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Unable to edit word documents on iPad / Microsoft word

Unable to edit word documents on iPad / Microsoft word

AdamFerg
Explorer | Level 4

Hello,

I am using Dropbox (v206.5) on my iPad (up to date with IOS 14.01) and for most word documents I am able to open them from Dropbox app and edit them in word with no problem.  Periodically, when I open them, the document will open in word, but I am unable to make changes to the document (can't even type or change text).  I have checked to make sure that the documents are not "read only" and I when I try to open the documents on another device (my iMac), I am able to open and modify the documents with no problem.  I have also check to make sure that the documents are not open on any other device.  I have also tried to uninstall and re-install both the Microsoft word app and the Dropbox app on my iPad.  Any other ideas on what may be going on?  thanks in advance.

27 Replies 27

AdamFerg
Explorer | Level 4
I’ve abandoned the app and had to use the website for edits. For whatever reason, I’m able to work through it this way, but the app is broken.

Skemp117
New member | Level 2

Absolutely egregious that this problem persists. There should be no reason this problem has persisted so long. It’s such a basic function, this should not be that difficult.

Rafael L.5
Explorer | Level 4
I have this issue too and it’s really frustrating. Please fix it.

Walter
Dropbox Staff
Hey @AdamFerg, @Skemp117 & @Rafael L.5 - thanks for your reports and all the additional information you've provided.

May I reach out via email to have a further look into this matter internally?

Walter
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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Rafael L.5
Explorer | Level 4
Of course !

Walter
Dropbox Staff
Thanks for your cooperation @Rafael L.5

I just sent you an email, so please have a look at your inbox and we'll take it from there. 

Walter
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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Ronins
Explorer | Level 4

I'm having the same problem, as of January 1, 2022

Please help!  I already disconnected word and DB, uninstalled both and re-installed.  Was having no problems on dec 31 2021

Walter
Dropbox Staff
Hey @Ronins, sorry to hear about this.

Could you please let me know if you've fully updated your device's OS and the version of both our mobile app installed on your iPad and the MS Word app? 

If you did and still have issues with this, please send us a screenshot of any errors you may be getting in order to have a visual too.

Thanks!

Walter
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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Ronins
Explorer | Level 4

Thanks Walter for responding!

Yeah, nothings changed on my end in a while -- except now I suddenly can't edit Dropbox word file using Word - it's asking suddenly for a one drive subscription

I'm

Word 2.56 (21120700)

Dropbox 262.3.2

iPad 9th gen OS 15.2

was working fine all last year.  Now when I open a docx file in the Dropbox app, it loads fine, as always, but when I then "open with Microsoft word," it opens the document in the iPad Word app, then asks for a 365 subscription to edit or save.  I log in using my non-365 account, as I was doing all last year, and that doesn't work.  Still says "to edit and save, sign in with a subscription "

any idea what's going on?

Jay
Dropbox Staff

Hi @Ronins, when did you first start using Word to edit files on the app?

In general, tablets larger than 10 inches require a Microsoft 365 subscription in order to edit files


Jay
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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