iPad mini 7 incorrectly requires Microsoft 365 for basic editing

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iPad mini 7 incorrectly requires Microsoft 365 for basic editing

Kapil Gaba 0

iPad mini 7 (A17 Pro), 8.3-inch display, is incorrectly requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription to edit Word/Excel documents. Microsoft documentation states that basic editing is free on iOS devices with screens ≤10.1 inches. The issue occurs with two different Microsoft accounts. Please investigate device-size/license detection for iPad mini 7.

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Answer 1

Stefan Blom 353.8K MVP Volunteer Moderator

Which type of account are you trying to use? Note that organization (business) accounts won't be accepted when used with a so-called non-qualifying plan.

For more, see the article at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-activation-licensing/mobile/what-you-can-do-in-the-microsoft-365-apps-on-mobile-devices-with-a-microsoft-365-subscription . The screen shot below is from the article.

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Kapil Gaba 0 Reputation points

2026-09-21T16:58:52.7933333+00:00

Subject: iPad mini 7 (8.3”) incorrectly blocked from basic Word/Excel editing

I am using an iPad mini 7 with an 8.3-inch display.

Microsoft’s current official documentation states that editing on non-qualifying plans is available on screen sizes up to 10.1 inches. It also explicitly states that users without a subscription can create and view files and perform basic editing for non-business accounts/files, and that the subscription purchase message should appear when accessing a premium feature.

My iPad mini 7 is only 8.3 inches, but Microsoft Word and Excel are completely preventing editing and are asking me to purchase Microsoft 365.

The Create → Blank Document option is also disabled.

I have tested two different Microsoft accounts, and the exact same problem occurs with both accounts. Therefore this is not an account-specific licensing issue.

I can also edit Word/Excel documents on an Android tablet with a similar screen size.

I am attaching Microsoft’s own support documentation as evidence.

Please investigate this as an iPad mini 7/iPadOS device licensing or screen-size detection issue and escalate it to the Microsoft 365 iOS engineering team. I am requesting restoration of the basic editing functionality specified in Microsoft’s documentation, not access to a premium feature.
Stefan Blom 353.8K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-21T18:10:56.8733333+00:00

Which type of account (e-mail address) are you trying to use? You shouldn't post any full e-mail addresses here, for privacy and security reasons. If you are using @outlook.com, for example, you should definitely be able to use a free account.

Please note that contributors in Q&A do not have access to your account info. We are your fellow users.
Kapil Gaba 0 Reputation points

2026-09-21T18:27:10.9866667+00:00

I have accounts on @live.com and @hotmail.com. Tried both. It is asking for a subscription
Stefan Blom 353.8K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-21T18:31:32.9533333+00:00

What happens if you sign in with your free account? Is it requesting a subscription or just showing an advertisement?
Kapil Gaba 0 Reputation points

2026-09-22T01:13:33.0866667+00:00

Yes, after signed in when i open a doc file. It starts asking to buy a subscription
Stefan Blom 353.8K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-22T12:25:31.3933333+00:00

If you see a button which "encourages" you to upgrade, that is just an ad. I see it too.

The screen shot below illustrates what I see (in a one-time purchase version of Office).
Kapil Gaba 0 Reputation points

2026-09-22T15:55:21.99+00:00

Whenever i go for editing, subscription screen comes and I can’t edit. Pls fix this issue.
Kapil Gaba 0 Reputation points

2026-09-22T15:57:19.1266667+00:00
Stefan Blom 353.8K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-22T16:45:06.77+00:00

Thanks for the screen shot. It clearly illustrates what you stated earlier. It does look like a subscription should be required. I don't have an explanation for that, I'm afraid.
Kapil Gaba 0 Reputation points

2026-09-22T17:56:52.0633333+00:00

Thanks, Stefan. Could you please clarify one specific point?

Has Microsoft intentionally changed the policy for the iPad mini 7 (8.3-inch display) so that a Microsoft 365 subscription is now required for basic Word/Excel editing?
Stefan Blom 353.8K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-22T18:28:54.44+00:00

Thanks, Stefan. Could you please clarify one specific point?

Has Microsoft intentionally changed the policy for the iPad mini 7 (8.3-inch display) so that a Microsoft 365 subscription is now required for basic Word/Excel editing?

I am not aware of any changes being made. But I could have the wrong info. :-(
Kapil Gaba 0 Reputation points

2026-09-22T18:31:06.2166667+00:00

How to fix this
Stefan Blom 353.8K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-22T18:33:42.7466667+00:00

I hope that someone else knows the solution.