how to access Word and Excel on my ipad

Your Office 2021 Mac license cannot activate the full Word and Excel experience on an iPad, but you can install the free iPad apps and use them for viewing, creating, and basic editing where the device and file type qualify.

Install Word and Excel

1. On the iPad, open the App Store.
2. Search for and install Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Alternatively, install Microsoft’s Microsoft 365 Mobile Apps bundle.
3. Open each app and sign in with a personal Microsoft account. Using the same account associated with Office 2021 may make it easier to access files stored in OneDrive.
4. Open a document from OneDrive, the iPad Files app, or another available storage location.

Microsoft documents one-time purchases such as Office Home & Student and Home & Business as non-qualifying mobile plans. They support creating and viewing files and basic editing for non-business accounts and files, but not premium mobile features.^1^

When a Microsoft 365 subscription is required

A qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription is needed when:

• The iPad screen is larger than 10.1 inches.
• You need premium Word or Excel features.
• You edit and save files in business storage such as OneDrive for Business, Dropbox for Business, or other supported business services.^2^
• You use an iPad Pro where Microsoft requires a qualifying subscription to create and edit documents.[^3^](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID] "Microsoft 365 system requirements | Microsoft Support")

If the app displays a subscription prompt, check the iPad’s screen size and whether the requested operation is a premium feature. The Office 2021 license remains valid for the Mac on which it is licensed, but it does not supply the qualifying Microsoft 365 entitlement for full iPad functionality. Office 2021 is a one-time license intended for installation on one PC or Mac.^4^

If your iPad requires a subscription, the practical options are:

• Use the apps only for the free functionality available to your device and account.
• Use the free web versions of Word and Excel in a browser.
• Purchase Microsoft 365 Personal or Family for full supported use across the Mac, iPad, and other devices.

References

1. What you can do in the Microsoft 365 apps on mobile devices with a Microsoft 365 subscription | Microsoft Support
2. When do I need a Microsoft 365 subscription? | Microsoft Support
3. [Microsoft 365 system requirements | Microsoft Support](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID])
4. Office 2021 and Office LTSC for Windows and Mac FAQ | Microsoft Support