How to Use One Microsoft 365 Subscription with Two Apple IDs
Question details
The user wants to install and activate Microsoft Office on a second Mac or iPad using a different Apple ID but is unsure how to share the existing Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- macOS / iPadOS
- Scenario
- Installing and activating Office applications on multiple Apple devices that are logged into different Apple ID accounts.
- Observed behavior
- Users mistakenly believe they cannot download or activate Microsoft Office on a second device because it uses a different Apple ID than the one used to initially download the apps.
Make sure you know the exact email address and password for the Microsoft Account that holds your active Microsoft 365 subscription.
Activate Office Using Your Microsoft Account Instead of Apple ID
Microsoft 365 activation is tied strictly to your Microsoft Account, not the Apple ID used to download the app from the App Store. You can download the app with any Apple ID and activate it with your subscribed Microsoft Account.
Many Apple users assume that in-app subscriptions and app activations are linked to the Apple ID used in the Mac App Store or iOS App Store. However, Microsoft 365 uses its own account system.
As long as you sign into the Office applications with the Microsoft account that owns the subscription, you can activate the software on devices using entirely different Apple IDs.
Open the Mac App Store or iPad App Store on your second device. Search for Microsoft Office and download the applications. It is completely fine to use the secondary Apple ID logged into this device.
Once the download is complete, open any Office app, such as Microsoft Word or Excel, from your Launchpad or Home Screen.
When the 'What's New' or 'Sign in to activate' screen appears, click 'Get Started' or 'Sign In'. Enter the credentials for the Microsoft account that holds the Microsoft 365 subscription, ignoring the Apple ID entirely.
To ensure you can access your documents on both devices, save your files to the OneDrive storage associated with your Microsoft 365 account rather than local iCloud storage.
Experience Cross-Platform Freedom with WPS Office
Skip the complex subscription restrictions and device activation limits. WPS Office is a powerful, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Office that allows you to seamlessly edit and sync documents across Mac, iPad, Windows, and Android using a single account.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website or the App Store to download the WPS Office application for your Mac or iPad.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer or open the app on your device, then follow the quick setup instructions.
- 3. Sign In and Create: Create a free WPS account to easily sync your documents and start editing your files immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does downloading Microsoft Office from the App Store charge my second Apple ID?
No. The Microsoft Office applications are free to download from the App Store. You only need to sign in with your subscribed Microsoft account inside the app to unlock the premium editing features.
How many devices can I sign into with one Microsoft 365 subscription?
You can install Microsoft 365 on an unlimited number of devices, but you can only remain signed in and active on up to five devices simultaneously per user account.
Can two different users share the same Microsoft 365 Personal subscription?
Microsoft 365 Personal is meant for a single user. While you can sign in on their device using your Microsoft account, it will give them access to your personal OneDrive files. To securely share with others, you should upgrade to a Microsoft 365 Family subscription.
Why does my Mac say 'No subscription found' when I try to activate Office?
This usually happens if you accidentally sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Apple ID rather than the account that actually purchased the subscription. Ensure you are using the exact email address associated with your Microsoft 365 purchase.
