Sign-in & Login Problems

Fix Microsoft Word Account Switching Problems on Android Tablets

Olivia Miller Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent Microsoft Word from automatically reverting to a Hotmail account when trying to use a Google Play-associated Gmail account for a Microsoft 365 trial.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Android tablet
Scenario: Attempting to access and use a Microsoft 365 trial via a specific Gmail account linked to Google Play.
Observed behavior: The application persistently switches the active session back to a Hotmail account, ignoring the user's preferred Gmail login even after changing the primary Microsoft account address.

Before you start

Verify that your Microsoft 365 subscription is actively linked to your preferred Gmail account in the Google Play Store, and ensure all your documents are synced to the cloud before making app changes.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Word Cache and Storage Settings

Resetting the app's local data forces Word to forget the previous login states and resolves persistent account switching glitches.

Android devices often cache login credentials to make switching apps faster. However, this can cause conflicts if multiple Microsoft accounts have been used on the device. Clearing the app storage will completely sign you out of all accounts in Word.

Open Android Settings

Navigate to your Android tablet's Settings app and select 'Apps' or 'Apps & notifications' depending on your device model.

Locate Microsoft Word

Scroll through the list of installed applications and tap on 'Word'.

Clear Storage and Cache

Tap on 'Storage & cache', then select 'Clear Storage' (or 'Clear Data') and 'Clear Cache'. Confirm any prompts.

Restart and Sign In

Restart your tablet, open Microsoft Word, and sign in fresh using your preferred Gmail account.

Data Safety Note: Clearing app data resets the application's configuration but does not delete documents stored locally on your device or in OneDrive.

Solution 2

Update or Reinstall Microsoft Word

Updating or performing a clean installation of the app can resolve deep-seated bugs affecting the Microsoft 365 login authentication process.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Mobile Experience

Tired of dealing with complicated subscription logins and account switching errors? WPS Office offers a powerful, lightweight, and completely free alternative for your Android tablet. Enjoy seamless document editing without the login friction of Microsoft 365.

1. Install the App: Download WPS Office for free directly from the Google Play Store.
2. Sign In Easily: Open the app and sign in with your preferred Google account with a single tap.
3. Edit Your Documents: Instantly open, edit, and save any of your existing Microsoft Word documents without compatibility issues.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel, and PowerPoint formatsFree and lightweight Office suite optimized for Android tabletsOne simple login for seamless cross-device syncingNo complicated trial subscriptions or forced account switching

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing Word's storage delete my local files?

No, clearing the app data only resets the application settings and login states. Your locally saved documents and those already synced to OneDrive remain completely safe.

Why does Word force me into my Hotmail account?

This frequently happens if the Hotmail account is set as a primary device account in your Android settings, or if there is cached Microsoft login data conflicting with your preferred Google Play email address.

How do I verify my Microsoft 365 subscription status on Android?

Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, select 'Payments & subscriptions', and check under 'Subscriptions' to see if your Microsoft 365 trial is active under the correct Gmail account.

Login & Account Issues