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How to Install and Activate Microsoft 365 Family on iPad or iPhone
Question details
The user needs to activate a direct-purchased Microsoft 365 Family subscription on iOS apps without triggering a prompt to restore an old Apple subscription or start a free trial.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- iOS / iPadOS
- Scenario
- Setting up Microsoft Office mobile apps on an iPhone or iPad using a Microsoft 365 Family plan purchased via PC, after previously canceling an Apple-billed personal subscription.
- Observed behavior
- The mobile app fails to recognize the new Family subscription and only offers options to restore the previous Apple subscription or begin a new free trial.
Ensure you have the correct Microsoft account email and password associated with your Microsoft 365 Family purchase ready before opening the mobile apps.
Sign Out and Sign In with the Correct Microsoft Account
Use this solution to clear the old subscription cache and link your Office apps directly to your newly purchased Microsoft 365 Family account.
If you previously used a subscription purchased through the Apple App Store, the Office app may still be trying to authenticate using your Apple ID purchase history. Signing out of the app completely and signing back in with the Microsoft account linked to your Family plan will resolve this conflict.
Install Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or the unified Microsoft 365 app from the App Store on your iPad or iPhone.
Open the Microsoft 365 app. Tap your profile icon in the top left corner, navigate to Settings, and select 'Sign Out' to remove any old credentials or trial prompts.
Restart the app and tap 'Sign In'. Enter the email address and password for the Microsoft account that holds your active Microsoft 365 Family subscription.
Verify Your Subscription Status Online
Check your Microsoft account online to ensure the Family subscription is active and assigned to the correct email address.
Use WPS Office on Your iPad and iPhone for Free
Avoid frustrating subscription activation issues and account conflicts. WPS Office is a completely free, lightweight, and powerful office suite for iOS devices that offers seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
- 1. Open the App Store: Launch the App Store on your iPhone or iPad and tap the Search tab.
- 2. Download WPS Office: Search for 'WPS Office' and tap 'Get' to install the application.
- 3. Start Creating: Open WPS Office and instantly start viewing, editing, or creating documents with no mandatory subscription required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a separate subscription to use Microsoft 365 on my iPhone?
No. Your Microsoft 365 Family subscription includes access to the fully featured mobile apps on iOS and iPadOS. You just need to sign in with the Microsoft account tied to that subscription.
Why does the app only offer me to restore an old subscription or start a trial?
This happens when the app detects a previous subscription purchased via your Apple ID, or if you are not signed in. Signing out of the app and signing back in with the correct Microsoft account will bypass this prompt.
How do I share my Microsoft 365 Family subscription with family members on their iPads?
You must first invite them to your Family group via your Microsoft account dashboard (account.microsoft.com). Once they accept the invitation using their own Microsoft accounts, they can download the apps on their iPads and sign in with their own credentials to access premium features.
