How to Fix Fonts Not Changing in Word and Excel After iOS 14
Question details
The user is unable to change or download custom fonts in the standalone Microsoft Word and Excel apps on their iPhone or iPad after updating to iOS 14.
- Product
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- Device & OS
- iOS / iPadOS
- Scenario
- Editing documents or spreadsheets on an Apple mobile device and attempting to change or download specific font styles.
- Observed behavior
- Fonts cannot be selected, changed, or downloaded in the standalone Word and Excel apps, although the fonts work normally in the newer all-in-one Microsoft Office application.
Make sure your iPhone or iPad is connected to a stable internet connection, as downloading fonts requires network access. Additionally, check the App Store to ensure your apps are not pending an update.
Switch to the All-in-One Microsoft Office App
Since the standalone Word and Excel apps have a known bug affecting custom fonts on iOS 14 and later, switching to the all-in-one Microsoft Office app is the most reliable workaround.
Microsoft has acknowledged custom-font issues in the standalone Office apps for iPad and iPhone since iOS 14. This bug has persisted through multiple updates. However, the unified Microsoft Office app (which combines Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) handles font rendering differently and allows you to access and change fonts as expected.
Navigate to the App Store on your iPhone or iPad and tap on the Search tab at the bottom right.
Type 'Microsoft Office' in the search bar and look for the unified app named 'Microsoft Office' (not the individual Word or Excel apps).
Tap 'Get' to download the app. Once installed, open it and sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
Open your document or spreadsheet from within the new app. Highlight your text, tap the font dropdown in the Home tab, and select your desired font.
Keep the Standalone Apps Updated
If you prefer using the standalone Word and Excel apps, checking for the latest updates is crucial in case Microsoft releases a definitive patch for the font bug.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Font Management on iOS
If Microsoft Word and Excel are still preventing you from changing fonts on your iPhone or iPad, WPS Office is a fantastic, free alternative. It offers a lightweight, bug-free editing experience on iOS while maintaining strict formatting compatibility.
- 1. Download WPS Office from the App Store: Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, search for WPS Office, and download the application for free.
- 2. Open Your Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and navigate to the Files tab to easily import and open your existing Word or Excel documents.
- 3. Edit Fonts Seamlessly: Select your text, tap the formatting menu, and choose from a wide variety of fonts without experiencing the bugs found in other apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I change fonts in Word on my iPad?
This is due to a known bug introduced in iOS 14 that affects how the standalone Microsoft Word and Excel apps load and render custom fonts. The issue has persisted across several updates, making font selection unresponsive in these specific apps.
Does the all-in-one Microsoft Office app fix the font issue?
Yes, for most users. The unified Microsoft Office app (which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in one application) handles font management differently and allows users to change and download fonts successfully on iOS 14 and later.
Can I install custom third-party fonts on iOS for Office?
Yes, you can install custom fonts on iOS using profile configuration apps from the App Store. However, if you are experiencing the known bug in the standalone Word or Excel apps, even properly installed custom fonts may fail to appear or apply to your text.
Will Microsoft fix the standalone Word and Excel font bugs?
Microsoft is aware of the issue based on user reports on their support forums. While they release monthly updates, a definitive fix for the standalone apps has been delayed. Keeping your apps updated via the App Store is the best way to receive the patch once it goes live.
