Unable to select text.

Completely quit Word with Command+Q, reopen it, and if selection still fails, restart the Mac; this is the recommended first fix for Word for Mac when text suddenly cannot be selected, including in new documents.^1^

If only mouse or trackpad selection fails

Test whether selection works from the keyboard:

1. Click before the text.
2. Hold Shift and press an arrow key.
3. If this selects text, Word can edit the document and the problem is limited to pointer-based dragging.

Then check:

1. In Word, select Word > Preferences > Edit.
2. Enable Drag-and-drop text editing.
3. In macOS, open System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control/Trackpad Options and check the dragging options. The exact labels vary by macOS release.
4. Quit and reopen Word.

These settings are the suggested checks for the matching Word for Mac symptom where clicking works but dragging with a mouse or trackpad does not.^2^

As a temporary workaround, place the insertion point at one end of the text and use Shift+Arrow to select it.

If typing, editing, saving, or creating content also fails

That broader symptom can indicate reduced functionality mode, rather than a selection-only problem. Check Word > About Word to identify the installed edition, then proceed according to what it shows.^3^

Microsoft 365 or Office 2021:

1. Update macOS first: Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update. Microsoft requires at least macOS 12 and Word 16.83 for this recovery path.
2. In Word, select Help > Check for Updates.
3. In Microsoft AutoUpdate, select Update or Update All.
4. When installation finishes, restart Word.

If Office 2021 still cannot edit or save afterward:

1. Quit Word completely with Command+Q.
2. Reopen Word.
3. Open Word’s account settings, sign out, and then sign back in with the Microsoft account associated with Office.^3^

Office 2019 for Mac: It is out of support and cannot be updated to the required version; updating or reinstalling Office 2019 will not resolve reduced functionality. Use Microsoft 365 on the web or move to a supported Office version.^3^

Mac cannot run macOS 12 or later: Use Microsoft 365 on the web, use Office on another supported device, or upgrade the Mac.^3^

Check for an activation warning

If Word displays Subscription expired, Product deactivated, Unlicensed Product, or Couldn't Verify Subscription, follow the action shown in the banner:

• Subscription expired: select Reactivate and renew.
• Product deactivated: select Sign in with the licensed Microsoft account.
• Couldn't Verify Subscription: connect to the internet and select Retry.

An unresolved activation or subscription problem eventually prevents editing and creating documents.[^4^](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID] "A subscription notice appears when I open a Microsoft 365 application")

If Word remains unable to select text after the restart and pointer-setting checks—but keyboard selection and normal editing still work—contact Microsoft Support from the Word for Mac known-issues page.^5^

References

1. I can no longer select text in Word - Microsoft Q&A
2. Select text with mouse - Microsoft Q&A
3. Update Microsoft 365 or Office on your macOS or iOS device
4. [A subscription notice appears when I open a Microsoft 365 application](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID])
5. Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in Word for Mac | Microsoft Support