How to Fix Grammarly Missing in Word for Mac
Question details
The user is unable to find, access, or install the Grammarly add-in within Microsoft Word for Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to install or use the Grammarly add-in to check spelling and grammar in a Word document.
- Observed behavior
- The Grammarly tab does not appear, or the Office Store/Add-ins options are completely unavailable or greyed out.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable internet connection and save any open documents before attempting to update your software or install new add-ins.
Manually Install Grammarly and Update Word
Add the Grammarly extension directly from the built-in Office Store and check for software updates to ensure compatibility.
Often, add-ins simply need to be re-enabled or manually downloaded from the store. Running an outdated version of Word can also hide the add-in completely.
Launch Microsoft Word on your Mac and create a new, blank document to access the main ribbon.
Navigate to the 'Insert' tab in the top menu ribbon, then click on 'Get Add-ins' or 'Store'.
Type 'Grammarly for Microsoft Word' into the search bar. Locate the official add-in and click 'Add'. Once installed, look for the new Grammarly tab and select 'Open Grammarly'.
Click on 'Help' in the very top macOS menu bar and select 'Check for Updates' to make sure you are running the latest version of Word.
Resolve Microsoft 365 Administrator Restrictions
Contact your university or corporate IT administrator to lift restrictions on user-installed add-ins and the Office Store.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Writing Experience
If your university or workplace administrator restricts essential writing tools like Grammarly in Microsoft Word, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, entirely free Office alternative that comes with robust built-in spell check features, eliminating the need to bypass strict IT admin blocks.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the installation package designed for Mac.
- 2. Install the application: Open the downloaded file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your Mac.
- 3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files to enjoy a seamless, restriction-free editing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Get Add-ins button greyed out in Word for Mac?
This typically occurs when a university or corporate Microsoft 365 administrator has blocked user access to the Office Store or third-party add-ins to maintain organizational security policies.
Can I use Grammarly on my Mac if the Word add-in is blocked?
Yes. If your institution blocks the Word add-in, you can download the standalone Grammarly Desktop app for Mac from Grammarly's website. It integrates natively with macOS and functions across multiple applications, including Word.
Why did Grammarly disappear after I updated macOS?
Major macOS updates can occasionally introduce compatibility issues with older versions of Microsoft Word or its installed add-ins. You can usually fix this by updating Microsoft Word via Help > Check for Updates.
