Word for iPad cannot edit documents marked as “Recommended Reading” in Windows

Fernando Vegas 0 Reputation points
2026-07-03T11:43:55.93+00:00

I have a Word document created in Windows that was saved with the “Recommended Reading” option. When I open it in Word for iPad, the file is locked in reading mode and there is no option to switch to editing mode.

Word Online can edit the document without any issues, so it seems that the limitation affects only the Word app for iPad. This appears to be a recent limitation, since the document could be edited without any issues a couple of months ago..

Is this a known limitation in Word for iPad? Is there any way to remove this flag from the iPad or force editing mode without having to return to Windows?

Thank you.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For business | Windows

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  1. Jayden-P 24,875 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-07-03T12:35:43.3466667+00:00

    Hi @Fernando Vegas

    Can you please confirm if you are referring to the option that Stefan mentioned?

    If yes, from my research, the Read-only recommended option does not prevent editing. Instead, it adds a flag that prompts users to open the document in read-only mode when they open it in Word. Users can typically choose to ignore the recommendation and continue editing the document. This setting is intended to reduce accidental changes rather than enforce document protection.

    This banner will appear whenever you open a document marked as Read-only Recommended in Word for Windows. You can change it back to Editing.

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    May I ask when you double-click on the Word page on Word iPad, do this banner appear?

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    I look forward for your response.

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