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New iPad 11’ can view excel files on line but not edit them?

sandy miller 0 Reputation points
2026-03-24T03:32:48.49+00:00

I just purchased a new iPad today. My old iPad (version 9) had no problem viewing, editing and saving my excel files online. My new iPad, shows me signed into Microsoft, and allows me to see all of my online files, and allows me to open them, but will not allow me to edit them. If I attemt to do anything, a pop up says activate Microsoft 365 now. This activation shows my main computer in my office is linked to the Microsoft account, but I cannot seem to get this new iPad to work. I read somewhere that 11” and above screens do not have access?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | Other | iOS
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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-24T03:32:59.6333333+00:00

    Editing on iPad is controlled by both screen size and having a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription assigned to the account signed into the app.

    From the documented behavior:

    • All Microsoft 365 plans allow viewing documents in the Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or OneNote apps on iOS.
    • To edit, a qualifying Microsoft 365 plan is required.
    • Some qualifying plans have a screen size limit of 10.9 inches for editing in the Microsoft 365 mobile apps.
    • All non‑qualifying plans have a screen size limit of 10.1 inches for editing.
    • Example given: on an iPad Pro with a 12.9" screen, a qualifying Microsoft 365 plan with access to the desktop apps is required to edit files.

    An 11" iPad is above 10.9" only by marketing name; what matters is the actual screen size category used by Microsoft. If the device is treated as above the 10.9" threshold or the subscription is not a qualifying plan, the apps will:

    • Let the user sign in and view files.
    • Prompt to “activate Microsoft 365” when trying to edit.

    To resolve this:

    1. Confirm that the subscription is a qualifying Microsoft 365 plan that includes the desktop apps (for example, a full Microsoft 365 Personal/Family or business plan, not a non‑qualifying or limited plan).
    2. Make sure the same account that owns that subscription is the one signed into Excel on the iPad.
    3. If the subscription was recently renewed or changed and the app still will not allow editing, uninstall and reinstall Excel on the iPad to refresh the license state, as this can resolve activation issues around renewal.

    If, after confirming the above, editing is still blocked, the limitation is likely due to the plan type versus the device’s screen size category, and a different (qualifying) Microsoft 365 subscription would be required for editing on that iPad.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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