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The issue is all steps are completed then when attempting to use the apps an error is generated and cannot progress further
A free app and service that helps families create healthy digital habits and stay connected. It’s designed to support both online safety and real-world awareness by offering tools for screen time management, content filtering, and location sharing
AI answer
Apple (iOS/macOS) devices cannot currently be added as managed devices to a Microsoft account in the same way as Windows PCs, which is likely why the family setup appears to complete but then fails when trying to use the apps.
From the documented behavior:
So, even though the family process runs through, the Apple laptop will not show or function as a managed device under the Microsoft account/family device list, and this can cause errors when trying to use Microsoft 365 apps as if the device were registered like a Windows PC.
For using Microsoft 365 apps on the Apple laptop:
If the problem is specifically that the device does not appear under the Microsoft account devices list, that is expected behavior for macOS/iOS and cannot be changed at this time.
References:
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Hi, Steve H
It sounds more like the Mac is getting stuck on the wrong Office license or saved sign-in, rather than the family invite itself failing. The share only becomes active after the invited person accepts the invite and joins the family group, and it also will not work if that person is already using another shared subscription.
Besides the solutions provided by the Q&A Assist, here are some suggestions you can try:
First, sign in to the wife’s own Microsoft account on the web and check Services & subscriptions to confirm the shared Microsoft 365 benefit is actually showing there. The invite must be fully accepted with Join now, the organizer must still have a share available, and in some cases benefits may take a little time to appear after acceptance.
If the share is showing correctly, completely sign out of all Office apps on the Mac, then run Microsoft’s Office License Removal Tool and open Word or Excel again to sign in fresh. This is usually recommended when the Mac is still holding an old Office license or the apps keep failing to recognize the subscription.
If that Mac was used with older Office installs before, it is also suggested that old Office sign-ins/devices be signed out from the Microsoft account page and then retried. If activation still loops, it is suggested that VPN or privacy tools be turned off during setup, because they can interfere with Office sign-in on some Macs.
Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you.
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