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How to Use Microsoft 365 Basic on Both iPhone and iPad
Question details
The user wants to know how to share or access a Microsoft 365 Basic subscription across multiple Apple devices without paying for an additional license.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Basic
- Device & OS
- iOS / iPadOS
- Scenario
- A user renewed their Microsoft 365 subscription on an iPhone but cannot automatically see the active subscription on their iPad.
- Observed behavior
- The active subscription status does not automatically reflect on the secondary device (iPad), causing confusion about whether a second subscription is required.
Ensure both your iPhone and iPad are connected to a stable internet connection and that you know the exact Microsoft account credentials used to purchase or renew the subscription.
Sign in with the Same Microsoft Account
Use this method to activate your existing subscription on a secondary Apple device without paying twice.
Your Microsoft 365 subscription is tied to your Microsoft account, not the specific device where it was purchased. To use the subscription on a second device, you simply need to authenticate using the exact same email address and password.
Launch the Microsoft 365, Word, Excel, or Outlook app on your iPad.
Tap on your profile picture or the account icon located in the top-left corner of the app interface.
Select 'Sign In' or 'Add Account' and enter the same personal or work Microsoft email address you used to renew the subscription on your iPhone.
Once logged in, the app will automatically fetch your active Microsoft 365 Basic license details from the cloud.
Switch to WPS Office for Free Cross-Device Productivity
Tired of managing subscriptions and account sync issues? WPS Office is a lightweight, fully-featured suite that lets you create, edit, and sync documents seamlessly across your iPhone, iPad, and desktop devices without a mandatory subscription.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Get WPS Office for free from the Apple App Store on your iPhone and iPad.
- 2. Create a Free Account: Sign up using your email, Google, or Apple ID to enable cross-device cloud syncing.
- 3. Sync Your Files: Log into the same account on both devices to instantly access and edit your documents anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft 365 Basic include desktop applications?
No, the Microsoft 365 Basic plan only includes 100 GB of OneDrive cloud storage, ad-free Outlook, and access to mobile and web versions of Office apps. To use installable desktop applications on a PC or Mac, you need a Personal or Family plan.
Why isn't my active subscription showing up on my iPad?
This usually happens if you are signed out or logged into a different Microsoft account. Check your account settings in the iPad app and ensure the email address matches the one used for the subscription on your iPhone exactly.
Can I share my Microsoft 365 Basic plan with family members?
No, the Microsoft 365 Basic plan is designed for a single user account. If you want to share Office apps and cloud storage with up to five other people, you must upgrade to the Microsoft 365 Family plan.
