How to Transfer Word and Excel Apps to a New Android Tablet
Question details
Users are unable to successfully transfer standalone Microsoft Word and Excel applications from an older Android device to a new tablet, and are often prompted for a Microsoft 365 subscription upon setup.
- Product
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Setting up a newly purchased Android tablet and attempting to migrate or reinstall existing Office mobile applications and files.
- Observed behavior
- The standalone Word and Excel apps do not transfer properly or cannot be found in the store, and the new device requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription for basic editing features that were previously free.
Ensure you know the Microsoft account email and password used on your previous tablet, and check if your existing documents are backed up to OneDrive or stored locally on the old device.
Install the Unified Microsoft 365 (Office) App
Install the modern all-in-one Microsoft 365 app, which has replaced individual Word and Excel applications on newer Android devices.
Microsoft has consolidated its standalone mobile applications into a single, unified app called Microsoft 365. When moving to a new Android tablet, your older standalone apps may not transfer via device migration tools. Instead, you need to download this combined application from the store.
On your new Android tablet, navigate to your app drawer and open the Google Play Store application.
Tap the search bar at the top, type 'Microsoft 365', and locate the official app published by Microsoft Corporation.
Tap the 'Install' button and wait for the download and installation process to complete.
Launch the Microsoft 365 app and sign in using the same Microsoft account you used on your old tablet. This will automatically sync and display your OneDrive files.
Transfer Local Files Manually
Move locally saved Word and Excel documents from your old device to your new tablet if they were not synced to a cloud service.
Edit Word and Excel Files on Any Android Tablet for Free
If your new Android tablet requires an expensive Microsoft 365 subscription just to edit your documents, WPS Office provides the perfect solution. It is a powerful, lightweight, and completely free alternative that allows you to create, view, and edit documents without screen size restrictions.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Search for 'WPS Office' in the Google Play Store on your new tablet and tap Install.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and tap 'Open' to browse your tablet's local storage or cloud accounts for your existing Word and Excel files.
- 3. Start Editing for Free: Tap on any document to immediately start editing, saving, and sharing without needing a paid subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my new Android tablet ask for a Microsoft 365 subscription when my old one didn't?
Microsoft allows free basic editing on Android devices with screens smaller than 10.1 inches. Since most newer Android tablets feature screens larger than 10.1 inches, Microsoft's licensing terms require a paid Microsoft 365 subscription to unlock editing features on those devices.
Why can't I find the standalone Word or Excel app in the Google Play Store?
Microsoft has consolidated the individual Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications into a single unified app named 'Microsoft 365' (formerly Office). You only need to download this one app to access all three services.
How do I access my old documents if I install the new unified Microsoft app?
If your documents were backed up to OneDrive on your old device, they will appear automatically when you sign into the Microsoft 365 app with your existing Microsoft account. If they were saved locally, you will need to manually transfer the files using a cloud service like Google Drive, a USB-C cable, or Bluetooth.
