Reading Coach Not Loading on iPad with Screen Time Restrictions Enabled

Question

I'm experiencing a persistent issue with Microsoft Reading Coach on an iPad when Screen Time is enabled using the “Allowed Websites Only” mode.

Reading Coach loads fine initially, but after selecting a story or passage (in any mode, “Jump Back In”, “Choose a Story”, or “Add Your Own”), the app hangs on a white screen and fails to load the content. This issue only occurs when Screen Time is active.

When Screen Time is disabled, Reading Coach works perfectly.

Steps already taken to resolve:

• Accessed Reading Coach directly via Safari (not through Teams).
• Cleared Safari cache: Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
• Verified microphone access is granted.
• Restarted the iPad after updating Screen Time settings.
• Tested all reading modes, all still hang after the generate story/"Next" mode
• Whitelisted all known required domains (see below).
• Confirmed Reading Coach works when Screen Time is turned off.

Whitelisted Domains:

https://coach.microsoft.com
https://login.microsoftonline.com
https://live.com
https://graph.microsoft.com
https://office.com
https://outlook.office365.com
https://teams.microsoft.com
https://microsoft365.com
https://immersivereader.microsoft.com
https://ai.microsoft.com
https://cdn.readworks.org
https://msocdn.com
https://azureedge.net
https://aka.ms
https://cdn.office.net
https://cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com
https://nexus.officeapps.live.com
https://config.office.com

Any known workarounds or configuration changes that would allow Reading Coach to work without giving unrestricted internet access?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi @Glitch2354

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.    

Regarding your issue, I’ve tested this issue on my side and encountered the same behavior, even after whitelisting the additional domains you provided. It seems likely that this is a compatibility issue between Apple’s Screen Time restrictions and Microsoft Reading Coach and more. 

Apple’s “Allowed Websites Only” mode seems to not support wildcard domains (e.g., *.microsoft.com) and blocks subdomains unless they are explicitly listed. Because Microsoft’s web apps often load content from a wide range of subdomains and CDNs, it becomes difficult to predict and whitelist all the necessary URLs for the app to function properly. 

For more details, please refer to: Web Content Filter device management payload settings for Apple devices - Apple Support 

Given that this issue appears to stem from Apple’s operating system settings, I recommend posting your issue via Official Apple Support Community to see if they will have a workaround with wildcard website like the list you gave as there are much more familiar with how Apple products work and function. 

Or you can also submit feedback directly to Apple via their Product Feedback to help escalate and address the compatibility concern. 

Disclaimer: Those are non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it. 

Once again, I truly apologize for having to redirect you to another community. I genuinely wish I could help more, but given my limited knowledge in this area, I wouldn’t want to risk giving you inaccurate advice. I hope you understand, and I really appreciate your patience. 

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