How to Change Tracked Changes Author Name in Word for iPad
Question details
The user wants to locally change the author name displayed for tracked changes and comments in Microsoft Word for iPad without altering their business-managed Microsoft 365 account profile.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for iPad (iOS)
- Device & OS
- iPadOS / iOS
- Scenario
- Reviewing, commenting, and tracking changes on documents using an iPad.
- Observed behavior
- The author name is strictly tied to the signed-in Microsoft 365 account display name, and the app offers no local setting to change it independently.
Verify your current Microsoft 365 account display name, as this is the default name Word for iPad uses across all documents for comments and tracked changes.
Modify Your Microsoft 365 Account Display Name
Since the iPad app lacks a local setting, updating your global Microsoft account name is the only way to change your author name across Word for iOS.
Word for iPad is designed to sync your author name directly from your Microsoft 365 account profile. If you are using a personal account, you can change this online. If you are using a business or school account, you will need assistance from your IT administrator.
Open a web browser on your iPad or computer and navigate to the Microsoft account profile page.
Click or tap on 'Edit name' under your profile information and enter your preferred author name.
Save the changes online. Next, open Word on your iPad, sign out of your account, and sign back in to force the app to sync your new display name.
Use Word Desktop Application to Change Local User Name
If you need a specific author name for document reviews without altering your global Microsoft account, use the desktop version of Word.
Submit Feature Feedback to Microsoft
Because a local author name setting is highly requested by iOS users, submitting official feedback can help prioritize its addition in future updates.
Try WPS Office for Flexible Document Editing on iPad
Frustrated by strict account limitations in Word for iPad? WPS Office offers a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative for iOS users. Enjoy robust document editing, customizable commenting tools, and a familiar user interface without being locked into rigid profile settings.
- 1. Download for iOS: Search for WPS Office in the Apple App Store and download it to your iPad.
- 2. Open your documents: Import or directly open your existing .docx files within WPS Office without losing any formatting.
- 3. Review and track changes: Navigate to the Review tab to utilize powerful tracking, commenting, and editing tools designed for mobile productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an alias for comments in Word for iPad?
No, Word for iPad does not support using aliases or custom local names for comments. It strictly enforces the use of the display name associated with your signed-in Microsoft 365 account.
Why does my author name show as 'Author' instead of my real name?
This happens if the document's privacy settings are configured to remove personal information from file properties on save. To fix this, you must adjust the Trust Center settings using a desktop version of Microsoft Word, as this setting cannot be changed on the iPad app.
Will changing my Microsoft account name affect other Office apps?
Yes. Modifying your Microsoft 365 account display name will universally update your identity across all Microsoft services, including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook.
Is it possible to change the author name for specific documents only?
Not on the iPad app. To change the author name for a specific document without altering your entire account profile, you need to use the desktop version of Microsoft Word and adjust the local User Information settings.
