Office Settings & Configuration

How to Import Custom Dictionary Files in Microsoft Word for iOS

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 873 views

Question details

The user wants to import or synchronize large custom dictionary files created in Word for Mac onto an iPad or iPhone.

Product: Microsoft Word for iOS
Device & OS: iOS / iPadOS
Scenario: Attempting to transfer and use an existing custom dictionary from a Mac to an iOS device for spell checking within the Word mobile app.
Observed behavior: Word for iOS currently does not support importing or synchronizing custom dictionary files, preventing the direct transfer of Mac dictionaries to the iPad.

Before you start

Verify that your iOS device and the Microsoft Word app are updated to their latest versions, as Microsoft occasionally rolls out new settings and feature updates for mobile platforms.

Solution 1Recommended

Understand Word for iOS Limitations and Submit Feedback

Since Microsoft Word for iOS does not natively support custom dictionary imports, the official recommendation is to submit a feature request to Microsoft.

Currently, there is no supported import or sync option for Mac custom dictionaries (.dic files) in Word for iOS. Mobile versions of Office apps are generally streamlined and do not contain all the advanced configuration settings found in the desktop equivalents.

Open Word for iOS

Launch the Microsoft Word app on your iPhone or iPad.

Navigate to Help & Feedback

Tap your profile icon or the Settings gear icon, then select 'Help & Feedback'.

Submit a Feature Request

Tap 'Tell Us What Can Be Better' or 'Suggest a Feature' and request custom dictionary support for iOS devices.

Official Status: Microsoft uses user feedback to prioritize future updates. Submitting a request increases the likelihood of this feature being added in future versions.

Solution 2

Use iOS Built-in Text Replacement as a Workaround

While you cannot import a dedicated dictionary file, you can leverage the native iOS dictionary to handle frequently used complex words or industry-specific terms.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Mobile Document Editing

If limitations like missing dictionary syncs in Word for iOS disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly suite for editing documents on mobile devices without the heavy subscription costs.

1. Download the App: Search for 'WPS Office' in the Apple App Store and download the application for free.
2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and easily import your existing Microsoft Word documents from local storage or cloud drives.
3. Edit with Ease: Enjoy a familiar, intuitive interface equipped with powerful editing and proofreading tools directly on your iOS device.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) formatsLightweight mobile design ensures fast loading on iPhones and iPadsBuilt-in spell check and advanced formatting tools tailored for mobile screensSeamless file syncing across Mac, Windows, and iOS via WPS Cloud

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sync my Windows Word dictionary to Word for iOS?

No. Similar to the Mac version, Word for iOS currently does not support synchronizing custom dictionary files (.dic) from the Windows version of Microsoft Word.

How do I manually add a word to the dictionary in Word for iOS?

When Word for iOS flags a word as misspelled with a red underline, you can tap the word and select 'Add to Dictionary' or 'Ignore All' from the pop-up menu to prevent it from being flagged again on that device.

Where are custom dictionaries stored on a Mac?

On a Mac, custom dictionary files (.dic) for Microsoft Word are typically located in the user's Library folder under Application Support > Microsoft > Office > Preferences > Office [Version] > Custom Dictionaries.

Are there other mobile office apps that support .dic file imports?

Most mobile office applications rely on the device's native OS dictionary and streamlined built-in dictionaries rather than supporting standalone custom .dic file imports from desktop environments.

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