Word for iPad cannot edit documents marked as “Recommended Reading" (Read-only recommended) in Windows

Question

Word for iPad cannot edit documents marked as “Recommended Reading" (Read-only recommended) in Windows

Fernando Vegas 0

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.

Moderator note: Added "read-only recommended" to the thread title for clarity.

Stefan Blom 352K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-07-03T11:51:42.6333333+00:00

Just to be clear, are you referring to the "Read-only recommended" option in the General Options for saving (available in Word for Windows)?
Jayden-P 26,275 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.

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

I look forward for your response.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.
Fernando Vegas 0 Reputation points

2026-07-04T08:35:54.3733333+00:00

Ok, Stefan. This option makes Word prompt users to open the document in read-only mode on Windows, though they can still choose to switch to edit mode. On iOS, it no longer prompts and doesn’t allow editing at all.
Fernando Vegas 0 Reputation points

2026-07-04T08:41:24.81+00:00

Hi Jayden, I’m referring to the option Stefan mentioned. You explained the function and how it works in Windows perfectly. However, on iOS there’s no banner or button to switch to edit mode in Word (though it does exist in Excel!). A few months ago, this option was available in Word as well.
Stefan Blom 352K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-07-04T22:20:32.42+00:00

Ok, Stefan. This option makes Word prompt users to open the document in read-only mode on Windows, though they can still choose to switch to edit mode. On iOS, it no longer prompts and doesn’t allow editing at all.

Thanks for confirming. I have added the words "read-only recommended" to the title of this thread for clarity.

Unfortunately it isn't unusual that functionality is different or even missing in the mobile versions of the Office apps.

2 answers

Your answer

Stefan Blom 352K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-07-03T11:51:42.6333333+00:00

Just to be clear, are you referring to the "Read-only recommended" option in the General Options for saving (available in Word for Windows)?
Jayden-P 26,275 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.

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

I look forward for your response.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.
Fernando Vegas 0 Reputation points

2026-07-04T08:35:54.3733333+00:00

Ok, Stefan. This option makes Word prompt users to open the document in read-only mode on Windows, though they can still choose to switch to edit mode. On iOS, it no longer prompts and doesn’t allow editing at all.
Fernando Vegas 0 Reputation points

2026-07-04T08:41:24.81+00:00

Hi Jayden, I’m referring to the option Stefan mentioned. You explained the function and how it works in Windows perfectly. However, on iOS there’s no banner or button to switch to edit mode in Word (though it does exist in Excel!). A few months ago, this option was available in Word as well.
Stefan Blom 352K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-07-04T22:20:32.42+00:00

Ok, Stefan. This option makes Word prompt users to open the document in read-only mode on Windows, though they can still choose to switch to edit mode. On iOS, it no longer prompts and doesn’t allow editing at all.

Thanks for confirming. I have added the words "read-only recommended" to the title of this thread for clarity.

Unfortunately it isn't unusual that functionality is different or even missing in the mobile versions of the Office apps.

Answer 1

Jayden-P 26,275 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi @Fernando Vegas

Apparently, this is not a product limitation. I have tested on Word for iPad with version 2.111.26062623, and the banner does appear when you open a read-only recommended. The same behavior for Word for iOS and Android. User's image

User's image

Could you please verify your document configurations? Make sure your file is not marked as Final.

User's image

Here are more few scenarios that you won’t be able to edit Word file: https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/Word/unlock-a-file-that-has-been-locked-for-editing

Lastly, I just want to remind you that the file with read-only recommended enabled is still able to edit on Word mobile. If you still cannot edit it, please provide your Word and iPadOS version.

Fernando Vegas 0 Reputation points

2026-07-06T09:36:11.2133333+00:00

Hi Jayden, thank you very much for your answer. My version is also 2.111.26062623, but the banner doesn’t appear in Word. The document isn’t marked as final, and I even reinstalled the Microsoft 365 apps on my iPad to ensure it wasn’t a local issue. Your screenshot is very clear, though. I tried again today, and the outcome was frustrating: the first time I opened the document (I tested with two different ones marked as “read-only recommended” with the same result), there was no banner, but could make changes (though I couldn’t get the keyboard to appear) such as deleting text, changing colors, etc. After closing and reopening the document, however, all buttons were greyed out, and I couldn’t make any changes at all. According to your screenshot it doesn't seem to be a version lititation, but it could be a bug. It would be fine to check this feature in other iPads.
Jayden-P 26,275 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-06T09:42:05.4566667+00:00

What is your iPadOS version? If possible, can you provide the affected word file via private message?

Answer 2

Stefan Blom 352K MVP Volunteer Moderator

A few months ago, this option was available in Word as well.

Since this has changed, I recommend that you send an error report from within Word for iPad. Use the Feedback facility (for instructions, see https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/how-do-i-give-feedback-on-microsoft-365 ).

You can also/alternatively use the feedback forum at https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/forum/fb6d67e3-301c-ec11-b6e7-0022481f8472. The portal provides the added benefit that other users see your report and they can upvote it (as well as add their own experiences, of course).

Fernando Vegas 0 Reputation points

2026-07-06T09:42:53.3166667+00:00

Hi Stefan. Thank you very much for your answer. Unfortunately I can't get any error report because the appliction does not show any error, it prevents editing. Acording to Jayden it is not a limitation because he could get a banner to change to editing mode. After the test I've conducted this morning (I could make changes but not write in the document the very first time I opened them, but not the second time) I suggest it could be a bug.
Stefan Blom 352K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-07-06T10:07:34.9533333+00:00

Thank you very much for your answer. Unfortunately I can't get any error report because the appliction does not show any error, it prevents editing. Acording to Jayden it is not a limitation because he could get a banner to change to editing mode. After the test I've conducted this morning (I could make changes but not write in the document the very first time I opened them, but not the second time) I suggest it could be a bug.

The "error report" is just your feedback. I wasn't referring to a crash log or something that specific. Your description of the symptoms will do just fine. The feedback you send to the Microsoft developers is your bug report.
Fernando Vegas 0 Reputation points

2026-07-06T10:19:17.8933333+00:00

Thank you, Stefan. Then I've done it right.
Stefan Blom 352K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-07-06T10:31:26.1033333+00:00

Thanks. Note that you usually will not get a reply from Microsoft, even if you added your mail address. They do read all feedback that is sent to them.