your device screen size is smaller than 10.1 inches, you should be able to edit files for free with the Word app or Office 365 app.

    Learn more: https://support.microsoft.com/office/b6518311-893a-4a89-bfcd-bdc56bf52085 https://support.microsoft.com/office/9ef8b63a-05fd-4f9c-bac5-29da046833ea

    I hope this helps ;-), let me know if this is contrary to what you need, I would still be helpful to answer more of your questions.

    Best Regards,

    AnnaThomas

    Give back to the community. Help the next person with this problem by indicating whether this answer solved your problem. Click Yes or No at the bottom.

    7 people found this answer helpful.
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